COVID-19: Provincial & Federal Briefings - Dec. 16 - 17, 2021
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A summary of developments for Thursday, December 16 and Friday, December 17, 2021 follows.
The Omicron variant loomed large in this week’s COVID-19 updates.?With Quebec taking the lead, Ontario and British Columbia then following suit, other provinces have begun announcing the tightening of restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron variant.
Federal Government Update
Update on COVID-19 and New Measures
Doctors Tam and Njoo, Chief and Deputy Chief Public Health Officers of Canada, provided an epidemiological briefing on COVID-19 in Canada today. Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos was also present. He announced new measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 amid ongoing surges.
Dr. Tam said that average daily new case reports over the last 7-days reached over 5,000 – an increase of over 50% from the previous reporting period. National severity trends are rising in the most heavily-populated provinces, which may be the result of a Delta surge in previous weeks. On average, over 1,450 people a day were treated in hospital for COVID-19 over the last 7 days, including over 450 in intensive care units (ICUs). An average of 19 deaths are occurring daily.
Dr. Tam added that the longer range forecast shows that, if Omicron replaces Delta as the driver of spread, the resurgence could be faster than at any other point in the pandemic. Omicron numbers have increased rapidly around the world. In Canada, almost 350 cases have been confirmed in eleven provinces and territories, driven increasingly by outbreaks and community spread. Omicron cases have been reported in fully vaccinated and previously infected persons. Vaccination remains the most important protection against serious illness and death. It is expected that the sheer number of Omicron cases could overwhelm the health system, even though Omicron has a lower virulence than previous variants.
There is a pressing need to slow the spread. This will require measures that have been implemented in the past, including increasing vaccination rates. Over seven million eligible Canadians have not completed their primary series of vaccines. All those eligible for boosters should receive them as soon as possible. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends prioritization for vulnerable populations and healthcare workers.
With the severity profile of Omicron still unknown, layered protections are more important than ever, especially considering evidence of how Omicron may linger in aerosols. Layered protections should include improved ventilation in indoor spaces, physical distancing and the use of properly constructed masks.
Dr. Tam encouraged Canadians to reconsider Holiday plans in an effort to reduce risk by limiting contacts. She reminded Canadians of the new Government advisory against all non-essential international travel.
Minister Duclos restated that prudence is the guiding principle for the Government’s approach to Omicron. The Minister announced two new measures today. First, the Government of Canada is lifting specific measures previously applied to ten southern African countries where Omicron risk was originally considered to be the highest. This decision was taken based on evidence of community transmission around the world, eliminating the rationale for regional restrictions on southern Africa. This change will take effect on Saturday, December 18.
Second, the Government is reintroducing the requirement for a pre-arrival PCR test result for all travelers leaving Canada for less than 72 hours. Therefore, the pre-arrival test requirement will apply to all travel, of all kinds and all durations. The test must be taken in a country other than Canada.
Minister Duclos announced that on-arrival testing at airports has increased significantly. Capacity has increased from 17,000 last week to 21,000 today. The final goal is 23,000 on-arrival tests per day.
In response to media questions, Dr. Tam noted that known Omicron cases have been mild or asymptomatic, occurring mostly in younger groups. With such a highly transmissible variant, however, even a small rate of severe cases presents a threat to the healthcare system.
Minister Duclos and Dr. Tam confirmed that authorities will explore restrictions on interprovincial travel if necessary, but recognize the challenges that such a measure would present. Canadians should act prudently and reduce contacts as much as possible.?
Minister Duclos stated that approximately 3.5 million Canadians have received a booster dose so far. There are currently 22 million booster doses in stock. In a statement on Twitter , Minister of Public Services and Procurement Filomena Tassi announced that Canada is expecting millions more doses in the coming weeks. This will secure enough doses for all eligible Canadians to receive a booster and for Canada to complete a primary series for all Canadians who are not yet fully vaccinated.
House of Commons Rises
Yesterday, the House of Commons agreed to rise one day ahead of schedule for the Holiday break. Members of Parliament are scheduled return to the House of Commons on January 31, 2022.?
Bill C-2 and C-3 Passes through House and Senate
Bill C-2, An Act to provide further support in response to COVID-19 and Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code , passed through the House of Commons and the Senate, and now await Royal Assent.
Bill C-2 will provide targeted sectoral COVID-19 supports, as well as emergency lockdown supports for businesses and individuals. The Government anticipates that the measures contained in Bill C-2 will be critical, especially if Omicron necessitates any lockdowns.??
Bill C-3 would introduce new Criminal Code offences for intimidating or interfering with health care workers at health facilities, and would introduce ten days of paid sick leave for employees in federally regulated workplaces.
Bill C-3 was passed with several amendments to secure opposition support. One amendment includes extended, unpaid bereavement leave for parents who experience a stillbirth or death of a child. Other notable amendments stipulate that federally regulated workers would accumulate three days of paid sick leave after one month and, would start accruing one additional sick day per month after two months to a maximum of 10 days per year.
Mandate Letters Issued
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued mandate letters to Cabinet Ministers yesterday, outlining how ministers are to meet the government’s objectives and setting out their priorities. In a news release , the Prime Minister reiterated the government’s commitments to support Canadians as the country continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across many of the 38 mandate letters, the Prime Minister asked ministers to continue to support and protect Canadians and Canadian businesses in the ongoing fight against COVID-19, including through rent and wage subsidies, sector-specific measures, emergency supports, and travel and border restrictions. The letters also note the importance of protecting and strengthening supply chains, addressing critical labour shortages in key sectors of the economy, supporting the economic growth and recovery of Canada’s traditionally strong industries such as automotive, aerospace, natural resources and agri-food to increase productivity and innovation, fighting climate change and improving economic competitiveness through continued regulatory reform.
Continued commitments for the procurement and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, tests, treatments, and therapeutics span multiple portfolios.
COVID-19 Data Trends:
In the past twenty-four hours, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reported 6,943 new COVID-19 cases and an additional 19 deaths in Canada, bringing the cumulative total of cases to 1,857,999 and a total of 30,012 deaths. There are currently 43,909 active COVID-19 cases in Canada.
Vaccination Data Trends:
This week’s vaccination data update has not yet been published.?
Ontario
This afternoon, Premier Doug Ford and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore announced additional public health measures in response to the Omicron COVID-19 variant. The Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy joined them.
Effective at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, December 19, the following public health measures will be imposed:
o???Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments
??? o Personal care services
o???Personal physical fitness trainers
o???Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)
o???Shopping malls
o???Sport and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms
o???Indoor recreational amenities
o???Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities?
While limits do not apply to businesses or places used for a wedding, funeral or religious service, rite or ceremony, all other public health measures must be respected.
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Premier Ford added that “no decision” has been made regarding in-person or remote schooling for students.
Premier Ford stated that the additional public health measures will provide time for the province’s vaccination blitz and help protect the health care system. The Premier expected hospital admissions to grow, particularly amongst the unvaccinated.
During the question and answer period, Premier Ford was repeatedly asked about the province’s delay in implementing capacity limits on these settings. The Premier stated that “the situation moved rapidly” so “we moved rapidly.”
Premier Ford also addressed rapid antigen testing, stating that Ontario has asked the federal government for more rapid tests. The Premier expected more tests from the federal government and through provincial procurement initiatives.
Dr. Moore stated that vulnerable and older individuals should try to “avoid social contact” with others during the holidays, even if both parties are fully vaccinated. Dr. Moore advised that if they are going to interact, “do it outdoors, distance, and mask.” If individuals are meeting indoors, Dr. Moore advised that both parties should have third doses.
Premier Ford was also asked why the government has not announced additional financial support for businesses. Minister Bethlenfalvy stated that the government “has provided a lot of support” and “we will be looking at providing targeted supports.”
Also today, Ontario issued a news brief on specialized COVID-19 vaccine support for Indigenous communities. The Ontario government will invest $30 million to support third and booster doses and the vaccination of Indigenous children aged five to 11. Specifically, the funding will be provided to all 133 First Nations communities, key urban Indigenous health care partners, and remote First Nation communities through Operation Remote Immunity. In addition, the funding will help develop programs to encourage vaccination and to facilitate ongoing pandemic response measures.?
Also today, Global News reported that the Ministry of Labour will conduct an inspection blitz to ensure that businesses are complying with public health measures. Starting tomorrow, the Ministry will deploy 150 provincial offences officers across the province. Officers will focus on big box stores, bars, salons, and other high-risk settings.
The province reported 3,124 new cases today. There are 358 Ontarians being treated for COVID-19 in general hospital wards, with 157 individuals in the ICU, of which 98 patients are on a ventilator.
To date, 25,006,030 doses have been administered in Ontario. Currently, 90.4 per cent of the population aged 12 or older has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 87.7 per cent have received both vaccine doses. In terms of the total eligible population aged 5 or older, 86.1 % have received one dose and 81% have received both doses.
In a separate briefing, Dr. Vera Etches, Medical Officer of Health for Ottawa Public Health, has encouraged employers to ask their employees to work from home until further notice.
Quebec
Yesterday evening, Quebec Premier Fran?ois Legault held a press conference to announce a tightening of restrictions in an attempt to control the spread of the Omicron variant in the province. The Minister of Health and Social Services Christian Dubé, and the National Director of Public Health Dr. Horacio Arruda accompanied him. A press release (French only) on the subject was published following the conference.
In his prepared remarks, Premier Legault mentioned that the epidemiological situation is critical in Quebec, as COVID-19 cases spike across the province. He stated that at least 3,700 news cases are expected to be announced on Friday. Experts also expect a significant increase in hospitalization in the following weeks. Premier Legault mentioned that the new Omicron variant is more transmissible, and that vaccinated people are still at risk, even if they are less likely to get sick.
According to Premier Legault, the booster shot of vaccine is now the “key” to reduce the risks related to the Omicron variant. The government wants to accelerate the booster dose roll out, by prioritizing the vulnerable people and the health care workers. In order to accelerate the third dose roll out, Minister Dubé announced that people will now be eligible for booster doses three months after their second dose, based on Public Health recommendation. Minister Dubé also announced that additional appointments will be added in the coming days. As of Monday, people who are 65 and over will be eligible to make an appointment for their third dose of vaccine. People 60 and over will be able to make an appointment as of December 27th. The other age groups will follow in January. Premier Legault urged Quebecers to get their booster shot as soon as they are eligible.
Premier Legault also announced a series of restrictions to take effect Monday. He stated that the government has a goal of reducing contacts by half. The province will introduce a 50 per cent capacity limit for stores, bars, restaurants, showrooms and theatres. Places of worship will also reduce capacity limits by 50 per cent, with a cap at 250 attendees.?In addition, vaccine passports will be required to enter places of worship.?Premier Legault also announced that office parties, karaoke and dancing in bars and restaurants will be prohibited.
Regarding schools, masks will be again required in classrooms. Primary schools will reopen at the regular date, but high schools students will do remote learning for a week before returning to school in person on January 10th. In addition, CEGEPs and universities will only reopen on January 10th.
Premier Legault mentioned that outdoors activities and sports will be maintained, but all tournaments and competition will be suspended starting Monday. He also announced that private gathering will be limited to 10 people, even during the holidays, as opposed to the previously announced 20-person limit. Premier Legault urged people to remain extremely cautious, especially with vulnerable people, and to use rapid testing kits before gathering.
Premier Legault asked Quebecers to get tested as soon as they got symptoms and to use rapid tests. He recalled that rapid tests will be made available in pharmacies starting Monday. He also urged people to stay home if they have symptoms or test positive to COVID-19.
During the question and answer period, Premier Legault was asked if Quebec will reinstate other public health restrictions, such as curfews. Premier Legault stated that current rules are sufficient, but that adjustments will probably be necessary in the coming days.
Over the past 24 hours, Quebec reported 3,768 new cases, including 7 deaths. There are 312 people are in hospital being treated for COVID-19, including 62 people in intensive care. This represents a net increase of 7 patients in hospital and a net decrease of 1 patient in intensive care since the last government update yesterday.
As of today, 14,194,764 vaccines have been administered in Quebec.
Alberta
Yesterday, Alberta Health Services reported 4,212 active COVID-19 cases. The provincial positivity rate is 4.21 percent. There were 362 individuals being treated for COVID-19 in hospital, 70 of whom were in intensive care. To date, 7,223,655 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province. This means that 89.4% of eligible people 12 years and older (78.2% of total population) have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 85% of people 12 years and older (72.4% total population) are fully vaccinated.
British Columbia
Minister of Health Adrian Dix and Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer for British Columbia, held a press conference this afternoon to announce new COVID restrictions.??
Dr. Henry reported that the COVID-19 case rate has nearly doubled over the past week. So far, there have been 135 cases of the Omicron variant of concern identified in B.C., with numbers expected to rise rapidly.
Dr. Henry announced that the she would be issuing revised orders, which will take effect?at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021 and extend to Jan. 31, 2022, at 11:59 p.m., to help slow the spread of the virus.?The measures will include, but are not limited to:
“While vaccination remains the best defence against COVID-19, we are now dealing with the new threat of a more transmissible variant,” said Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer. “We need to take these measures until we understand the full impact Omicron will have in the B.C. context. It is imperative people follow the new orders in how they celebrate this season. However, there are many things we can now do safely with reasonable and prudent measures like wearing a mask, staying home when sick, getting tested and, most importantly, getting fully vaccinated.”
Minister Dix stated that every effort would be made to have everyone vaccinated during the Holidays.
As of Thursday, December 16, British Columbia Health Services reported 753 new cases and no new COVID-19 related deaths in the past 24 hours. There were 184 individuals in hospital and 70 individuals in intensive care. There were 3,878 active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
A cumulative 9,067,590 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the province, 4,110,675 of which are second doses. 91.6% of eligible people12 years and older have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 88.7% have received their second dose.
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