People in Ontario who test positive for COVID–19 no longer have to isolate for five days but should stay home until their fever clears and their symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours, the province’s top doctor said Wednesday. Dr. Kieran Moore said people should also wear a mask “in any setting” for 10…

Ontario is bringing back tougher COVID-19 restrictions, which include closing schools and halting non-urgent surgeries, in an effort to “blunt the curve” of the soaring infection cases across the province and slow the spread of the Omicron variant, according to Premier Doug Ford. Effective 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 5, Ontario will return to a modified…

Businesses implementing Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine certificate requirements are seeing decreased sales, according to a survey conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).   Over 60 percent of businesses requiring patrons to show COVID-19 vaccine passports are reporting lower sales “as a direct result” of the provincial government’s vaccination mandates, said Dan Kelly, president and…

TORONTO—A visibly emotional Premier Doug Ford apologized on Thursday for new COVID-19 restrictions that sparked a furious backlash as he confirmed the government would bring in a paid sick-leave program for workers after months of refusing to do so. Choking back tears, Ford said he was sorry for increasing police enforcement powers and closing playgrounds…

TORONTO—A stay-at-home order takes effect across Ontario today in response to worsening COVID-19 trends. Premier Doug Ford announced the move yesterday, saying it was prompted by a surge in cases driven by more infectious variants. Stores that sell goods such as groceries, cleaning supplies and pharmacy products can remain open but only to sell essential…