Most restrictions will lift after Step 3: Simcoe Muskoka health expert voices his concerns
One health expert in Simcoe Muskoka is voicing his concerns as the Ontario government announces its plan for exiting Step 3 of its reopening.
The news comes as Simcoe Muskoka's health unit reports a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, which Dr. Barry Nathanson said is not surprising.
"This is entirely predictable," said the Stevenson Memorial Hospital's chief of staff on Thursday. "This is a natural consequence of the loosening of restrictions that we have been living under for many, many months."
Nathanson, a critical care specialist, said the region would see "more transmission of the virus" as the province eases restrictions.
Step 3 came with fewer capacity limitations, more business reopening, and more gatherings permitted.
There is no step 4, according to officials. Exiting the third phase would mean a return to an 'almost' normal for residents and businesses.
On Friday, Ontario officials said most public health measures in place would be lifted when Step 3 comes to an end, except for passive screening, signage and safety plans for businesses.
Health Minister Christine Elliott added that wearing face masks indoors would remain essential "as the Delta variant is the dominant strain in Ontario, which is not the case with some other provinces."
The province initially said the third phase would last for at least 21 days and until 80 per cent of those 12 and older received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Currently, 69 per cent of eligible Simcoe Muskoka residents have rolled up their sleeves for their first dose. The health unit reports that 56 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Nathanson reiterated the need for residents to get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others, saying there is "reasonable cause for fear" of a fourth wave.
He pointed to the situation in hospitals and critical care units over the past year and a half. "We've seen a great deal of avoidable death and suffering," he added. "A logical approach to the balance of the risks and benefits of either being vaccinated or not would naturally lead, objectively, to the decision to be vaccinated."
The province did not offer a specific date for when Step 3 would end, but Premier Doug Ford said it could happen by mid-August.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
'I killed four people': Trial hears video evidence of Jeremy Skibicki at Winnipeg trial
“I killed four people,” alleged serial killer Jeremy Skibicki told two homicide detectives during a recorded interview played as evidence in his trial Wednesday.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.