COVID-19 (2019 Novel Coronavirus)

Current situation

For the latest information on COVID-19 in Halton region please read below:

• Class Order: To align with Provincial guidance, Halton Region’s Medical Officer of Health has made important amendments to the Class Order (October 5, 2020) under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. Effective 12:01 a.m. on June 16, 2020, the amendments revise and clarify self-isolation requirements to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the community. To learn more, please read the Class Order (PDF file), Class Order Fact Sheet (PDF file) or our June 15 media release.
• Accelerated second doses for residents who received the AstraZeneca vaccine: Residents who received the AstraZeneca vaccine for their first dose and wish to receive an mRNA vaccine for their second dose, are now able to book at a minimum interval of eight weeks through our online booking system. Residents who have already booked their second dose appointment at the 12-week interval are able to reschedule to an earlier date, dependent on appointment availability. Residents can also book appointments through participating pharmacies (external link) offering the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
• COVID-19 Vaccination Program Update – Accelerating second doses – June 14: Individuals who received their first dose before May 10 are now able to reschedule their second dose appointment (external link) to an earlier date through our online booking system. This also includes individuals who work in Halton who may have received their first dose at a Halton clinic (e.g., essential worker) and in addition to residents who are already eligible for the shortened second dose interval. Residents who received AstraZeneca as their first dose are able to book a single second dose appointment for an mRNA vaccine through our online booking system (external link) at a 12-week interval as per Provincial direction.
• Update on vaccine interchangeability (“vaccine mixing”) - June 14: The online booking system will now display which mRNA vaccine is being offered at each clinic. Residents are able to book appointments, or reschedule their second dose appointment (external link) and select a clinic offering either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at the time of booking. This means that residents who received an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) as their first dose, will be able to choose to book an appointment to receive the same or a different mRNA vaccine for their second dose through our online booking system. This follows recent recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) (external PDF) and additional guidance from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding the interchangeability of mRNA vaccines. Please note: While residents now have the option to choose their vaccine type, Halton Region Public Health cannot guarantee which vaccine residents will receive at the time of their appointment. Vaccine availability remains contingent on supply.
  • Learn more about mixing vaccine types.
  • Learn more about who is Currently Eligible for earlier second doses in Halton. 
• Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen:  Halton region and all of Ontario are now in Step 1 of the Province’s Roadmap to Reopen (external). For more information:
  • visit Halton Region’s COVID-19 Information and Guidance webpage
  • review Dr. Meghani’s instructions for shopping malls and retail businesses to keep staff and patrons safe (PDF file)
  • visit the Province’s Reopening Ontario webpage (external)
  • read Ontario’s June 7 news release (external)
• Our 311 call centre is currently experiencing high call volumes. The fastest and easiest way to book, cancel or reschedule your COVID-19 vaccination appointment is online (external link). If you have questions related to COVID-19 or our Vaccine Program please check our Frequently Asked Questions. We thank you for your patience and apologize for the inconvenience.
• Medical Officer of Health issues instructions to businesses: Halton Region’s MOH has issued instructions to businesses to help them respond quickly and effectively to the risk of a workplace outbreak. The instructions take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 8 and are in addition to existing requirements from the Province and Halton Region Public Health officials. View instructions for businesses (PDF file).
• Emergency child care: Local child care operators are supporting eligible front line and health care workers with children age four to 12 who may not be able to accommodate their child’s learning/care at home during the period where elementary schools are operating virtually. This targeted emergency child care program is offered at no cost to eligible parents. Learn more about emergency child care.