The City of Toronto is announcing that about 90 per cent of residents ages 12 and older have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a recent press release.

Toronto Mayor John Tory said it is a milestone for the city, as the initial goal by the Team Toronto vaccination task force was established in early November.

Further, the city announced that about 87 per cent of eligible residents ages 12 and older have received two doses, with close to 51 per cent of children ages five to 11 receiving their first dose.

These announcements are coming at a time when all elementary and high school students have returned to in-person schooling this winter.

According to a recent report from the Ontario government website, the Toronto District School Board has reported about 22 per cent of absentees in the first week of winter classes. This follows an extended holiday break during the height of the Omicron variant, and rapid antigen tests supplied for students prior to their return.

This list of absentees includes students and staff.

During the Ontario government’s previous announcement in December, it states that parents will be notified of absentees once it hits a 30 per cent rate – closures would be considered, but not immediately mandated.

More than 42 school clinics have been set up to increase the number of children and staff vaccinations as quickly as possible this month.

After several calls from childcare workers and educators, elementary and secondary schools will be provided with sufficient rapid antigen tests and KN95 masks for staff.

The Toronto District School board trustee of University-Rosedale Chris Moise was asked to comment on the vaccination uptick and the absentees. No comment was provided at this time.

Also, more selected neighbourhoods with lower vaccination rates than the city average will continue to see more large pop-up clinics.

This includes the Vax the Northwest campaign in the city’s North York community on Jan. 23.

Almost 2000 residents received their vaccines during the pop-up at York University’s Aviva Centre.

In addition to the larger clinics, Tory is also asking residents to visit the ongoing pop-ups at various malls in the city’ east and west ends.

On Jan.31, Toronto is expected to loosen some in-person restrictions, including universities and public areas like restaurants, theatres and arenas.

The city is hoping that it will reach its next milestone of 90 percent fully vaccinated residents in the coming months.

About 86 per cent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated, with close to 57 per cent having received their booster shot.

More details to come.