Restrictions easing in some provinces as U.S. issues advice to those fully vaccinated

Mar 8, 2021 | 9:44 AM

Restrictions meant to stem the spread of COVID-19 are easing in parts of Ontario and Quebec, as well as all of New Brunswick. 

Ontario is lifting stay-at-home orders today in Toronto, Peel Region and North Bay — the last three regions subject to the government’s strictest measures. 

Residents in five regions of Quebec, including the capital, will be able to eat in restaurants and work out in gyms starting today.

But restrictions are staying in place in the Montreal area due to fear that a new, transmissible virus variant will cause a spike in cases and hospitalizations. 

All of New Brunswick has shifted to a lower pandemic response level, which means a circle of 15 regular contacts can socialize, up from 10 under the previous rules.  

In the United States, meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s safe for fully vaccinated people to gather indoors without masks with those at low-risk for severe disease.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2021.

The Canadian Press