Chatham-Kent's top health official agrees with Step 2 of Ontario's reopening beginning June 30, saying the higher COVID-19 vaccination rates and lower case numbers justify the move, but he's still urging caution regarding Canada Day gatherings.
The province announced on Thursday that Step 2 of the Reopening Roadmap will begin a couple of days ahead of schedule.
Chatham-Kent Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said the immunization targets and other criteria in Step 2 that are designed to stop the spread of the virus set by the province were met.
"Full steam ahead I say," he added.
Colby noted that all of the provincial medical officers of health are also advising the province to proceed with caution when it comes to the eventual move to Step 3 of the Reopening, which would be tentatively set for 21 days after the move to Step 2.
"We're a cautious bunch. Our job is to keep the people of Ontario safe. We really just want to take a pause for a second and not move too quickly," Colby said.
As far as Canada Day goes, Chatham-Kent Communication Director Jim Blake said there are no municipally-sponsored Canada Day events this year but there might be some smaller private and personal events and fireworks displays.
Colby said the local health unit is keeping a close eye on indoor activities as Step 2 moves forward.
"I would just advise caution. We still have significant gathering limits in the Province of Ontario and outdoor gatherings are loosening up nicely that I think will allow a relatively normal summer with regards to outdoor activities but we are still keeping a close eye on indoor activities but until we're really out of the woods, we're not out of the woods," said Colby.
On Thursday, Chatham-Kent Public Health reported that the active case count is down to three, a drop of one from Wednesday. The number of outbreaks remains at zero. One resident remains in the hospital with the virus.
