As the number of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada continues to increase and the number of Omicron variants continues to rise rapidly, the federal government of Canada announced today that it is advising Canadians not to make non-essential travel abroad in the next month.
On the other hand, Canada is likely to tighten border control measures again in the near future, and may require Canadians traveling abroad to undergo nucleic acid testing again when they return home. At the same time, it is very likely that other travelers will be restricted from entering Canada again, except for study permit, work permit holders or those who must enter the country. Today’s travel advice will be temporarily in place for four weeks, and Canadian public authorities will reassess the situation and make adjustments accordingly.
According to current research, Modena and Pfizer may have only 22.5% of their protective efficacy against the new variant. In response, Ontario announced today that it will advance the injection schedule for the third booster vaccine. Starting next Monday (December 20), anyone over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive a third dose of the vaccine 84 days after receiving the second dose. In addition, people over 50 can get the third shot three months after the second shot, and they can get it at the designated location today! In addition to providing booster shots, Ontario will resume some public health controls, known controls include the following two:
1: 50% current limit for indoor venues with more than 1,000 people:
From 01:00 on December 18, indoor venues that can accommodate more than 1,000 people will be limited to 50% of their capacity. Venues include: entertainment venues such as concerts, theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and many more.
2: Open temporary testing points to provide testing for citizens:
Ontario is offering rapid testing to individuals for free starting today at pop-up sites and select LCBO stores across the province. These sites include major shopping malls in the Greater Toronto Area, with detailed detection addresses.