York Region’s top doctor wants to see provincial reopening plan accelerated as cases drop
With less than 48 hours until phase one of the province's reopening plan comes into effect, York Region's top doctor believes the Ford Government's plan is a bit too conservative.
"I have always believed the reopening plan is far too cautious, and I would hope that the province would actually accelerate its reopening plan, "says Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region Medical Officer of Health.
According to Dr. Kurji, we still need to open cautiously and continue to practice safe distancing while wearing a mask. Still, he says the gyms, restaurants, and personal care services were never the problem with spreading the COVID-19 virus.
However, the region did see a few outbreaks in these types of locations.
"But that was to be expected," he says. "And we were able to, by in large, control all those with good case contact management."
It is no surprise just how drastic the numbers are dropping. Tuesday, the health unit in York Region only reported 24 new daily infections. Compare that to 68 this day last week, and 277 new cases just a month ago on May 6th.
To date, 98 percent of the region's total infections (52,254) have now recovered, and the number of active cases sits at 265.
While cases continue to decline, the doctor's primary concerns now lie with the number of deaths among York Region residents.
"On a weekly basis, the number seems to be between 10 and 15, which is much too high," says Dr. Kurji.
"When we break down these particular deaths, we find that the majority of them are occurring in people who were not vaccinated or they may have received their first dose within 14 days of acquiring the COVID-19 infection."
With more than 30 active workplace outbreaks, the region says it's working on several strategies to get more vaccines into arms, including running mobile clinics in cooperation with employers.
Another option would allow for walk-ins at vaccination clinics after a survey showed 55 per cent of people who are infected right now said they would have been vaccinated "but just didn't get around to making an appointment."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
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.
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.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.