BREAKING: 550 fully vaccinated healthcare workers to attend Habs-Leafs Game 7

"Following discussions with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Toronto Public Health and hospital partners, I am happy to announce that they have signed off on allowing 550 fully vaccinated frontline health care workers, including hospital and long-term care staff, to be invited to attend Game 7 of the series between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena tonight," Premier Doug Ford said in a statement released on Monday.

Ford added in a tweet that he could not "think of a better way to support the Maple Leafs in this critical game than having our health care heroes cheer them on in person."

The decision comes just hours after the province's sports an culture minister shot down the idea, saying that fans at sporting events were not allowed under Ontario's current vaccinate framework.

"With precautionary measures in place like screening, masking, distancing, enhanced cleaning and crowd control, public health officials are confident we can put these special fans in the stands safely and with minimal risk," Ford said.

All in attendance will have been fully vaccinated for COVID.