The new OMICRON variant now represents 10 percent of the new cases in Ontario. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore it’s more transmissible than the Delta variant.

“The projections from public health Ontario just received a few hours ago are that this will continue,” Dr. Moore told reporters. “It could become the dominant strain replacing Delta by the beginning of January.”

COVID-19 has to date claimed the lives of over 4,028 long term care residents in Ontario, and now as the new OMICRON variant takes hold, the province’s top doctor promises seniors will be a priority.

“We have reviewed all of our protocols for our long term care facilities, our retirement homes and for our hospitals, all the directives we’re strengthening them and you’ll hear further how we’re protecting our long term care residents, our seniors, with these strategies in the coming days.”

Anyone 18 and over will be eligible for a booster shot beginning January 4th.

And to counter reports of fraud, the province says beginning January 4th, only the QR version of the proof of vaccination certificates will be accepted.

It can be printed or downloaded onto your smartphone but for those who don’t have access to the technology, libraries, service Ontario locations will print them or call the provincial vaccine contact centre at 1-833-943-3900 to have it mailed.

As for holidays, the province is strongly advising limited get gatherings with only fully vaccinated loved ones.