Public health welcomes reopening but urges caution in Simcoe Muskoka
While relieved for many small business owners who were able to reopen after months of being closed, one of Simcoe Muskoka's top doctors is reminding the public to continue to follow public health guidelines at all times.
Dr. Colin Lee, the associate medical officer of health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) says that he understands why many businesses saw long lines of customers but says we must stick to basics to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases.
"What we will be watching for is everyone to follow the stage one rules and not overstep them," Lee says. "We do need to reopen gradually and prudently."
Lee's concern comes as many areas across the province see a rise in cases identified as the Delta variant, which is approximately 50 per cent more contagious than the already more contagious Alpha variant.
The SMDHU doctor says that he supports the province targeting second vaccination appointments to communities where the Delta variant is most prominent.
One of those areas is Peel Region, which Lee says can have an impact on Simcoe Muskoka.
"That affects us because if we can control the delta variant there when our residents go down there to work or to shop or for leisure, then they have less of a chance of bringing it back to us," Lee says. "So it's really important that we try to suppress any delta variant dominance in those areas."
Lee says the SMDHU has begun adding more second dose appointments over this week and expects the situation to improve over the coming month. Saying approximately 10 per cent are now fully immunized, Lee says he expects a jump in the number of available appointments as supply continues to increase.
However, personal care services remain closed under the province's Roadmap to Reopen plan. While many in the industry are calling for those restrictions to be lifted, Lee says health officials need more data.
"I really feel for them. Those hair salons, those personal care businesses have been hit I think the worst out of all the businesses," Lee says. "I urge their patience. I think the province is doing the right thing by waiting the minimum three weeks."
According to Lee, this was the seventh consecutive week the SMDHU reported a decline in cases, with approximately 120 new infections expected by week's end.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Maple Leafs fall to Bruins in Game 3, trail series 2-1
Brad Marchand scored twice, including the winner in the third period, and added an assist as the Boston Bruins downed the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 to take a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series Wednesday
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
New Indigenous loan guarantee program a 'really big deal,' Freeland says at Toronto conference
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland was among the 1,700 delegates attending the two-day First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) conference that concluded Tuesday in Toronto.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.