While a plan has been laid out to loosen COVID-19 related restrictions in Ontario over 3 phases beginning January 31st, the scientific director of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says, it needs to be accompanied by another plan.

“We need to get third doses into people’s arms,” Dr. Peter Juni declared, “That’s one of the issues. The other issue is a big question, how to keep restaurants, bars, gyms, etc. safe. What would make them safer of course is if we have a vaccine certificate that requires three doses of COVID vaccine, not just two.”

But this advice has so far not been heeded by Premier Doug Ford, who said that double vaccination will continue to be the requirement for people to access restaurants, gyms, theatres, and other venues where proof of vaccination is required.

Beginning January 31st, restaurant in door dining, gyms and theatres will be allowed to reopen with 50 percent capacity and social gatherings will be expanded to allow 10 people to gather indoors and 25 outdoors.

Restrictions will be eased again February 21st and again March 14th.

But even by March 14th, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will still be required to access restaurants, gyms, theatres and the like.