'In the dark': Fully vaccinated Ontarians want guidance on what's next
As our neighbours to the South receive clear guidance on what they can safely do once fully vaccinated, Canadians are looking for the same communication.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer says guidance is coming soon.
“This is in the jurisdiction of local and provincial governments,” Dr. Theresa Tam said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“They will be providing more details as to what people can do in their own context.”
Jason Reynolds has received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and is looking forward to a feeling of safety.
“You know, being able to protect my family, my friends. Hopefully, get back to some sense of normal,” he said.
For fully-vaccinated Ontarians like Reynolds, what happens next isn’t clear.
“I’d love to have some guidelines of what I can do, what I shouldn’t do — that would definitely be helpful. I feel that we’re all a little bit in the dark,” he said.
Jason Reynolds (Saron Fanel/CTV News Toronto)
When reached for comment, the Public Health Authority of Canada says they have “developed a framework for easing public health measures, which focuses on a gradual relaxation of measures based on both vaccination coverage and number of cases.”
According to PHAC, if cases are low and vaccine coverage is high ..., Canadians can look forward to small, outdoor gatherings with family and friends, and other outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and enjoying outdoor patios.
In the fall, "if cases are low and two-dose vaccine coverage is high, public health authorities will be able to lift more measures and Canadians should be able to do more diverse indoor activities with others outside your household, while still following some personal preventive practices, as recommended," says PHAC.
According to Toronto Public Health (TPH) data, more than 25 per cent of residents have received two jabs.
"Until COVID-19 rates continue to decrease, including the risk for the Delta variant, and most people are fully vaccinated, Toronto residents still need to continue to practice public health measures: wear a mask especially indoors, keep your distance from others you do not live with, wash your hands often, and stay home when you are sick," TPH told CTV News Toronto in a statement on Wednesday.
In Ontario, there’s an even higher vaccination rate.
“We’re getting more vaccines into people’s arms. We’re all going to hit 30 per cent today the second doses,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said.
Starting Friday, Quebecers who have received two doses will be able to gather inside without a mask. However, for Canadians in others parts of the country the only social advantage of being fully vaccinated is international travel without having to quarantine at a hotel or self-isolate.
“We’re going at a very, very cautious pace right now. Almost to a fault, quite frankly,” infectious diseases specialist Dr. Abdu Sharkway said speaking to CP24.
In contrast, months ago the CDC outlined clear federal-level guidance for Americans — those who are fully vaccinated can seemingly resume their pre-pandemic activities.
“Canada’s approach to lifting public health measures is a population-based approach,” a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) told CTV News in an e-mailed statement.
“PHAC will continue to work with provinces and territories to share the evidence and consider the best approach to make recommendations on adjusting personal preventive practices after an individual has been vaccinated with one and two doses of vaccine.”
Meantime, Canada is looking into a “risk assessment tool” to help guide Canadians on which activities are safe.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
B.C. serial killer Robert Pickton hospitalized after prison attack
British Columbia serial killer Robert Pickton was attacked and sustained life-threatening injuries in a Quebec prison Sunday in what officials described as a 'major assault.'
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.
Toronto Blue Jays fan struck by 110 m.p.h foul ball offered tickets, signed baseball by team
The Toronto Blue Jays have offered tickets and a signed baseball to a fan who says she was struck in the face by a 110 m.p.h (177 km/h) foul ball at Friday’s game.
Matthew Perry's death is being investigated over ketamine level found in actor's blood, reports say
An investigation has been opened into the death of Matthew Perry and how the “Friends” actor received the anesthetic ketamine, which was ruled a contributing factor in his death.
OPP continues to investigate boat collision north of Kingston, Ont. that left 3 people dead
Ontario Provincial Police continue to investigate a long weekend fatal boat collision on Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont.
Police in Ontario say suspects charged in armed home invasion near Toronto part of 'larger criminal network'
Police in Ontario say a group of suspects charged in an armed home invasion north of Toronto last year were driving a vehicle stolen in a carjacking in Calgary just one month earlier.
Stolen septic truck swerves through traffic, spike belt needed to stop it: Manitoba RCMP
A 29-year-old woman has been charged after police say she stole a septic truck from a Manitoba community and drove erratically on the highway.
Orphan orca's extended family spotted off northeast side of Vancouver Island
Members of a killer whale pod related to an orphan orca calf that escaped a remote British Columbia tidal lagoon last month have been spotted off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island.