Some Ontario health services resuming after COVID-19 restrictions, but not all surgeries
Posted January 27, 2022 3:04 pm.
Last Updated January 27, 2022 5:03 pm.
The Ontario government has announced a phased resumption of certain health care services that were put on hold earlier in January due to a surge of COVID-19 cases in the province.
Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said the following services and facilities ordered through a provincial directive to pause elective and non-urgent procedures could begin again as early as Monday: pediatrics, diagnostic services, cancer screening, certain ambulatory clinics, private hospitals and independent health facilities.
“This approach is in line with our cautious and gradual approach to easing public health measures while recognizing the ongoing pressures our hospitals are facing,” he said Thursday afternoon.
“Careful resumption of this activity, in these targeted areas, is least likely to adversely impact inpatient capacity readiness or health human resources in hospitals.”
RELATED: Patients in Ontario wait for surgeries postponed due to COVID-19
However, despite the announcement, Moore said it doesn’t all Ontario hospitals will be allowed to resume all surgical and procedural activities, citing a need to meet criteria based on local COVID-19 impacts.
By suspending non-urgent surgeries, officials estimated 8,000 to 10,000 procedures were being cancelled for every week the pause was in place.
Thursday’s announcement coincides with a phased lifting of broader public health restrictions affecting several different sectors. As of Monday, indoor social gathering limits are set to increase to 10 from five, and restaurants will be able to reopen their dining rooms at 50 per cent capacity.
Theatres will also be able to reopen, and “spectator areas” such as arenas and concert venues will be able to welcome back up to 500 guests, with smaller venues limited to half capacity.
Initially, guests at such venues weren’t going to be allowed to consume food or beverages until the next phase of restrictions easing, currently set for Feb. 21, but now the government is permitting food and drink services at venues including indoor sporting events, concert venues, theatres, cinemas.
With files from The Canadian Press