Premier Doug Ford is urging Ontarians to 'hunker down' over the next four weeks as the province imposes a stay-at-home order to fight a surge in COVID-19 cases that is threatening to overwhelm hospitals.
Ford also says the province plans to start vaccinating people aged 18 and older living in COVID-19 hot spots, including teachers and essential workers.
The province says mobile teams will deliver vaccines in congregate settings, residential buildings, faith-based centres and large employers in areas hit hard by the virus.
Regions will be selected based on patterns of transmission, severe illness and mortality from COVID-19.
"Again, focusing and starting in Toronto and Peel, based on that supply challenge, but scaling it up to go to other public health units including in Halton, in York, in Hamilton, in Durham and in Ottawa," explains Minister of Education Stephen Lecce. "And as supply comes more online in the coming weeks -- right across this province."
Staff who work directly with special needs students across the province will also be eligible for COVID-19 shots starting next week.
The government announced the changes on Wednesday, saying clinics in high-risk areas will accept bookings from people aged 50 and older on Friday.
