With provincial numbers continuing to steadily decrease, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Chief Medical Officer of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU), is cautiously optimistic heading into the next phase of Ontario’s reopening plan.

In the EOHU, although 1 new case was reported over the weekend, there are currently no hospitalizations and no outbreaks.  Sadly, 2 deaths have been added since the last week, and their vaccination statuses are being investigated. 

Dr. Paul states that deaths due to complications of Covd-19, and hospitalizations have decreased dramatically once vaccination administration had begun.

There are currently 2 active cases in Clarence-Rockland, and 3 in the UCPR.

Waterparks, amusement parks, and retail stores are a few of the activities that Dr. Paul says that people will be able to enjoy again, with Ontario’s Step 2 of their reopening plan beginning wednesday june 30th at 12:01 Am. 

Step 2 will also include gatherings of 5 people indoors, 25 people outdoors, and re-opening of non-essential retail stores with limited capacity.  

Dr. Paul says that the health units will be able to observe the situation very closely, watching for any changes. In regards to vaccinations, Dr. Paul states that everything has been going well. Although there has been a recent decrease in Pfizer deliveries, it will be made up for in July, while the EOHU has also been able to get as much Moderna as it currently needs 

Of the approximately 179,000 doses that have been administered in the health unit, about 78 percent are 1 dose, while 27 percent are 2nd dose.

As of June 28th, 2nd dose appointments can be updated for a sooner date, for individuals aged 18 and up.  With this, the EOHU plans to create more clinics to provide more space and efficiency.

The EOHU is also working with social services in various areas including the UCPR to provide the vaccine in vulnerable areas and populations who cannot physically come to a clinic.

In light of Canada releasing their masking guidelines for doubly vaccinated individuals, Dr. Paul mentions that Ontario will follow suit. There will be a progressive plan that will culminate in individuals who have received both doses not having to wear masks or physically distance, and that masks will only be reserved in certain situations.

Eventually, all health measures will subside once there is a high enough herd immunity.

Youths aged 12-17 are encouraged to get their doses without an appointment, with Dr. Paul says that getting their first dose is essential, as currently only 52-53% of that demographic has received a first dose.

On a final note, Dr. Paul says that with summer around the corner, opening spaces that provide heat relief such as shopping malls, while still adhering to covid restrictions is a possibility, and is being taken into consideration.