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Quebec reported a record number of COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, while a major hospital network in Toronto has stopped unnecessary care and surgery as the highly transmissible Omicron variant is being washed across the country.
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Across the country, governments took steps to try to curb the number of cases and mitigate the impact of Omicron.
In Montreal, Mayor Valerie Plante reintroduced a state of emergency as the number of active COVID-19 cases rose to over 8,000 in the city.
Health authorities in Quebec reported 5,043 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths.
Ontario announced 3,453 new COVID-19 cases and 11 fatalities as some health care units struggled to keep up with contact tracking and testing efforts amid rising demand.
The Unity Health Network, which operates three hospitals in Toronto, said it had made the “difficult decision” to halt non-essential outpatient care and surgical procedures, with the exception of acute cases.
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Stricter visitation policies have also been introduced at several hospitals in Ontario, while inpatients staying less than seven days are not allowed to have visits.
Omicron has largely overtaken the rising wave of infections in the province, even for those vaccinated with both COVID-19 shots. In Ontario, it is estimated that Omicron accounted for about 88% of cases as of Tuesday.
In response to the variant threat, Ontario and Alberta are accelerating their booster doses for all adults.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said anyone 18 years and older can book a third shot, provided the second was more than five months ago.
Ontario opened eligibility for all those who received their second dose three months ago from this week.
Ottawa Public Health has asked residents who have symptoms but are unable to access a timely test to assume they are infected and isolating themselves.
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Prince Edward Island joined Newfoundland and Labrador to announce isolation requirements for all visitors in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.
PEI Premier Dennis King said every traveler entering the province will be given two quick tests and will be required to complete them on the second and fourth day of their isolation. The province also introduced several restrictions with bars and restaurants stopping service to customers at 6 p.m. 23.00
“To get back to some kind of normal in our province, we have to do this,” King said.
“We have to limit travel, we have to limit our personal interactions. This is not the time for parties, gatherings or staff parties.”
Capacity constraints have also been introduced for some businesses, entertainment venues and social gatherings in Ontario and Manitoba as well as some other provinces.
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