Ontario lifts vaccine certificate system, remaining capacity limits in all indoor settings

Ontario is reporting fewer than 1,000 hospitalizations of people with COVID-19 for a third day in a row, as the province lifts all remaining capacity limits in indoor settings and scraps its vaccine certificate system Tuesday.

The province reported 914 people in hospital with the virus, slightly up from 849 the day before but down from 1,038 at the same time last week.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 45 per cent of those admitted to hospital were seeking treatment for COVID-19 symptoms, while 55 per cent were admitted for other reasons but have since tested positive for the virus.

Of the hospitalizations reported, there are 278 ICU patients, which is down from 279 the day before and 319 one week ago.

About 80 per cent were admitted to intensive care specifically for the virus, while the rest were admitted for other reasons and tested positive. 

The province also reported 18 additional deaths, pushing the official death toll to 12,451.

Starting Tuesday, proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required at most Ontario restaurants, gyms and movie theatres. Nightclubs, sporting and concert venues can get rid of capacity limits and restrictions are also lifting on social gathering sizes.

While Ontario is ending most of its major COVID-19 public health measures, Premier Doug Ford has said mask mandates will likely be in place for at least a couple more weeks.

COVID-19 hospitalizations and test positivity rates have fallen sharply from the January peak of the Omicron wave, though wastewater data suggests cases may be starting to rise again.

Ford says that the vaccine certificate system was always intended to be time-limited, and he is only now removing it due to the advice of the chief medical officer of health, but people should still exercise caution because the pandemic isn't over.

Venues that still had capacity limits in place, including sports arenas, concert venues, theatres, nightclubs, and restaurants where there is dancing, can now scrap those restrictions.

As well, settings where capacity had been limited to the number of people who could maintain two metres of distance - including weddings and funerals, as well as retail shops, pharmacies and grocery stores — can eliminate that requirement.

A number of businesses, including some restaurants, recreational facilities and museums, say they will maintain their vaccination requirements for now.

Gil Filar, general manager at the Rosedale Diner, said his restaurant will still require patrons to show proof of vaccine after discussing it with staff and regular customers — adding that it was primarily a "business decision."