Saying the ”best defence is a lightning fast offence,” Doug Ford announced the province is accelerating its COVID-19 booster strategy.

”Nothing matters more than getting these third shots into arms.  To that effect, we’re urgently expanding eligibility.  As of Monday, everyone 18-years and older will be eligible to get their booster shot three months (84-days) after their second doses,” the premier explained.  

Those 50 and older, who’ve already booked an appointment at a longer interval can re-book by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 today, or through the provincial booking portal, starting Monday.

Pharmacies may provide boosters to those 18+ at the three month interval for walk-ins starting this Friday.

The province has already begun a holiday testing blitz by offering free rapid antigen screening at pop-up sites across Ontario, including high-traffic settings such as malls, retail settings, holiday markets, transit hubs and libraries, as well as select LCBOs.

Starting Saturday, capacity limits of 50% are returning to indoor sporting and entertainment venues with capacity greater than 1,000, as well as theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries, fairs, festivals and meeting and event spaces.

The provincial COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has released new data showing Omicron is now estimated to have caused 53% of all cases with a doubling time of 2.2-days.

The advisers will reportedly release new modelling tomorrow after giving the premier and his ministers a preview at today’s cabinet meeting, where the accelerated boost strategy was approved.