TORONTO – Booster doses to all Ontario residents starting January 4 and QR code required as proof of vaccination. The increase in Covid-19 cases and concerns about the Omicron variant, according to virologists even more infectious than the previous ones, have prompted the Ontario government to make changes to the virus containment plan. 

Speaking with Health Minister Christine Elliott, the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Kieran Moore said that the Omicron strain is now present in about 10% of Covid-19 positive tests, a percentage that could increase rapidly. At the moment, however, despite the growing wave of infections in the province, the Ford government has ruled out more drastic measures such as lockdowns or sweeping school closures.

Administering the booster doses is part of the strategy to help combat the rise of the Omicron variant: the government has decided that all Ontario residents will be eligible to receive the booster starting January 4, 2022, with appointments to be booked six months after receiving the second dose. Those aged 50 and over will be able to book the third dose from December 13. This decision is based on early laboratory data indicating that the booster dose provides much better protection against the more infectious variant Omicron.

Ontario has also decided to make digital or printed QR codes a mandatory part of its vaccination proof system, along with the Verify Ontario app in facilities where proof of vaccination is required. The province says that certificates with QR codes are safer than those that do not include them: the certificate without the codes could in fact be easily falsified. “The actions we take today will help ensure that our communities remain safe this winter. That is why, in consultation with the medical director of health, we are intervening to further encourage vaccination and limit the spread of Covid-19 and the Omicron variant”, said Elliott.

Starting from December 20, proof of vaccination will also be required for children aged 12 to 17 who want to practice sports at recreational facilities.

Proof of vaccination is currently required to attend restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters: the federal government also requires it to board planes and trains. The province said Friday it is extending the green pass program beyond Jan. 17.

Moore also urged people to limit social gatherings during the holidays and to use masks in the presence of vulnerable people, even if everyone present is vaccinated. “Please limit the number of meetings you attend and the number of people present,” Moore advised, “it would be good for employers to allow their employees to work from home whenever possible. Limiting people’s mobility will help reduce disease transmission.”

“With cases expected to increase during the winter months and as we continue to monitor the global evolution of the virus around the Omicron variant, we must remain vigilant. We are still learning about the new strain, but we can expect the months ahead to be very challenging,” said Minister Elliott.