COVID will now be treated just like the flu and other chest colds going forward.

It comes after the World Health Organization announced the virus did not require an emergency response any longer.

Dr. Robert Strang says the province is taking a more general approach to COVID as the fall flu season approaches.

“It is important to note that while COVID-19 no longer requires an emergency-type response, we continue to monitor COVID-19 activity and will adjust our plan as needed, as we do with other diseases,” said Dr. Strang. “As we begin to plan for the upcoming respiratory season this fall, we are taking a more general approach, integrating COVID-19 into our respiratory illnesses program. The same type of personal measures that protect us against COVID-19 will also protect us against influenza and other respiratory illnesses.”

Mandatory vaccination requirements will be lifted in places such as long term care homes and other facilities deemed “high-risk”.

Those high-risk congregate living situations include healthcare facilities, long-term care homes, correctional facilities and some facilities operated by Department of Community Services.

Meantime, the COVID dashboard will no longer be updated after this week, but officials continue sending out the monthly case reports for now.

Starting in October, COVID-19 data will be reported with other respiratory illnesses in Respiratory Watch, a document produced by public health.

It will initially be published monthly and then more frequently during respiratory season.