With the provincial proof of vaccination system set to end in just a matter of weeks, Chatham-Kent's medical officer of health is approaching the move with caution.
On Monday, Premier Doug Ford announced that, if public health and health system indicators continue to improve, proof of vaccination requirements would be lifted in all setting across Ontario on March 1.
In response to the change, Dr. David Colby said he's not necessarily in favour of it.
"I'd rather see it stay to be quite honest," he said. "But, this has got to be a provincial decision. I don't think we can make special rules to Chatham-Kent in regards to that."
Colby added that he has seen some people suggesting that it would be an advantage for businesses to keep their own proof of vaccination system in place.
"They will have that option after it ends in March. A lot of people may be more comfortable patronizing restaurants and businesses that still use vaccine passports," he said. "So we'll have to see how this really unrolls."
Colby did stress that the COVID-19 indicators are looking good and continue to improve, both locally and in a majority of other municipalities across Ontario.
According to Colby, Chatham-Kent's currently rolling day average is 31 cases a day, a figure that he said continues to decline. As of Tuesday at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, there are 14 COVID-19 positive patients, with five of them being treated primarily for the virus. Just one COVID-19 patient remains in the ICU.
Also on Monday, Ford announced that several public health restrictions will be relaxed as of February 17. This includes the lifting of capacity limits at indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required including bars, restaurants, gyms, casinos and cinemas.
Colby said although he understands the situation is improving across Ontario, he wasn't expecting capacity limits to be increased to drastically.
"That is what I think charged the province to be able to announce yesterday the relaxation of some of the public health precautions," he said. "It's a little surprising to me. It seems kind of fast but we'll see what happens."
Starting on Friday, Ontario is also expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to youth aged 12 to 17.
Meanwhile, another important tool in fighting the pandemic, Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid, was approved by Health Canada in mid-January.
Health Canada said Paxlovid pills can be given to adults 18 and older who are positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing mild or moderate illness, but are at high risk of becoming more seriously ill.
According to Colby, Windsor Regional Hospital is the nearest location in supply of the pills. However, he said it can be accessed by the local hospitals. At this point, Colby said there is a strict criteria for who is eligible due to limited supply.
"This will only get better," he said. "It's the same thing when vaccines first hit the bricks. We had shortages and very strict criteria as to who can get it. But that's opening up all the time."
