Flu, COVID declining in Ontario but new variant gaining ground, top doctor says

Ontario's top doctor says even though COVID-19 and flu activity is declining, the province "must remain vigilant" as a more transmissible variant gains ground.

In a statement, Dr. Kieran Moore says parts of Ontario are reporting a rise in the number of cases of the more easily spreadable XBB 1.5 variant of COVID-19.He says while the new strain has not been associated with more severe illness, infections could climb as it becomes the "main variant in Ontario."

Moore says Ontario is seeing a decline in COVID, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu activity throughout the province, offering some relief to hard-hit hospitals.

In recent weeks, Ontario pediatric hospitals have ramped up surgeries after a three-month surge of flu and RSV cases pushed them to redeploy staff to intensive care units and emergency departments.

Moore says flu cases peaked at the end of November and continue to decline.

Province expands PCR testing 

The top doctor's comments come just as Ontario expands eligibility for PCR testing for COVID-19.

Anyone 18 and older now qualifies for testing if it has been at least six months since their last COVID-19 shot or infection.

As well, anyone 18 and older who is unvaccinated can access testing.

Previously, the only people under 60 who were eligible for testing were people who were immunocompromised or who had risk conditions and fewer than three vaccine doses.

Additionally, anyone 60 and older now qualifies for PCR testing, up from the previous general cut-off of age 70.

The changes are meant to align with eligibility for Paxlovid treatments for COVID-19.