We are reopening slowly, yeah! We still have to be careful

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

Finally, we are slowly but surely re-opening Ontario and hopefully, soon enough, we can go back to our regular lives, where if someone sneezes on us, all we worry about is a common flu/cold.

Ontario is in the second stage of reopening. Many states in the United States of America have also started to open. But it is essential to keep in mind that although countries, cities and provinces are in the process of re-opening, it doesn’t mean we can go about doing whatever we want without thinking about our health.

According to Live Science, The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released additional guidance to help individuals reduce their risk of COVID-19. The basic rules haven’t changed: wash your hands, maintain social distancing and cover your face with a mask. However, CDC also provided some of the most detailed instructions yet for how to navigate everyday activities, such as checking out a library book or even hosting a party.

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said at a press briefing on June 12^th

“I know people are eager to return to normal activities and ways of life, but it’s important that people remember that this situation is unprecedented and the pandemic has not ended.”

We still need to follow the proper protocols to remain safe. The CDC explained that in general, the more closely you interact with others, the longer the interaction lasts and the greater the number of people you interact with, the higher your risk of getting COVID-19. They also stated that indoor activities are riskier than outdoor activities, and people should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) between themselves and others, as well as wearing face coverings, to cut the risk of COVID-19 spread.

According to the Government of Ontario, Ontario is gradually reopening businesses, services and public spaces on a regional basis as progress is made in the fight against COVID-19. The Government of Ontario website states, “We are reopening Ontario in three stages. Through all stages, public health and safety will remain the number one concern, while balancing the needs of people and the economy.” There will also be time between the launch of each stage to assess conditions before moving to the next. Here is a recap of the stages:

Stage 1
Opening businesses that can immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health advice and workplace safety measures.

Stage 2
Taking a regional approach to opening more businesses and services such as restaurant patios, hair salons and swimming pools, as well as community, recreational and outdoor spaces, while emphasizing public health advice and personal responsibility. This stage of re-opening includes pools.

Stage 3
Reopening most remaining workplaces and community spaces, while carefully and gradually lifting restrictions. Public health advice and workplace safety guidance will remain in place and available. Large public gatherings will continue to be restricted.

One thing we know for sure is that Ontario is taking a regional approach, with regions that demonstrate readiness based on key public health indicators reopening first.

Most areas were allowed to enter the second stage last Friday, June 12^th, except for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, some regions that border the United States and those with COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant workers.  Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex, Premier Doug Ford has urged patience. He says the province will re-evaluate its readiness on Monday, June 22^nd.

For information on how to be safe during re-opening visit Live Science or Government of Ontario websites.