The Province through it’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore held a press conference this afternoon to announce revised measures to combat the growing problem of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 spreading across Ontario.
New measures announced today mainly related to Long Term Care and Retirement Homes.
The change sees a requirement for all visitors and caregivers of long term care homes must be fully vaccinated or have a valid exemption.
Twice weekly testing will also be done of anyone entering a long term care home regardless of vaccinations status. More restrictions and the cohort of residents will also be implemented during activities. Retirement homes will see the same restrictions put in place.
Vaccination is also being focused on with the Booster Dose program being accelerated. Health Care workers they say are urgently needed to get their booster dose.
Only 35% of those aged 70 and older have received their 3rd Dose booster. Dr. Moore says this needs to increase.
In terms of youth vaccination Dr. Moore says 31.5% of all eligible 5 to 11 year olds have received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.
Schools are expected to see modified health measures in light of the Omicron variant in order to try and keep them open says Dr. Moore. The belief he says is last to close and first to open.
