Ontario Is Changing Its Isolation Rules For When You Come In Contact With COVID-19

On March 9, 2022, the Ontario government announced that it would be lifting isolation requirements for many individuals who come in contact with COVID-19.

As a result, those who are vaccinated, unvaccinated or immunocompromised and those who've tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days will not be required to isolate if they are a close contact.

Instead, all individuals are instructed to do the following for 10 days after exposure:

• Self-monitor for symptoms
• Wear a mask, and avoid activities where face-coverings would be removed
• Avoid visiting those with higher risk of illness or similar work settings

Isolation requirements for household contacts are also changing, with the new guidance allowing the following individuals to avoid self-isolation:

• Household members that have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days
• Household members that are 18 years old or older that have received their booster dose
• Household members that are under 18 years old and are fully vaccinated

However, household members who don't meet that criteria will have to self-isolate according to the current requirements.

"Due to the unique characteristics of the Omicron variant, case and contact management and isolation guidelines are being updated to minimize the burden to workers and families, while ensuring that our highest risk settings continue to be protected," the government said.

"We are able to make these changes due to the availability of rapid tests and the province's high vaccination rate."

It's worth noting that the new guidance defines a close contact as anyone you were less than 2 metres away from for at least 15 minutes, or multiple shorter lengths of time, without personal protective equipment.

The Ontario government also announced that mask mandates will be coming to an end in most indoor places on March 21, and revealed a timeline for when the remaining health measures will ease.