Eastern Ontario's top doctor wants Ontario to wait 21 days before entering Step 2
Eastern Ontario's medical officer of health wants the Ontario government to stick to the three-week timeline in the Roadmap to Reopen plan before easing more restrictions, to allow more time for people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Premier Doug Ford plans to meet with chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams to discuss whether Ontario can make an earlier move to Step 2.
Ontario's three-step plan released in May stated the province must stay in each stage for at least 21 days. Step 1 began in Ottawa on June 11, meaning Step 2 is scheduled to begin on July 2.
Speaking on CTV News at Five, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis said he would like Ontario to wait the full three weeks before relaxing the restrictions.
"I would stick to the 21 days," said Dr. Roumeliotis.
"We're seeing wastewater numbers go up in Ottawa, as well as in other parts of the province. We're worried about the Delta."
On Thursday, Ontario added Hamilton, Simcoe-Muskoka and Durham Region to the Delta variant hot spot list, which means adult residents in those areas are eligible to book their second vaccine sooner.
Dr. Roumeliotis said waiting the full 21 days before moving to Step 2 would allow the province to get the vaccination numbers up.
"So I think it's worth the extra couple of days of the sacrifice of not opening earlier just to give us enough time to be able to ensure the (COVID case) numbers are down and that we continue our vaccination process," said Dr. Roumeliotis.
"You know, we're vaccinating 200,000 people a day, so a three or four-day difference would make over half-a-million people given a second dose."
On Thursday, Dr. Williams said he would only consider speeding up Step 2 by "a day or two."
"There's an end to the journey in sight," Williams said. "Let's make sure we get there safely, rather than doing something careless or reckless along the way."
To enter Step 2 under the reopening plan, 70 per cent of adults need to be vaccinated with one dose and 20 per cent vaccinated with two doses.
When Ontario moves to Step 2, indoor gatherings of up to five people are allowed, along with outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people.
Here is a look at what's allowed in Ottawa in Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen plan:
- Outdoor dining for up to six people per table
- Essential retail at 50 per cent capacity
- Non-essential retail capacity at 25 per cent
- Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times
- Outdoor cinemas and performing arts with capacity limits
- Outdoor boat tour operators
- Outdoor tour and guide services with capacity limits
- Outdoor sports leagues and events
- Public libraries with capacity limits
- Outdoor waterparks and amusement parks with capacity limits
- Fairs and rural exhibitions with capacity limits
With files from CTV News Toronto's Sean Davidson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Eurovision Song Contest final kicks off after protests, backstage chaos and a contestant's expulsion
The 68th Eurovision Song Contest finally got down to musical business Saturday in the Swedish city of Malmo after days of protests and offstage drama that have tipped the feelgood musical celebration into a chaotic pressure cooker overshadowed by the war in Gaza.
Man arrested after allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Toronto police say a man has been taken into custody after he was allegedly caught trespassing at Drake's mansion in Bridle Path Saturday afternoon.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with Maple Leafs, dead at 79
Ron Ellis, who played over 1,000 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs and was a member of Canada's team at the 1972 Summit Series, has died at age 79.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.