This week we mark the third “anniversary” of the pandemic in Canada—but this year feels different.
During the first two “anniversaries,” varying degrees of restrictions were in place across Canada to slow the spread of COVID-19. As we mark the third anniversary, there are virtually no restrictions at all.
Index of COVID-19 Restrictions
Many Canadians have heard about the Consumer Price Index and how we use it to measure price changes. But indexes can be made to measure pretty well everything imaginable, including tracking the stringency of physical distancing measures during COVID-19.
Our COVID-19 Restrictions Index was developed to track the level of restrictions over time to better understand how they affected the economic, social and mental health of Canadians.
The index tracks 15 variables, including school, daycare and work closures, indoor dining at restaurants, and limits on social gatherings and capacity at gyms.
A score of 100 in the COVID-19 Restrictions Index denotes total restriction, while zero denotes none.
Some of the most stringent restrictions during the pandemic were implemented during the deadly Delta wave
The first anniversary saw Canada locked down to varying degrees during the “Delta” wave of the pandemic. More Canadians died during the Delta wave than any other wave to date.
In March 2021, the level of restrictions among the provinces ranged from 65 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 62 in Ontario to 35 in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Yukon (32) had the lowest level of restrictions nationally. The COVID-19 Restriction Index for international travel stood at 100.
That same month, the COVID-19 Restrictions Index for indoor dining measured 94 in Quebec, 89 in Newfoundland and Labrador and 73 in Ontario. Conversely, it stood at zero in Yukon and 12 in Nova Scotia and Alberta.
Restrictions were less stringent during the highly contagious “Omicron” wave
The second anniversary saw physical distancing measures still in place, albeit far less restrictive, during the “Omicron” wave. More Canadians contracted COVID-19 during this wave than during the four previous waves combined.
In March 2022, the level of restrictions in the provinces ranged from 26 in Prince Edward Island to 10 in Alberta. Nunavut (38) had the highest level of restrictions nationally. Restriction on international travel had fallen to 56.
The COVID-19 Restrictions Index for indoor dining in March 2022 measured 63 in Nunavut, 20 in British Columbia and 19 in Ontario. Conversely, it stood at zero in five provinces and in the Northwest Territories.
Life without restrictions today
This year, while COVID-19 is still with us, we have adapted and are better protected through vaccinations. This anniversary, while you will still see people wearing masks, especially at nursing homes and hospitals, virtually all COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. The COVID-19 Restrictions Index, therefore, is no longer updated.
In July 2022, the last month the Index was updated, restriction levels stood at approximately 11, with most of that attributable to international travel restrictions (56). For almost all other variables measured in the Index, such as school and workplace closures, indoor dining and social gathering, they all stood at zero where they remain to this day.
On this third anniversary of COVID-19, all Canadians can travel, gather, dine, go to school, work, the gym or a play, without restrictions.
Contact information
For more information, contact the Statistical Information Service (toll-free 1-800-263-1136; 514-283-8300; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).