5.73°C Vancouver

Dec 28, 2021 8:35 PM - The Canadian Press

Ontario halts visits, social trips for long-term care residents amid Omicron spread

Share On
ontario-halts-visits-social-trips-for-long-term-care-residents-amid-omicron-spread
People wait in line for a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot in Toronto, on Wednesday, December 22, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Ontario is pausing social visits in and out of long-term care homes as the Omicron variant spreads rapidly in the province. Long-Term Care.

Minister Rod Phillips says that as of Thursday visits to long-term care homes will be restricted to two designated caregivers per resident, while residents will still be allowed to leave for essential needs.

Phillips says the measures are needed because long-term care homes are particularly vulnerable to community spread.

The measure comes as 41 long-term care homes are facing outbreaks, and Ontario reported closed to nine-thousand new COVID-19 cases across the province today.

Latest news

BCDec 04, 2025

Suspect Arrested After Overnight Window-Smashing in North Vancouver

Police in North Vancouver have arrested a man following an early-morning incident in which multiple business windows were smashed. North Vancouver RCMP received a call just before 5:00 a.m. on December 4 about a man breaking windows at businesses in the Park and Tilford business centre at 333 Brooksbank Avenue. Officers quickly responded and apprehended a suspect on the premises. Authorities allege the man used a modified hockey stick to smash the front windows of around six businesses. No items were reported stolen, and no one was injured during the spree. The suspect remains in custody and f
richmond-rcmp-warns-public-of-rising-distraction-thefts-targeting-jewelry
BCDec 04, 2025

Richmond RCMP warns public of rising distraction thefts targeting jewelry

Richmond RCMP is alerting residents after a series of distraction-theft incidents reported between late September and November 2025. Police say suspects used a range of tactics to divert victims’ attention, often resulting in stolen jewelry. The thefts took place in both public areas and residential neighbourhoods across Richmond. The incidents predominantly targeted older adults, though one youth was also affected. Suspects, frequently travelling in SUVs or sedans, used approaches such as unsolicited hugs, fake jewelry exchanges, or emotional stories to trick victims. Stolen items reported
new-westminster-police-ask-for-public-help-to-find-missing-surrey-man
BCDec 04, 2025

New Westminster Police ask for public help to find missing Surrey man

The New Westminster Police Department is asking residents across the region, particularly in Surrey, to help locate 24-year-old Rajvir, who has been reported missing after he was last seen at Surrey Memorial Hospital. Police say the young man is known to spend time in Surrey and may be travelling on public transit. Investigators describe Rajvir as 5 feet 7 inches tall with a slim build, dark brown hair, a beard, and brown eyes. He also has a tattoo on his left forearm. Officers are concerned for his well-being, noting that he may appear disoriented and could require immediate assistance. Serge
putin-arrives-in-india-for-first-visit-since-russia-ukraine-conflict-began
IndiaDec 04, 2025

Putin Arrives in New Delhi for Two-Day Visit Focused on Trade and Security Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a two-day official visit that New Delhi says will centre on trade, defence co-operation and broader geopolitical issues. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally received Putin at Palam Air Force Station and accompanied him to the prime minister’s residence, a gesture Indian officials described as a sign of the long-standing bilateral relationship. The visit comes ahead of the 23rd India–Russia annual summit scheduled for Friday, where both sides are expected to review defence procurement, energy collaboration and efforts to s
john-rustad-steps-down-as-b-c-conservative-leader-after-caucus-revolt
BCDec 04, 2025

John Rustad steps down as B.C. Conservative leader after caucus revolt

John Rustad has resigned as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., ending a tense standoff that unfolded over the past two days between him, his caucus and the party’s executive. His departure comes less than 24 hours after he publicly rejected calls to quit, insisting he still held the mandate to lead. In a written statement released today, Rustad said the internal dispute was not the result of a hostile takeover by former BC Liberal members, responding to concerns raised by some supporters after last year’s political realignment that saw several MLAs cross over to the Conservatives. H

Related News