Ontario releases COVID-19 guidance for holiday gatherings
With the arrival of the holiday season, the Ontario government has released its COVID-19 guidance for those planning to gather and celebrate this year.
At his weekly news conference Thursday, Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, urged residents to keep practicing public health measures like wearing masks and keeping distance during the holiday season.
He warned that the province will continue to see new infections rise in the upcoming weeks.
The seven-day rolling average of new cases continues to climb and now stands at 692, up from 597 one week ago.
"Wherever you are planning on spending the holiday period and the new year please do so safely. We are seeing the expected increase in cases, and we do anticipate that they will continue to rise over the holiday period," Moore said.
Last year, Ontarians were only allowed to celebrate with members of their own household due to the second wave of the pandemic. But with most of the population now vaccinated, people are being advised to celebrate together cautiously.
"This pandemic is certainly not over," Moore said. "But by getting the first, second or third doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and by consistently following those public health measures that we know work, we can reduce the risk of transmission and have a happy and healthy festive season."
Moore said Ontario is still in the fourth wave of the pandemic, and people must remain vigilant, especially in the next four months.
“It really does appear to be a continuance of that fourth wave that we experienced in September. That case counts really never got back to a low level. And it was anticipated that it would continue as we go indoors into crowded spaces, closed spaces and closed ventilation systems. So, we absolutely knew that the risk would continue,” Moore said.
“So, we never declared the fourth wave over this is simply a continuance. And sadly, all modelling would predict this would slowly steadily rise and increase over the coming months, including January and February.”
For those planning to travel this holiday season, Moore is strongly recommending that they be fully vaccinated. People experiencing symptoms, even if they are mild, should stay at home, he said.
"If you are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, you should avoid non-essential travel to all destinations. Regardless of vaccination status, if you choose to travel, please practice personal public health measures -- the very basic common measures of masking, distancing, hand hygiene while away and upon your return," Moore said.
"Travellers should stay informed about the COVID 19 situation at their destination and follow all local COVID-19 restrictions. If any traveller is symptomatic upon return even with mild symptoms, please get tested and stay home until you have your results."
Moore added that those travelling abroad must follow all the procedures laid out by the federal government.
For those planning to host or attend a holiday party, the doctor is advising that it be held outdoors if possible and should be limited to 100 people.
"If it is too cold, ensure that the indoor setting is well ventilated," he said, adding that indoor parties should not exceed 25 people.
Hosts should also ensure there are hand sanitizers and soaps available and a list of guests attending for possible contact tracing.
Attendees who are not fully vaccinated or whose status is unknown should wear a face covering and maintain physical distancing.
People attending indoor gatherings at a business or workplace should follow restrictions and rules for that setting and adhere to the guidelines outlined by the hosts.
"Always wear your mask when required," Moore said. "Even if it isn't required, you should wear one in private, indoor spaces if those around you are from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown."
Here are the other tips from the province on how to celebrate safely during the holidays:
Visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus
The province is advising children that it is safer to meet Santa outdoors than indoors. Parents should also consider a virtual visit.
- stay home if you are feeling ill, even if you have mild symptoms
- wear a face covering indoors, including when a photo is being taken. Santa's face covering should fit well over his beard
- line up two metres apart from members of other households if waiting
- If you plan on organizing an in-person event to meet with Santa, Mrs. Claus or the elves, you must comply with all organized public event gathering limits, public health measures, and all other provincial and local restrictions.
Exchanging gifts
- Maintain a physical distance of two metres and wear a face covering when exchanging gifts with individuals from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status unknown.
- Wash your hands after handling or opening gifts.
If you stay at another home overnight or host overnight guests
- practice hand hygiene frequently
- individuals from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status is unknown should practice physical distancing (two metres at all times) and wear face coverings
- hosts and guests from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or status is unknown should not sleep in the same bedroom and should use separate washrooms, if possible
- spend time together outdoors
- have a plan for what to do if someone becomes ill, even with mild symptoms
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.