Ontario to Resume Some Non-Urgent Surgeries as Restrictions Ease

Thursday, 27 January 2022 15:57

By Linda Morgan

Ontario's top doctor releases more details of what to expect when current restrictions ease on Monday.

he province's Chief Medical Officer of Health has released more details on the province's latest reopening plan.

Dr. Kieran Moore told reporters today that a phased approach to resuming some non-urgent procedures will take place.

The initial phase will allow some activities such as cancer screening, pediatrics and diagnostic services to return as early as Monday.

However, Moore noted that not all hospitals will be able to immediately resume these procedures, saying "certain criteria" will need to be met.

As well, the province is removing the legal requirement to work from home except where necessary.

In addition, food and drink will be allowed at theatres, concert venues, indoor sporting events, bingo halls and more.

Those venues must still screen customers, but businesses will no longer be required to collect information for contact tracing purposes

Further clarification was also provided regarding capacity limits.

On Monday, indoor dining, along with establishments like movie theatres and sporting and concert venues, will be allowed to re-open at 50 percent capacity.

Officials say the 50 percent limit applies to rooms within a facility, not the number of people who can fit into the whole building.

As well, capacity for religious services and ceremonies will allow for as many people as can fit while social distancing.

Meanwhile, social gatherings will be capped at 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors starting Monday.

Moore also notes the province has received its first shipment of Pfizer's Paxlovid COVID-19 pill.

Those eligible for the treatment include immunocompromised adults, unvaccinated people 60 and older, and unvaccinated people 50 and older if they have at least one risk factor or are First Nation, Inuit or Metis individuals.