Ontario doctors encourage residents to continue following restrictions, as province enters Step 2

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Published June 30, 2021 at 12:48 pm

With Ontario entering Step 2 of the Province’s reopening framework, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is urging residents to continue following the rules in place.

“Now is not the time to let down our guards when we have come so far to respond to this pandemic as a community,” Allan O’Dette, CEO of the OMA, said in a news release.

In accordance with Step 2, outdoor gatherings are permitted for up to 25 people, while indoor gatherings are permitted for up to five people.

While indoor dining is still prohibited, outdoor dining has been expanded for tables of six people, rather than the previous limit of four.

Additionally, retailers have been permitted to increase capacity–essential stores can open to up to 50 per cent capacity, while non-essential stores can open to up to 25 per cent capacity.

Further, personal care services, such as hair salons and barber shops, are also permitted to reopen provided masks can be worn while inside.

As of Wednesday (June 30), three-quarters of adults in Ontario have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while more than one-third have been fully immunized.

However, while many are eager to see the Province advance to Step 3, the OMA is urging caution, and for residents to be mindful of what is permitted and off-limits moving into Step 2.

“Doctors also urge everyone to be familiar with what exactly is permitted when the province moves to Step 2 of its reopening strategy on Wednesday. The OMA is encouraged to see the province continues to move cautiously in its reopening plan and is following the scientific evidence,” reads a statement from the association.

Moreover, the OMA is encouraging everyone who is eligible to book a vaccine appointment, whether it’s for their first or second dose, as soon as they are able to.

“By continuing to follow public health measures and getting vaccinated, you will allow the health care system to respond to the significant number of patients needing critical services that have been delayed for so long,” O’Dette continued.

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