The steady decline of COVID-19 related hospitalizations and ICU admissions across the province has prompted the resumption of extracurricular activities at schools and the gradual resumption of non-emergent procedures in hospitals.
The Ontario government is lifting Directive 2, which will allow hospitals across the province to “cautiously and gradually” resume non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures.
As announced on Thursday, the phased approach to resume non-emergent procedures will be done with guidance from Ontario Health.
“We know the health system is still strained in some regions and Directive 2.1 remains in effect to support patient transfers to maximize health care capacity across the province,” said Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore.
Dr. Moore said the future looks bright, and is hopeful that some public health measures can soon be eased.
“We can now see that the Omicron peak is behind us,” said Dr. Moore. “This is thanks to the collective efforts of Ontarians following the public health measures we know work, as well as our high vaccination rates. It’s now time that we start focusing on resuming certain procedures in our health system as well as the other aspects of our society that improve our social and wellbeing.”
He said it’s still unclear when restrictions can be lifted.
“It’s clear that the situation in Ontario today, as it relates to COVID-19, is different than when proof of vaccination and masking requirements were first introduced,” he said. “With this in mind, we’re looking at a plan to consider when we can recommend to government what additional measures can be eased. This includes keeping our masks on for a little while longer and with high vaccine coverage in the population, planning for when proof of vaccination can be discontinued.”
During a media conference, Moore said the situation in Ontario schools also remains encouraging. Effective immediately, extra-curricular school activities, such as high-contact sports, will resume.
Moore said as of February 8, 99.9 per cent of publicly-funded schools were open and the percentage of school absences was 10.7 per cent.
“The average total absence rate in the province was 10.5 per cent with five schools reported as closed,” said Moore.
Students will still be required to follow screening protocols and wear a mask when and where required. Indoor curriculum-based programs will continue with similar public health measures.
“I have always believed that sports and extra-curriculars are an essential part of a student’s learning journey and support positive mental and physical health,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a statement.
