'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
Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Iran's president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were found dead Monday hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.
Canucks' Brock Boeser out for decisive Game 7 vs. Oilers: coach
Canucks star Brock Boeser will miss Game 7 of Vancouver's second-round playoff series Monday against the Edmonton Oilers, according to reports.
Investors watching posts from 'Crypto King' in the wake of fraud, money laundering charges
Former investors of the self-styled “Crypto King” say they are watching his social media accounts and worried his displays of wealth are signs he’s spending their money, even now, as another large expense tied to Aiden Pleterski has triggered a previously unreported lawsuit.