Two jabs or three? Ontario could change the definition of "fully vaccinated"

Plus, investigating "Freedom Rally" protesters and a big win for Canadian men's soccer [The Star] First Up [By Lex Harvey] By Lex Harvey Good morning. Here’s the latest on investigations into the “Freedom Rally” protests, changing the definition of fully vaccinated, and a big win for Canada’s men’s soccer team. DON’T MISS Dave Chan/AFP via Getty Images "Freedom" Rally [Ottawa police are investigating threats and desecrations as protests continue]( Several criminal investigations are underway into actions by demonstrators protesting vaccine mandates and COVID-19 restrictions in Ottawa this weekend, the Canadian Press reports. Protesters drew criticism for fastening an anti-vaccine sign to the statue of Terry Fox and standing and cheering on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial. Police are also investigating threatening behaviour toward police, city workers and other individuals. [Here’s what’s been happening](. - What we know: There have been no reported incidents of physical violence so far, but Confederate flags and Nazi symbols were spotted in the crowds. - Silver lining: An Ottawa soup kitchen has received tens of thousands of dollars in donations after [tweeting that protesters showed up Saturday and verbally abused staff and volunteers while demanding to be served](. - Susan Delacourt’s take: Holding a [mass temper tantrum in Ottawa disguised as a street party]( won’t end the pandemic. - Joy Henderson’s take: While Canada cracks down on Indigenous and Black protesters, white supremacists get a free pass. [Just look at the convoy](. R.J. Johnston/The Star vaccines [Should “fully vaccinated” in Ontario mean three doses?]( As restaurants, bars, gyms and other venues reopen at half-capacity today, some experts say it’s time to change the official definition of being “fully vaccinated” against COVID-19, May Warren and Kenyon Wallace report. With mounting evidence of the benefits of a third dose against symptomatic infection from Omicron, and decreased likelihood of hospitalization and death, there are calls for the province to up the entry requirement for indoor public spaces from two doses to three. [Here’s what you need to know](. - What we know: A pre-print study (not yet peer-reviewed) posted Friday found a third shot was about 61 per cent effective against transmission of Omicron and 95 per cent effective against severe illness or death. - Now what? Dr. Peter Jüni, scientific director of the provincial COVID-19 science table, said the definition of fully vaxxed should change in mid-February, especially with the [arrival of a new Omicron subvariant in Canada](. - Another angle: One infectious disease physician said “huge inequities” in third-dose rates make changing the definition problematic. He said vaccine outreach is a more “positive” way to encourage people than mandates. Steve Russell/The Star soccer [Canada beat the U.S. to take a big step toward the 2022 World Cup]( The Canadian men’s team beat their rival Americans for the second time in two years, solidifying Canada’s lead in its World Cup qualifying group. The team probably only needs a couple more points to officially clinch a spot in Qatar — which would be Canada’s first World Cup appearance since 1986 — but until then, it’s business as usual for coach John Herdman’s squad, Laura Armstrong reports. [Here’s the latest on Canada’s World Cup prospects](. - Go deeper: Brampton’s Cyle Larin scored his 23rd goal, making him the Canadian men’s all-time top scorer, passing Dwayne De Rosario’s 22 goals. - Watch: [Here’s how teammates and fans celebrated the big win](. - Joe Callaghan’s take: [The best of Canada was on display]( in a World Cup qualifying triumph over the Americans. WHAT ELSE “We just need a spark.” Business owners are [hopeful today’s reopening is the last](. This family spent a lifetime perfecting self-isolation. [They still caught COVID-19](. Famed blind lawyer Joy Luk has fled Hong Kong and [wants refugee status in Canada](. Canada [withdrew “non-essential” personnel]( from its embassy in Ukraine. I am Toufah: [The Toronto woman who stood up to a dictator]( and launched a West African MeToo movement. A drunk driver killed her children. [Now she wants Ottawa to strengthen victims’ rights](. ICYMI R.J. Johnston/The Star [Here’s how we got our hands on ivermectin from a covert network of Canadian doctors shilling disproven COVID treatments.]( PREVIOUSLY... Tony Bock/The Star JANUARY 31, 1984: A curious camel watched cross-country skiers glide around the Toronto Zoo. The skiers were promoting the Toronto Star-sponsored event Zooski, which offered free ski lessons, rentals and races. Those not up for skiing could tromp through the snow on camelback. Thanks for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at [firstup@thestar.ca](mailto:firstup@thestar.ca?source=newsletter&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=emailutm_email=6C53B63A8E3FAD70AD4EF13004527437&utm_campaign=frst_102907). I’ll see you back here tomorrow. [The Star]( If you're not enjoying these emails, please tell us how we can make them better by emailing newsletterfeedback@thestar.ca. Or, if you'd prefer, you can unsubscribe from this newsletter by clicking the first link below. [Unsubscribe From This Newsletter]( [Sign Up for More Newsletters and Email Alerts]( [Become a Star Subscriber]( [View in Browser]( [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Twitter]( Toronto Star Newspapers Limited. One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6. 416-367-2000 [PRIVACY POLICY](