'I do think this is the right move,' Ont. doctor prescribes optimism as province moves to ease restrictions
The past president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) says he supports Ontario's plan to lift COVID-19 protocols, including capacity limits and mask mandates, but admits he's not letting his guard down just yet.
"I'm always going to be a little bit cautious, right, because that's what the pandemic has taught us, is that we should be cautious. Having said that, I do think this is the right move," says Dr. Sohail Gandhi.
"The message all along has been if we get enough people in our province vaccinated, then we'll be able to start easing restrictions," Gandhi says.
"And I also would point out that the restrictions in Ontario are being eased at a very slow rate compared to how restrictions raised in other provinces where they've unfortunately had to go backwards," he adds.
Last week, the Ford government hinted at possibly lifting mandatory masking and removing the vaccine certificate program.
While the former OMA president says this is realistic, the timelines aren't set in stone.
"We're talking about target dates," he says.
"These dates are set in such a way saying, 'OK, if things continue to improve, if our numbers stay low, then this is what we can expect.' It's a good cautious plan, and it's a plan that does allow for an extension of those dates if absolutely necessary," Gandhi explains.
On Monday, Ontario health officials reported 326 new daily cases, with the seven-day rolling average sitting at 372, down from 416 last week.
Currently, nearly 88 per cent of vaccine-eligible Ontarians have received at least one shot, while close to 85 per cent have received both.
According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 505 shots were administered on Sunday, and now more than 82 per cent of those aged 12 and older in the region have been fully vaccinated.
As restrictions ease, Gandhi says he'll continue to watch the daily case counts, including the newly infected and those admitted to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Gandhi points out that as COVID-19 cases trend downward, other infections that took a backseat last year are making a comeback.
"In my office last week, I saw a number of people with bronchiolitis. I've seen some people with ear infections. I've seen some kids with croup," he says, adding flu season is upon us.
"Because we know that the flu is really prevalent in December, January, and February, and so it's really, really, important this year, as it is every year, for everyone to get their flu shot as well," Gandhi concludes.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.