Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health reported on Thursday that the lifting of restrictions imposed to counter the spread of the Omicron variant will be done in stages, in a phased manner.
I cannot guarantee the 26th, it is to be continued“Said Dr Kieran Moore in reference to the announced measures which must be in place until January 26th. The doctor explained that there was still a lot of uncertainty, but promised to be transparent. I appreciate the sacrifices that companies have to make.»
Wave 5 could peak in the next few weeks, and February and March are shaping up to be easier, according to Dr. Moore.
He added that the decision to reopen the establishments was up to the government.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has asked the provincial government to announce whether businesses closed under the latest pandemic restrictions would be allowed to reopen on January 26.
Video: Curfew and confinement scenarios on the table (Le Devoir)
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Quebecers will be entitled to the federal confinement service
Quebecers will be entitled to the federal confinement benefit Workers who lose their livelihood with the closure by Quebec of certain non-essential businesses will be able to receive the brand new federal benefit in the event of confinement, formalized by Parliament a few days ago in sadness. The Ministry of Finance confirmed to Le Devoir on Monday that workers who find themselves without income Tuesday following the closure of their workplace will be eligible for the Canada Worker Containment Benefit, which offers $ 300 per week. . This affects in particular employees of cinemas, theaters, sports halls, spas, bars and casinos in Quebec, who must temporarily close their doors because of new health measures decreed Monday by the Legault government. This new containment benefit, similar to the popular Canadian Emergency Benefit (CEP), is part of Bill C-2, which received Royal Assent last Friday. Unlike the assistance provided in this bill for businesses, benefits to workers are conditional on a situation of confinement in a province or region. Since the federal law is very recent, Ottawa has not yet announced the procedure to follow to apply for this benefit. An announcement must be made “in the coming days” on this subject, said Guillaume Bertrand, communications advisor in the office of Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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Rush for rapid screening tests in pharmacies in Quebec
Rush for rapid screening tests in Quebec pharmacies Quebecers are in a race against time to obtain free rapid screening tests in pharmacies. “Since this morning, our sites have experienced high traffic,” acknowledged the head of communications for the Jean Coutu Group, Catherine Latendresse. Among the citizens interviewed, several expressed their desire to protect people aged 70 and over who will be present at their family meetings of up to ten people. The Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, asked parents of children attending elementary schools or daycare not to get a pharmacy kit for the moment since they have already received one. Every Quebecer is entitled to five free screening tests per 30-day period. Quebec expects 10 million rapid tests from the federal government by Christmas. “We are asking the federal government to buy as much as possible and that Quebec has its share” Daniel Paré, director general of the executive and operational management of the pandemic. Pharmacists fear supply delays and stock shortages. Among them, Alexandre Chadi hopes not to have to deal with disappointments. “The tests were well publicized. They are highly coveted. ” The president of the Quebec Association of Owner Pharmacists, finds it normal that the kits have sold out so quickly. “It will stabilize in the next few days,” he thinks.
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Quebec announces new tightening of health measures
Quebec announces new tightening of health measures A few hours after having restricted its own activities, the government of Quebec announced Monday new tightening of health measures in the face of the surge in cases of COVID-19 due to the Omicron variant. Primary and secondary schools will have to be closed at the end of the day, for a return scheduled for January 10. Bars, cinemas, gyms, theaters, spas and casinos will have to close as of 5 p.m. on Monday. Restaurants remain open, but will now have to close at 10 p.m. The capacity of restaurants had already been halved last week. The limit of people in gatherings remains fixed at ten, but Minister Dubé stressed that it was preferable to reduce the size of these gatherings as much as possible. He also warned that load shedding could be carried out in health establishments. Teleworking is also mandatory again, the government also announced. Faced with the delays in obtaining a screening result, Quebec strongly recommends that users instead opt for rapid tests, now available in pharmacies, before going to a screening center. Note that rapid tests only work “when you have symptoms”, insisted the Minister of Health, Christian Dubé.
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President and CEO Rocco Rossi said in a statement Thursday that now the province has announced the return of schoolchildren to class on Monday, it’s time to clear things up for business.
The government announced on January 3 that due to the highly transmissible variant Omicron, which has led to an increase in COVID-19-related infections and hospitalizations, schools would go online until at least January 17 and restrictions would be imposed on companies until at least January 26.
Restaurants were closed for indoor dining, museums, zoos and other similar attractions were also closed, as were gymnasiums, indoor recreation facilities, cinemas and indoor concert halls, while restaurants were closed. Retail establishments and personal care services have been capped at 50% of their capacity.
© screenshot / Radio-Canada
Rocco Rossi, president of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, pleads for a clear position on the part of the government.
Mr Rossi recalls that businesses, especially small businesses, have suffered a lot over the past two years and need a minimum of certainty.
He says employers, workers and families need to be able to plan and know what parameters guide government decisions to impose or lift restrictions.