In preparation for Ontario's "respiratory season," the province will be dropping its five day isolation period for those who test positive for COVID-19..If an Ontarian tests positive for COVID-19, but their symptoms are "improving" 24 hours after they first got sick, they can go back to work or school. They should also wear a mask for 10 days from the start of their symptoms when in public.."This approach should decrease the risk of all respiratory viruses in our communities," Ontario's Chief Public health Officer Kieran Moore said at a Wednesday press conference..Moore explained those who test positive for COVID-19, but are no longer symptomatic, do not need to isolate, but should take "additional precautions when going into public.".“The caveat is we also want to maintain high levels of protection through ongoing, keeping up-to-date with all of our vaccinations, but in particular keeping up-to-date with the COVID-19 vaccination,” he said..Moore said Ontario is moving away from COVID-19 guidance in favour of an "all-virus approach." He claimed the flu and respiratory syncytial virus will be returning this winter, and expressed concern that people are behind on routine immunizations for hepatitis B, meningitis, and HPV.."We have plans to deal with it this fall, and to get back into all schools and work with schools boards, public health agencies, as well as primary care," he said..Moore outlined the three necessary steps to "keep everyone safe" in the winter: wearing masks "when it's right for you," staying up to date on "all" vaccinations, and staying home when sick.."I'd like to remind Ontarians that wearing a good-fitting mask does not only prevent the spread of COVID-19, but other respiratory illnesses as well, including the flu," said Moore..Moore added according to statistics, unvaccinated Ontarians have four times a greater risk of death from COVID-19.."We know vaccines are safe, they work, and they are protecting. It's never too late to get your first dose," he said..Moore also announced children five to 11 who got vaccinated six months ago will be able to book their first booster dose on Thursday. As children return to school, Moore said improved ventilation and cleaning, combined with high levels of immunization, mean Ontario can have a more "permissive approach to return."."We know that an uninterrupted routine of in-person school is essential to a student's emotional and physical development. I'm confident this school year will be safe and healthy," he said..Moore said he's encouraged by the high level of immunity Ontarians have developed due to vaccinations and natural immunity through infections. But Moore said his "biggest concern and worry" are new circulating pathogens that could come into the country. .He said Ontario will review its public health guidelines if the respiratory season "accelerates" and has "any severe impact on our health system with increased morbidity and mortality."
