Ontario to announce decision on COVID-19 hot spot restrictions

In the Toronto and Peel Public Health Regions, as well as North Bay-Parry Sound District, the shutdown measures and the stay-at-home order will continue to apply until at least Monday, March 8, based on key public health indicators and following consultation with the local medical officers of health.

"Our government's number one priority is the safety of all individuals and families, and that's why we are taking a gradual, cautious approach to returning regions to the [colour-coded] framework", said Christine Elliott, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

The decision followed calls from Toronto and Peel to keep strict measures in place to prevent more illness and death.

The government has been moving ahead with its economic reopening despite warnings it could set off a third wave of infections.

Markham, Ont., Mayor Frank Scarpitti said he's asking the region's top doctor to further limit social gatherings and capacity for businesses and close all sports facilities while the region assess the impact of virus variants.

Ottawa is reporting 65 new COVID-19 cases Friday.

Ontario expects to start immunizing people over the age of 80 in early March, after residents, caregivers, and workers at long-term-care homes have received their second doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.

Through the province's Operation Remote Immunity, all adults in 32 northern and remote communities (31 First Nations and the Town of Moosonee) are expected to be fully vaccinated by the end of April. A customer service desk will be made available to those who are unable to book an appointment through the online tool.

Last week, Ontario reached its target to offer a first dose of the vaccine to residents of all long-term care homes across the province and has now administered over 167,000 doses to long-term care and retirement home residents.

Ontario reported 1,150 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday and 47 more deaths from the virus.