'The numbers certainly justify it,' Doctor supports Ontario's early reopening plans
Daily COVID-19 case counts continue to drop to numbers not seen in several months, prompting the past president of the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) to support the province's decision to enter its first phase of reopening on Friday, three days earlier than expected.
"The numbers certainly justify it," says OMA past president Dr. Sohail Gandhi.
The OMA former president says the number of COVID-19-positive patients in intensive care has had a "significant decline" to under 500.
Gandhi adds that of those 500 patients, 30 are from Manitoba, "because we're in a position now where we can help other provinces who are struggling more than we are."
As the province slowly reopens, the doctors' main concerns are focussed primarily on the other impacts of the pandemic.
Gandhi believes more "forward-thinking" is needed, and the focus should pivot towards mental health and the struggling small businesses.
"Now is the time to be proactive," he says. "We really need to put a focus on the health of our small businesses, which are the engines of the Canadian economy because if our economy is good, then we can provide better healthcare to the population."
Starting Friday, the province will allow non-essential businesses to reopen with a capacity limit on customers.
The complete list of what will be permitted in Step 1 of Ontario's Roadmap to Reopening is available here.
Public health in Simcoe Muskoka health unit logged 54 new COVID-19 cases over the weekend.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.