Ontario reports 849 COVID-19 hospitalizations as it prepares to lift vaccine passports

Ontario is reporting 849COVID-19hospitalizationsas it prepares tofurther lift pandemic restrictions Tuesday.

The province also reported another 1,315cases of COVID-19, a drop from2,001 on Sunday and 1,335 this time last week.

Starting Tuesday, Ontarians will be able to gather in indoor public settings with no capacity limits and with no need to show proof of vaccination, though some Ontario businesses say they will still ask for itto ensurepeople feel safe and comfortable coming through their doors.

For one, Revue Cinema in Toronto said in a tweet that it will continue requiring proof of vaccination for all of its regular screenings and special events until April 4.

The theatre said it understands that many filmgoers have bought advance tickets to upcoming screenings "under the assumption that proof of vaccination would still be required," noting that it wanted to "honour that commitment."

Some public health experts are commending companies like these, and are advising establishments to keep proof-of-vaccine requirements.

At a recent news conference, London's acting medical officer of health, Dr. Alex Summers, said he "strongly supports the ongoing use of proof-of-vaccination policies" in settings where people gather or work in close proximity.

Niagara's acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, agrees, saying thatkeeping people safe from COVID-19 will "heavily depend" on the actions of individuals and organizations.

Meanwhile, masking requirements will remain in place for now.

Premier Doug Ford announced the changes earlier this month, attributing the move to Ontario's continuing downward trend in hospitalizations.

Here are some other key pandemic indicators and figures from theMinistry of Health's daily provincial update:

Tests completed in the last 24 hours: 12,116.

Provincewide test positivity rate: 8.9per cent.

Patients in ICUwith COVID-related illnesses: 279; 171needed a ventilator to breathe.

Newly reported deaths: Three, pushing the official toll to 12,433.

Vaccinations:31,684,081 doses have been administered to date. Currently, 93 per cent of Ontarians aged 12 and older have received one dose, while 91per cent have received two.