The rapidly spreading Omicron variant has forced Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson to postpone her annual Remarkable Citizens recognition for a second consecutive year.
“This program has a long history of celebrating individuals who inspire a united sense of community,” Thompson said. “But, unfortunately, we must also acknowledge that it would be unsafe to do so at this time.”The MPP added that the event, along with her annual New Year’s Levee originally scheduled for January 12th, have been postponed until further notice. “Nominees who will be recognized for their 2021 efforts will be notified accordingly. Special consideration will be given to individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to help their community manage the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Thompson said the tough decision to invoke further restrictions and return to online learning was not an easy one to make, but there is general concern for the province’s health care system as a result of Omicron.
“We all need to do to do our part to help curb this latest spread,” she said, noting that between December 15th and December 30th, the province saw a 533 per cent increase in hospitalizations driven by Omicron. “Even if only one per cent of cases are hospitalized, Ontario’s health care system is likely to become overwhelmed in the near future,” adding that she encourages everyone to get the vaccine and booster shots.
Thompson noted that, “The province will return to the modified version of Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen effective Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. for at least 21 days (until Jan. 26, 2022), subject to trends in public health and health system indicators.”
