Novel Coronavirus

[Mendalla]

Here, even if the province dropped it, I think local councils and even health units could keep it in place with bylaws (council) or Section 22 orders (health unit). Though I imagine doing so would risk the wrath of Doug, since he will have made a big show of "no more masks".

 

[ChemGal]

Here, even if the province dropped it, I think local councils and even health units could keep it in place with bylaws (council) or Section 22 orders (health unit). Though I imagine doing so would risk the wrath of Doug, since he will have made a big show of "no more masks".

Kenney has already complained about municipalities doing their own thing. Dr. Hinshaw on the other hand encourages people to determine their own risks, as well as groups and she see municipalities as being a rather large group.

There was a question about areas with low vaccination rates - the answer was something along the lines of we expect to see covid outbreaks, especially in areas with low vaccination rates, but the hospital system in the province can manage the covid hospitalizations.

 

[ChemGal]

One thing that did annoy me about the individual risk aspect - it was brought up that we saw a large improvement of asthma related issues over the last year-ish and masking is a part of that so those with asthma may wish to continue to wear masks long term when in public areas.
That's though less about those with asthma wearing the masks and moreso the collective effort, masks, limiting contact, etc. that reduces the spread of things like a cold, strep throat, etc.

 

[KayTheCurler]

In my little corner of the world we have 0 cases!

 

[BetteTheRed]

Way down in my medium-sized corner of Ontario.

 

[Mendalla]

In my little corner of the world we have 0 cases!

Nice. We are still getting low single digits new cases but recoveries are high enough that out total active is falling. Not sure if we will ever get to 0 here

 

[Mendalla]

Ontario is moving into Stage 2 a week today, 2 days earlier than planned. Which, of course, means larger gatherings just in time for Canada Day.

 

[ChemGal]

Ontario is moving into Stage 2 a week today, 2 days earlier than planned. Which, of course, means larger gatherings just in time for Canada Day.

At least that's only stage 2.

With the reopening I'm trying to manage visiting family well. Chemguy's family is planning a gathering. I'm not super keen, but a BBQ shortly after reopening sounds better than something indoors a month + after being open. I just wish the 2nd doses were higher in the group. I'm trying to find out if everyone has at least had one, the person I thought was least likely to has one.

 

[KayTheCurler]

We, I heard, are expected to show up at a big gathering for a grandude's Grad. An event that will be tinged with sorrow about his dead cousin, and his girlfriend's dead cousin. There will be a Drive By of the Grads around the community as a scaled down ceremony. Hope the weather is good for that.

 

[JayneWonders]

Aah, @KayTheCurler I am sorry.

 

[Mendalla]

For Ontario residents and those just curious, this Global article has details on what Stage 2 actually means.

Ontario to officially move into Step 2 of reopening plan on June 30 | Globalnews.ca

As a result of promising COVID-19 vaccination rates and improving health indicators, more measures will be relaxed and more businesses will be able to open in Step 2 of the plan.

globalnews.ca

 

[ChemGal]

Ugh, Edmonton dropped their mask bylaw to go with the province.
I don't see why AB can't be 'open for summer' WITH masks.

 

[Northwind]

We were planning to stop in Alberta for a day or two on our way east. We're rethinking that with the complete dropping of public health measures. It may be prudent to see how it goes. It may be fine. It may not. Stay tuned

 

[Luce NDs]

Hubris and prejudice ...

 

[ChemGal]

We were planning to stop in Alberta for a day or two on our way east. We're rethinking that with the complete dropping of public health measures. It may be prudent to see how it goes. It may be fine. It may not. Stay tuned

I'm hoping that at least in the city a fair number of people will just mask up anyway. If you don't go inside anywhere all is good.

I'm open to backyard visiting or even bringing you into the lake depending on dates (new more relaxed guest policy was announced today, but still stricter than usual due to high use) although I'm guessing your route is further south.

 

[Northwind]

We'll likely be south of you @ChemGal. I will remember that though. We were thinking of buying some shoes in AB. They can wait. We're not opposed to stopping in AB, just cautious.

 

[BetteTheRed]

I can't imagine life without masks at present. I'm wanting to see that the new delta variant doesn't take hold, like it has shown signs of in Waterloo region, and forces us to face a fourth wave late this fall.

 

[Waterfall]

I can't imagine life without masks at present. I'm wanting to see that the new delta variant doesn't take hold, like it has shown signs of in Waterloo region, and forces us to face a fourth wave late this fall.

Bette, you're in one of the "hot spots" for the Delta variant unfortunately:

Accelerated second-vaccine eligibility expands in Ontario hot spots for Delta variant

More Ontarians living in designated hot spots for the Delta COVID-19 variant are eligible to book earlier second vaccine doses starting today.

toronto.ctvnews.ca

 

[BetteTheRed]

Yep, that's why I rebooked my second shot for 4 weeks earlier than originally, to late July. It actually postponed a dental appointment that I did want earlier, due to this date, but I'm keen on getting the second.

 

[ChemGal]

With the decreased number of cases overall, I would like to see major contact tracing efforts for the delta variant, as well as any other variant that seems to be especially harmful or less defeated by current vaccines.