Chatham-Kent’s top health official agrees with the province moving into Step 3 of the reopening plan but says he's still concerned with the Delta variant's arrival.
As of 12:01 a.m. on July 16, the province will allow indoor dining, while gyms and other indoor attractions, like casinos, will reopen.
"Everybody is happy about the restrictions coming off but this is based on the presumption that vaccination rates will continue," said Chatham-Kent’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby. "We must not look back on that and continue moving to get as many people vaccinated as possible or else our progress will be jeopardized."
According to CK Public Health, two new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Thursday along with two recoveries, keeping the number at nine active cases. Dr. Colby said four of the active cases have been confirmed as being the Delta variant.
"It is 67 per cent more contagious than what we have been dealing with in previous variants," said Dr. Colby. "We have to make sure that people understand that even though restaurants are opening up, we can't have lineups and crowds of people gathered together."
When it comes to vaccinations, 75 per cent of adults 18+ in Chatham-Kent have received one dose, and 55 per cent have received two.
"Judging by our vaccination rates here in Chatham-Kent there are still lots of unprotected people, so we are vulnerable to Delta coming in here and creating tremendous mayhem," said Dr. Colby. "I am gratified by the overall low numbers in Ontario and the overall low numbers here in Chatham-Kent but the potential for the wheels to fall off is definitely there."
Dr. Colby said the vaccination rates show that we are ready for the next step in reopening but in order to curb the Delta variant from spreading, more people need to get vaccinated.
