COVID-19 live updates: Quebec will shut down bars, gyms and schools, limit restaurant hours as coronavirus case numbers soar

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Update: Our live coverage of this story has ended. Read the latest COVID-19 news.

Here are the latest COVID-19 and Omicron variant updates from Canada and around the world:

• Canadians across the country are clamouring for more booster shots and rapid tests to help shield them from the Omicron variant.
• Hospitals around the country say their testing facilities are under strain, with cases connected to the Omicron variant only expected to rise.
• Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly tweeted on Monday that she had taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. She is working in isolation until the result is confirmed with a PCR test.
• Quebec is bringing back tough new restrictions in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube announced that bars, theatres and entertainment venues will close as of 5 p.m. today, while restaurants will be allowed to remain open at reduced capacity between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.
• Moderna Inc. said a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appeared to be protective against the Omicron variant in laboratory testing.

10:45 p.m. ET

NHL announces league-wide shutdown from Wednesday to Christmas Day

The NHL and the National Hockey League Players’ Association have announced the suspension of all operations from Wednesday to Christmas Day amid an increase of positive COVID-19 tests.

The league and players’ association announced in a joint statement Monday night that all NHL team facilities will be closed until Boxing Day,

The league’s decision will result in five additional NHL games being postponed – all were scheduled to be played on Thursday. All four matches on Wednesday had already been postponed.

– The Canadian Press

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9:31 p.m. ET

Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and other provinces ramp up COVID-19 boosters as they try to head off Omicron surge

Canadians across the country are clamouring for more booster shots and rapid tests to help shield them from the Omicron variant.

While Quebec opted for a near-lockdown, Ontario is focused on ramping up delivery of third doses of COVID-19 vaccines, which substantially increase protection against Omicron infection, according to early studies. Saskatchewan and Manitoba have also opened booster bookings to all adults.

Yet Ottawa Public Health warned on Monday afternoon that its testing sites were experiencing an unprecedented surge, and couldn’t keep up. Testing capacity in Quebec is already maxed out, Health Minister Christian Dubé said.

– Kelly Grant and Mike Hager

8:40 p.m. ET

Provinces working to meet demand for COVID-19 testing as cases surge

A surge in demand for COVID-19 tests across the country is pushing some hospitals to their limit and causing delays in laboratory results, as growing cases of variant-related infections are driving more Canadians to get swabbed. Some public-health units are beginning to prioritize tests for vulnerable populations and essential workers as the system grapples with the increasing demand.

Some provinces where cases have not grown as quickly are working to increase their ability to test, ahead of an anticipated spike in Omicron-related infections. That includes Alberta, which is completing an average of 8,000 tests a day, with results for most tests available within 24 hours.

– Greg Mercer and Dave McGinn

8:31 p.m. ET

B.C.’s new COVID-19 restrictions now in place as active cases rise

In British Columbia, new restrictions ranging from limits on audience capacities for large venues to the number of people allowed to attend indoor personal gatherings came into effect Monday. Officials say the rules, which also prohibit New Year’s Eve parties, were being implemented over concerns that cases of people infected with the Omicron variant could overwhelm B.C. hospitals. The restrictions are in place until Jan. 31.

The province reported a three-day total of 2,550 new cases on Monday and three more deaths.

– Canadian Press

5:34 p.m. ET

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly tests positive for COVID-19 after taking rapid test

Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly tweeted on Monday that she had taken a rapid test and tested positive for COVID-19. She is working in isolation until the result is confirmed with a PCR test. Joly, 42, was named foreign minister in October and would be one of the most prominent domestic politicians to come down with the coronavirus.

– Canadian Press

3:37 p.m. ET

COVID-19 infections surge in Manitoba, province stops identifying most close contacts

Manitoba continued to see surging COVID-19 infections on Monday as it ended its role in notifying most close contacts.

Public health officials will no longer notify close contacts, said the province’s website. Confirmed COVID-19 cases will be asked to tell contacts themselves.

The change was made as the province prepares for increasing cases due to the Omicron variant to “exceed public health contact notification resources,” the website said.

In some settings, including schools, health-care facilities and personal care homes, officials will continue to work with staff to inform close contacts.

The province reported 807 new COVID-19 cases and six more deaths over the last three days.

On Sunday, it marked its highest single-day number since June with 333 infections. There were 200 on Monday.

– The Canadian Press

3:35 p.m. ET

Canada-US women’s hockey game cancelled amid growing COVID-19 concerns

An exhibition game between the Canadian and American women’s hockey teams has been cancelled.

USA Hockey said in a statement Monday the contest scheduled for the evening is off because of COVID-19 concerns.

Canada and the U.S. have been taking part in a nine-game Rivalry Series ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

– The Canadian Press

1:35 p.m. ET

Quebec brings back tough health measures as COVID-19 case numbers soar

Amid rapidly growing COVID-19 cases, Quebec is bringing back tough new restrictions in an effort to stop the spread.

Quebec Health Minister Christian Dube called the situation “critical” as he announced today that bars, theatres and entertainment venues will close as of 5 p.m. today, while restaurants will be allowed to remain open at reduced capacity between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Elementary schools and high schools will close after today and in-person learning will resume Jan. 10, but schools will remain accessible until the holiday break for vaccinations or distributing rapid tests to students.

Spectators will not be permitted to attend professional or amateur sporting events, and gyms and spas will also shutter.

Remote work, which before was recommended by authorities, will now be mandatory.

Quebec reported 4,571 COVID-19 cases today, a new single day record since the beginning of the pandemic.

– The Canadian Press

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1:25 p.m. ET

Raptors stop team practices as a precaution due to COVID-19 concerns

The Toronto Raptors have stopped practising as a team, instead working with coaches individually.

It’s a precautionary measure being introduced as Toronto’s game against Orlando on Monday night was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak on the Magic.

The Raptors have also been touched by the coronavirus, with all-star forward Pascal Siakam and rookie Dalano Banton entering the NBA’s COVID-19 protocol.

Toronto’s new practice regimen will feature just one player and one coach drilling at one net at a time.

Toronto’s next game is Wednesday in Chicago.

– The Canadian Press

1:20 p.m. ET

Ontario theatres cancel shows amid new restrictions to combat Omicron COVID-19 variant

A wave of show cancellations is rippling through Toronto’s theatre district and beyond as Ontario production companies contend with a rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant.

Mirvish Productions announced Sunday that the North American premiere of its eagerly anticipated Tom Stoppard play “Leopoldstadt” in early 2022 was being pulled from the schedule at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Performances were slated to begin Jan. 22 and run until March 13.

In Ottawa, plans to bring the acclaimed “Hamilton” musical to the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall on Jan. 4 have been postponed until July 12.

– The Canadian Press

12:40 p.m. ET

Royal Caribbean says 48 passengers test positive for COVID-19 on ship

Royal Caribbean Group said on Monday 48 people on its Symphony of the Seas cruise ship tested positive for COVID-19, fueling concerns that the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus could put a damper on a recovery in the cruise industry.

The cruise operator said it had 6,091 guests and crew members on board the ship, which ended a week-long cruise in Miami on Saturday after setting sail on Dec. 11.

The passengers who tested positive were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, Royal Caribbean said in a statement, adding that six guests were disembarked earlier in the cruise and transported home.

Royal Caribbean said 95% of the community on board were fully vaccinated, while 98% of those who tested positive were also fully vaccinated.

– Reuters

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12:30 p.m. ET

NHL shuts down Canadiens, Blue Jackets due to COVID-19 concerns

The NHL has shut down the Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets through its holiday break because of COVID-19.

The league said in a statement today the move was made “due to concern with the number of positive cases within the last several days as well concern for continued COVID spread.”

The NHL has now sidelined a total of nine teams because of the pandemic’s latest wave fuelled by the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

– The Canadian Press

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11:09 a.m. ET

Omicron variant is spreading faster than Delta and infecting the vaccinated, says WHO

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is spreading faster than the Delta variant and is causing infections in people already vaccinated or who have recovered from the COVID-19 disease, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

“There is now consistent evidence that Omicron is spreading significantly faster than the Delta variant,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing for Geneva-based journalists, held at its new headquarters building.

“And it is more likely people vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 could be infected or re-infected,” Tedros said.

– Reuters

10:43 a.m. ET

U.K. is set to bring in new COVID-19 restrictions after Christmas

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson may introduce new restrictions to slow the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant after Christmas, the Times and other media reported on Monday.

Britain has reported record levels of COVID-19 cases over the past week, with officials and ministers warning that hospitalisations are also rising.

A cabinet meeting on Tuesday had raised expectations new measures may be imminent, but media said ministers pushed back and that restrictions, lasting between 2 weeks and a month, were now more likely to be introduced after Christmas.

– Reuters

10:43 a.m. ET

Ontario reports 3,784 new COVID-19 cases

Ontario is reporting 3,784 new COVID-19 cases today and no new deaths from the virus.

The new figures are based on 44,123 completed tests.

Health Minister Christine Elliott says 865 of the new cases are in people who aren’t fully vaccinated and 138 people have an unknown vaccination status.

There are 164 patients in intensive care due to COVID-19, including 109 people on ventilators.

– The Canadian Press

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9:37 a.m. ET

Israel to ban travel to U.S., Canada over Omicron COVID-19 variant

Israeli ministers on Monday agreed to ban travel to the United States, Canada and eight other countries amid the rapid, global spread of the Omicron variant.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s office announced the decision following a Cabinet vote.

The rare move to red-list the U.S. comes amid rising coronavirus infections in Israel and marks a change to pandemic practices between the two nations with close diplomatic relations. The U.S. will join a growing list of European countries and other destinations to which Israelis are barred from travelling, and from which returning travellers must remain in quarantine.

A parliamentary committee is expected to give the measure final approval. Once authorized, the travel ban will take effect at midnight Wednesday morning.

Israel has seen a surge in new cases of the more infectious coronavirus variant in recent weeks, and began closing its borders and restricting travel in late November. Foreign nationals are not allowed to enter, and all Israelis arriving from overseas are required to quarantine – including people who are vaccinated.

– The Associated Press

8:37 a.m. ET

Premier Blaine Higgs looks back and ahead on COVID-19 decisions in New Brunswick

The premier of New Brunswick says in hindsight his province should have maintained some COVID-19 restrictions through the Labour Day weekend, rather than lifting the public health measures at the end of July.

Blaine Higgs says the decision was based on the information he had at the time.

“We followed recommendations very closely through the pandemic, and based on the facts, and based on our ability to manage it. That led to our opening,” Higgs said recently in a year-end interview with The Canadian Press.

“We thought we were out of the woods. We get 70 per cent vaccination levels and we’re good,” Higgs said.

– The Canadian Press

8:16 a.m. ET

World Economic Forum postpones annual meeting due to spread of Omicron COVID-19 variant

The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Monday postponed its annual meeting in Davos due to the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, putting off the event scheduled for January until mid-2022.

A month before world business and political leader were due to gather in the Swiss ski resort, its organizers said they had decided to postpone in light of continued uncertainty over Omicron, adding the event was now planned for “early summer.”

– Reuters

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8:07 a.m. ET

Rafael Nadal tests positive for COVID-19 after playing in exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi

Rafael Nadal tested positive for the coronavirus after playing in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, the Spaniard said Monday.

Nadal wrote on Twitter that the positive result came from a PCR test he took after arriving in Spain.

Nadal said he is enduring “unpleasant moments” but hopes to improve “little by little.” He is in isolation at home and everyone who has been in contact with him was informed of his positive result.

– The Associated Press

7:35 a.m. ET

Moderna says booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appears to be protective against Omicron variant

Moderna Inc said on Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine appeared to be protective against the fast-spreading Omicron variant in laboratory testing and that the current version of the vaccine would continue to be Moderna’s “first line of defence against Omicron.”

The vaccine maker said the decision to focus on the current vaccine, mRNA-1273, was driven in part by how quickly the recently discovered variant is spreading. The company said it still plans to develop a vaccine to protect against Omicron and hopes to advance into clinical trials early next year.

Moderna’s shares were up about 6.5 per cent at $314.42 in premarket trade.

“What we have available right now is 1273,” Dr. Paul Burton, Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer, said in an interview. “It’s highly effective, and it’s extremely safe. I think it will protect people through the coming holiday period and through these winter months, when we’re going to see the most severe pressure of Omicron.”

– Reuters

7:02 a.m. ET

European countries weigh Christmas restrictions as Omicron COVID-19 variant spreads through continent

Britain refused to rule out curbs on gatherings on Monday, a day after the Netherlands imposed a fourth lockdown prompted by the fast-spreading Omicron variant of the coronavirus and as other European countries considered putting a squeeze on Christmas.

Omicron infections are multiplying rapidly across Europe and the United States, doubling every two or three days in London and elsewhere and taking a heavy toll on financial markets which fear the impact on the global economic recovery.

– Reuters

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7:00 a.m. ET

Family fruitcake business Grant’s Bakery is spreading joy after a year full of COVID-19 challenges

Grant’s Bakery, a Quebec fruitcake business, has been in continuous operation since 1945, but its 75th anniversary last year went by unnoticed because of COVID-19.

The bakery’s calling card is its fruitcake. Founder Henry Grant used an old family recipe when he first opened. But it wasn’t until 1980, when his grandson, Richard, took over that the fruitcake line was expanded.

Fruitcake season begins with the tasting and ordering of raisins and candied fruits in January; the production line runs from June to December. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, the purchase of ingredients was already in place, however customer orders ended up being cancelled or greatly reduced. Service clubs are the main buyers of fruitcakes at Grant’s Bakery, and no one was holding fundraising events last year.

This year, the service clubs are back buying fruitcakes and grocery store orders are up. “We are on an upswing right now,” says Ruth Grant, fruitcake production planning manager. “It’s a long time coming.”

– Christinne Muschi

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6:55 a.m. ET

Vaccine booster eligibility expands across Ontario as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in province

Ontarians 18 and older will be able to book a COVID-19 vaccine booster through the provincial portal this morning, as long as it has been at least three months since getting the second shot.

The province announced Wednesday that it was expanding eligibility in an effort to bolster defences against the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Pharmacies were able to start offering the boosters to younger adults on Friday, but now Ontarians can make appointments through the province’s or a local public health unit’s website.

– The Canadian Press

6:00 a.m. ET

Northwestern Ontario scrambles to help the vulnerable as COVID-19 cases climb

Public-health officials and community agencies in Northwestern Ontario are bracing for an overwhelming holiday season as COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

At least 35 positive cases have been identified in Kenora, Ont., since Thursday, Joe Barnes, executive director of Kenora Chiefs Advisory, said on Sunday. There are more than 80 confirmed cases in the entire Northwestern Health Unit district, which includes Kenora. It’s the biggest spike the district of about 20,000 people has seen since February when the health unit reported 95 cases.

Ontario reported 4,177 cases on Sunday, with the latest modelling indicating that could quickly go up to 10,000 daily cases.

While health and social-service agencies in the northwestern district are working together to mitigate the spread, there’s worry over how long they’ll be able to maintain their services. Kenora’s vulnerable, unhoused population is at high risk.

“The staff are working long hours,” Mr. Barnes said. “Are we going to have enough isolation spaces, especially within our First Nation communities where there’s overcrowded houses and housing shortages already?”

– Willow Fiddler

More from The Globe and Mail

How has Omicron changed Canada’s border and travel restrictions? The latest rules explained

Where do I book a COVID-19 booster or a vaccine appointment for my kids? Latest rules by province

What we’ve learned about Omicron so far, including how severe illness from the variant appears to be

Everything you need to know about rapid tests, and where to get your hands on them across the country.

The Omicron COVID-19 variant has sparked global concern and prompted new travel restrictions. Here’s everything you need to know

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