Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario (2022)

Timeline of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario (2022) details the significant events and developments of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Ontario, Canada throughout the year 2022. This timeline includes public health measures, case counts, vaccination progress, and notable public statements or actions related to the pandemic within the province.

January

• Early January: Ontario reports a surge in COVID-19 cases, attributed to the spread of the Omicron variant. The province reinstates certain public health measures, including capacity limits on indoor gatherings and businesses.
• January 5: The Ontario government announces a temporary move to remote learning for all public schools to curb the spread of the virus.
• January 12: The province begins to ease restrictions, starting with the reopening of schools for in-person learning.

February

• February 14: Ontario enters a phased reopening plan, gradually lifting restrictions on businesses and public gatherings.

March

• March 1: The province further eases restrictions, allowing for larger gatherings and more operational capacity for businesses.
• March 9: Ontario announces that it will lift most of its remaining COVID-19 public health measures by the end of the month, including mask mandates in most settings.

April

• April 4: Mask mandates are officially lifted in most indoor settings, though they remain in place for high-risk settings such as public transit, healthcare facilities, and long-term care homes.

May

• May 10: The Ontario government launches a new phase in its vaccination campaign, focusing on booster doses for eligible populations.

June

• June 11: Ontario reports its lowest daily case count in several months, signaling a significant decrease in COVID-19 transmission.

July

• July 15: The province announces the end of its COVID-19 vaccination passport system, which had been used to access certain non-essential services and venues.

August

• No significant events reported.

September

• September 14: Ontario begins offering a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster dose, targeting the Omicron variant.

October

• October 21: The province announces plans to expand eligibility for the bivalent booster dose to more age groups in the coming weeks.

November

• November 30: Ontario confirms its first cases of the new Omicron subvariant, leading to discussions about potential adjustments to the province's COVID-19 strategy.

December

• December 15: The Ontario government updates its COVID-19 guidelines for the winter season, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and booster doses.

Throughout 2022, Ontario's approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic evolved in response to changing case counts, vaccination rates, and the emergence of new variants. The province's efforts to balance public health measures with economic and social considerations were a central aspect of its pandemic response.