Calls to speed up Ontario's reopening plans grows as COVID cases drop in Ottawa and across Ontario
There are growing calls, ahead of Friday's Step 1 of the province's COVID-19 reopening plan, to speed up the pace of the plan.
As COVID case numbers plummet in Ontario, some experts say it’s time to re-evaluate the timelines.
At La Favorita on Preston Street, owner Nick Shallal is rushing to reopen his patio this weekend, but it won’t be easy with a busy first weekend looming.
"To arrange with the staff that’s been away for a while, it’s not that easy, but we’re going to make it I hope on Friday we’re going to be ready to go, full-scale patio," he said.
On Wednesday, Ottawa recorded another very low COVID case count and many neighbouring communities were down to zero, sparking a push for a faster reopening.
"I’m sinking. Every day that goes by that’s income I’m losing," said Sarah Cross, owner of Salon Bliss.
"Right now what’s happening in stage 1 is things that should be open anyway, and to be honest with you, looking at stage 2, that is what we should be looking at right now," said Dr. Sumon Chakrabarti, infectious diseases physician.
"And if we’re going to re-evaluate scientifically what’s happening on the ground, I do think this reopening plan should be significantly accelerated."
Hair Salons won’t reopen until July and limited CFL crowds outdoors won’t happen until August.
"It doesn’t make any sense. I have a lack of trust in our authorities telling us that we can’t reopen when scientists, doctors are saying there’s no reason for this," said Cross.
"The plan is definitely too slow when you look at what’s happening on the ground right now, we really should re-evaluate," said Dr. Chakrabarti.
Despite the low numbers, Ottawa’s top doctor said she supports a slower reopening.
"The numbers we see today represent activity that happened two weeks ago, and what happens Friday we won’t see the results until two weeks after that," said Dr. Vera Etches, medical officer of health.
The entire province is set to reopen Friday, 21 days later would be the earliest Ontario could move to Step 2 under the current plan. Step 3 would happen 21 days after Ontario enters Step 2, which would be late July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
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.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
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.
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.
'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 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.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.