COVID-19 Government of Ontario News Releases

Default Interior Banner

Learn how the Ministry of Health is helping to keep Ontarians safe during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak. Find out how to protect yourself and how to recognize symptoms.

The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Keep informed with the Government of Ontario News Releases by accessing Ontario news about the Novel Coronavirus

Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Dose; Bivalent Boosters Available to Vulnerable Populations Immediately, All Ontarians 18+ Eligible Starting September 26 (September 12, 2022)
Children Aged Five and Over Eligible for First Booster Shot; Updated Public Health Guidance to Keep Ontarians Safe and Healthy This Fall (August 31, 2022)
Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible for Second Booster Shot; Free rapid antigen tests extended to December 31, 2022, including for general public (News release July 13, 2022)

Previous 2022 News Releases

Masking Requirements Continue in Select Indoor Settings; Access to Evusheld becomes another tool to manage COVID-19 (April 22, 2022)
Ontario Moving to Next Phase of Reopening on February 17; Improvements in key indicators allowing province to safely ease public health measures sooner (February 14, 2022)
Ontario Outlines Steps to Cautiously and Gradually Ease Public Health Measures; Time-limited measures to blunt spread of Omicron protecting hospital and health care capacity (January 20, 2022)
Ontario Launching School-based Vaccine Clinics as Students Return to In-Person Learning; Additional Protections Include Expanded Rapid Antigen Testing and High-Quality Masks for Staff and Students (January 12, 2022)
Ontario Temporarily Moving to Modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen; Time-limited measures needed to preserve hospital capacity as province continues to accelerate booster dose rollout (January 3, 2022)

Previous 2021 News Releases

Ontario Further Strengthening Response to Omicron; Additional measures to slow the spread as province accelerates booster dose rollout (December 17, 2021)
All Ontarians 18+ Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Appointments at Three-Month Interval; Free Rapid Testing at Pop-Up Locations Across the Province and Select LCBOs for a Safer Holiday Season (December 15, 2021)
Ontario Taking Further Action to Protect Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes; New measures being put in place to keep residents and staff safe against Omicron variant (December 14, 2021)
Responding to Omicron and Protecting our Progress (December 10, 2021)
Ontario Extending Pause on Lifting Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required; Cautious Approach Key to Protecting Our Progress Learns More About the Omicron Variant (December 7, 2021)
Ontario Accelerating Booster Eligibility to Adults Aged 50+; Province Providing an Extra Layer of Protection Against COVID-19 and Variants (December 2, 2021)Paediatric Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine: Frequently Asked Questions (November 22, 2021)
COVID-19 Vaccine Bookings to Open for All Children Aged Five to 11; Families can book appointments through a variety of channels starting November 23rd (November 22, 2021)
Ontario Pausing the Lifting of Capacity Limits in Remaining Settings Where Proof of Vaccination is Required; Province's Cautious Approach Key to Protecting Our Progress (November 10, 2021)
Ontario Expanding Booster Eligibility to More Ontarians; Eligibility Will Expand Gradually Based on Age and Risk to Provide Extra Layer of Protection Against the Delta Variant (November 3, 2021)
Ontario Releases Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long Term; Gradual, cautious approach to manage COVID-19 now and moving forward (October 22, 2021)
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download Starting October 15; Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination (October 15, 2021)
Using your Enhanced Vaccine Certificate: Frequently Asked Questions (October 15, 2021)
Ontario Cautiously Lifting Capacity Limits in Select Settings; Public Health and Health Care Indicators Stable or Improving as Vaccination Rates Increase (October 8, 2021)
Ontario Releasing Guidance to Support Proof of Vaccination Policy; Province Continues to expand Third Dose Eligibility for Those at Highest Risk of COVID-19 (September 14, 2021)
Ontario to Require Proof of Vaccination in Select Settings; Province to launch enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app to stop the spread of COVID-19 (September 1, 2021)
New Requirement for Proof of Vaccination in Certain Settings: Frequently Asked Questions (September 1, 2021)
Ontario Moving to Step Three of Roadmap to Reopen on July 16; Continuing Improvements in Key Indicators Allowing Province to Safely Expand Indoor Settings and Capacity Limits (July 9, 2021)
Ontario Moving to Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen on June 30 (June 24, 2021)
Ontario Releases Plan for Safe Return to Sport; New framework supports return to play for select professional and elite-amateur sport athletes (June 14, 2021)
Ontario to Move to Step One of Roadmap to Reopen on June 11; Improvements in Key Indicators Allowing Province to Begin the Safe and Gradual Lifting of Public Health Measures (June 7, 2021)
Ontario Maintains COVID-19 Restrictions as Stay-at-Home Order is Set to Expire; Measures address ongoing risks as province prepared to safely and cautiously reopen (June 1, 2021)
Ontario Releases Three-Step Roadmap to Safely Reopen the Province; Province Safely Reopening Outdoor Recreational Amenities Prior to End of Stay-at-Home Order (May 20, 2021)
Ontario Extending Stay-at Home Order Until June 2; Province Outlines Plans to Make Pfizer Vaccine Available to Youth Ages 12 to 17 (May 13, 202)
Ontario Supporting the Non-Profit Sector during COVID-19; Funding to help more organizations deal with the challenges created by the pandemic (April 15, 2021)
Ontario Announces Emergency Child Care for Critical Frontline Workers; From grocery store clerks to hospital workers, provision of free child care services will support key workers (April 15, 2021)
Ontario Moves Schools to Remote Learning Following Spring Break; Continued Rise in COVID-19 Cases Demands Shift to Protect Students and Staff and Slow Community Spread (April 12, 2021)
Ontario Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Locations to More Pharmacies; Over 700 additional locations across the province to begin offering AstraZeneca vaccine to individuals aged 55+ (April 11, 2021)
Ontario Supports Families, Businesses and Workers during COVID-19; Despite job gains in March, government recognizes many still struggling (April 9, 2021)
Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order; Additional measures needed to protect health system capacity and save lives during third wave COVID-19 (April 7, 2021)
Ontario Moving to Phase Two of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan; Phase Two Supports Vaccine Rollout by Postal Code in "Hot Spot" Communities (April 6, 2021)
Ontario Extends COVID-19 Vaccination Booking to More Age Groups; Province makes steady progress on vaccine rollout and leads country with doses administered (April 1, 2021)
Ontario Implements Province-wide Emergency Brake; All 34 Public Health Unit Regions to Move into Shutdown (April 1, 2021)
Ontario Supports Tourism, Culture, Sport and Recreation Organizations; New grant program will help those who are struggling during COVID-19 (March 16, 2021)
Ontario Launching Provincial Booking System for COVID-19 Vaccines; Individuals 80 Years of Age and Older Will Be Able to Schedule Appointments Online or By Phone (March 14, 2021)
Ontario Pharmacies and Primary Care Settings to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccinations; Phased Expansion Continues as the Province Approaches One Million Vaccines Administered (March 10, 2021)
Toronto, Peel and North Bay-Parry Sound Public Health Regions Returning to Strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework; Seven Other Public Health Regions Moving to New Levels in the Framework (March 5, 2021)
Ontario Launches Education Campaign to Help Workplaces Reopen Safely; A Full suite of resources is available to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (February 19, 2021)
Ontario Returning 27 Public Health Regions to Strengthened COVID-19 Response Framework; Province Extending Shutdown and Stay-at-Home Order in Regions at Highest Risk (February 12, 2021)
Ontario Delays March Break in an Effort to Reduce Community Transmission of COVID-19; Decision was made on the advice of public health officials (February 11, 2021)
Ontario Extends Off-Peak Electricity Rates to Provide Relief for Families, Small Businesses and Farms; Lower rates will help offset costs as Ontarians continue to stay at home (February 10, 2021)
Ontario Extending Stay-at-Home Order across most of the Province to Save Lives; Public Health Units to Gradually Return to the COVID-19 Response Framework (February 8, 2021)
Ontario Takes Immediate Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Variants; New Six point plan includes mandatory on-arrival testing for international travellers (January 29, 2021)
COVID-19 Vaccines for Ontario; COVID-19 (coronoavirus) in Ontario
Ontario Extends Reopening Ontario Act Orders; COVID-19 orders are needed to protect vulnerable populations and preserve health care capacity (January 16, 2021)
Ontario Declares Second Provincial Emergency to Address COVID-19 Crisis and Save Lives; Province Issues Stay-at-Home Order and Introduces Enhanced Enforcement Measures to Reduce Mobility (January 12, 2021)

2020 News Releases

Safer at Home Programs Provide Relief to Ontario Families; Province Expands Support for Learners Program and Lowers Hydro Bills (December 22, 2020)
Ontario Announces Provincewide Shutdown to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives; Government Providing Grants of up to $20,000 to Small Businesses Impacted by New Public Health Measures (December 21, 2020)
Celebrate the Holiday Season Safely; Ontario Provides Public Health Advice on How to Protect You and Your Loved Ones (November 25, 2020)
Ontario Taking Further Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19; Province Also Doubling Financial Support for Businesses Affected by Additional Restrictions (November 20, 2020)
Ontario Supporting Local Festivities and Events; Government investment will help promote creative and safe programs during COVID-19
Ontario Revises COVID-19 Screening Guidelines for Schools and Child Care
Ontario Releases Updated COVID-19 Modelling for Second Wave; Modelling Shows Following Public Health Measures Remains Critical to Stop the Spread (September 30, 2020)
New Public Health Measures Implemented Provincewide to Keep Ontarians Safe (September 25, 2020)
Ontario Updates COVID-19 Testing Guidelines (September 24, 2020)
Ontario Limits the Size of Unmonitored and Private Social Gatherings across Entire Province; Province Takes Decisive Action to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 (September 19, 2020)
Ontario Implementing Additional Measures at Bars and Restaurants to Help Limit the Spread of COVID-19; Measures to Further Protect the Health of Ontarians as the Province Continues to Re-open Under Stage 3 (July 31, 2020)
Ontario Continues to Gradually and Safely Reopen Child Care for Working Parents; Strict Protocols and Additional Supports to Keep Kids Safe and Align Child Care with Reopening of Schools (July 30, 2020)
Ontario Releases Plan for Safe Reopening of Schools in September; Province Providing Critical Investments and Resources to Keep Students and Staff Safe (July 30, 2020)
Nearly All Businesses and Public Spaces to Reopen in Stage 3; Public Gatherings will increase in size as the Province continues its path to economic recovery (July 13, 2020)
Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to July 10; As more communities enter Stage 2, maintaining health and safety protocols remains a top priority (June 27, 2020)
Ontario Providing Additional Support for Seniors; Provincewide Grant Program Will Promote Safety, Community Engagement and Financial Security (June 26, 2020)
Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency to July 15 (June 24, 2020)
Ontario Develops Additional Learning Materials for Students and Teachers; Focus is on science, technology, engineering and math (June 15, 2020)
Ontario Helps Local Business Test and Certify Medical-Grade PPE; A made-in-Ontario solution that will get critical products to market quickly and safely (June 15, 2020)
Ontario Eases Restrictions on Wedding and Funeral Ceremonies; Attendees Will Still be Required to Practice Physical Distancing (June 13, 2020)
News Release: Ontarians Encouraged to Establish Social Circles; Creating a Close Group of up to 10 People Will Help Reduce Social Isolation (June 12, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Supports Children and Youth during COVID-19; Additional funding will provide food and snacks while schools are closed (June 12, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Protecting Agri-Food Workers during COVID-19; Government investing $15 million into health and safety measures for farm operations (June 12, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Lifting 30-Day Supply Limit on Prescriptions; Everyone encouraged to buy medications in reasonable quantities (June 11, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Appoints New Patient Ombudsman; Province Continues to Strengthen the Voices of Patients, Long-Term Care Residents and Families (June 11, 2020)
News Release: Ontario to Resume Family Visits in Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, and other Residential Care Settings; Strict Health and Safety Guidelines Will Be Required to Protect Residents, Visitors and Staff (June 11, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Helping Small Businesses Go Digital; $57 Million Investment in Digital Main Street Will Help Businesses Reopen, Recover and Grow Long After COVID-19 (June 11, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Introduces Public Transit Safety Guidance; Measures designed to keep passengers and employees safe as more people go back to work curing COVID-19 (June 11, 2020)
News Release: Beaches and Campsites to Open at Ontario Parks; People encouraged to enjoy the outdoors responsibly during COVID-19 (June 10, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Unveils a Plan to Reopen Postsecondary Education; Phased Approach Prioritizes the Health and Safety of Students and Staff (June 10, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Helping Parents Return to Work; Province Reopening Child Care with Strict Protocols to Keep Kids and Staff Safe (June 9, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Permits More Businesses and Services to Reopen in the Coming Days; Restrictions Being Eased in Communities Where It Is Safe to Do So (June 8, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends Emergency Orders to Support Its Reopening Efforts; Province Extends the Suspension of Limitation Periods and Time Periods for Legal Proceedings until September (Jun 6, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Improving Broadband and Cell Service for Rural Communities; Connecting Residents and Businesses to the 21st Century Digital Economy Essential for Recover after COVID-19 (June 3, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends Declaration of Emergency until June 30; Extension Key to Protecting Ontarians as Province Safely Reopens (June 2, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extending Emergency Orders During COVID-19 Outbreak (May 27, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Ready to Respond to Wildland Fire Season; Measures in place to strengthen emergency preparedness while protecting Fire Fighters (May 15, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Announces Additional Workplaces that Can Reopen (May 14, 2020)
News Release: Protecting Ontario's Children with COVID-19 (May 13, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Retail Stores Open for Curbside Pickup and Delivery (May 11, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends Electricity Rate Relief During COVID-19 (May 6, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Providing Support for Industrial and Commercial Electricity Consumers during COVID-19 (May 1, 2020)
News Release: Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen Under Strict Safety Guidelines (May 1, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Helping Businesses Overcome the Unique Challenges Created by COVID-19 (April 28, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Unveils Guiding Principles to Reopen the Province (April 27, 2020)
- A Framework for Reopening our Province
- Ontario's Action Plan
News Release: School Closures Extended to Keep Students, Staff and Families Safe (April 26, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Parks to Remain Closed until May 31, 2020 (April 25, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Establishes Key Partnerships to Make Home Learning More Accessible (April 17, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends Business Closures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 (April 3, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Reducing Risk of Fire in the Province; Supporting emergency responders by restricting all outdoor fires in Ontario's fire region during COVID-19 outbreak (April 2, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Increasing Mental Health Support During COVID-19 (April 2, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Strengthening Victim Services in Response to COVID-19 (April 2, 2020)
News Release: Public Required to Identify Themselves if Charged with Breaching an Emergency Order During the COVID-19 Outbreak (March 31, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends School and Child Care Closures to Fight Spread of COVID-19 (March 31, 2020)
News Release: Province Supports Post secondary Students During COVID-19 (March 31, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19: All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed (March 30, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Increasing Health and Safety Measures to Better Protect Frontline Nurses from COVID-19 (March 30, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Protecting Seniors During the COVID-19 Outbreak (March 30, 2020)
Ontario Stepping Up Measures to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 on Construction Sites
Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of More Than Five People with Strict Exceptions
Ontario Taking Emergency Measures to Support Long-Term Care Homes During COVID-19
Electronic Press Kit Now Available: Ontario's Action Plan: Ontario Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging
News Release: UPDATED: Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Business
News Release: Ontario Provides $3.3 Billion More to Increase Health Care Capacity (March 26, 2020)
News Release: Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 25, 2020)
News Release: Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659 (March 25, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19 (March 24, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Implements Enhanced Measures to Protect the Safety of Residents in Long-Term Care Homes (March 24, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Closing At-Risk Workplaces to Protect Health and Safety (March 23, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight Spread of COVID-19 (March 23, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis (March 23, 2020)
News Release: Ontario Parks Operations in Response to COVID-19 (March 18, 2020)