Entering Step 2 of Ontario’s Reopening Plan: What to Expect Locally
Written by Communications, June 29, 2021
With Delta Variant Circulating, Following Public Health Measures Key to Preventing Fourth Wave
Despite moving into Step 2 of the provincial reopening plan, Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that continuing to follow public health measures is critical as evidence confirms there are more Delta variant cases in the community.
“Currently, over half of our active COVID-19 cases are infected with the Delta variant,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “While our vaccination rates are strong for first dose, I am still concerned that our community is not as protected as it needs to be in order to prevent a fourth wave since two doses are needed against the Delta variant.”
While Step 2 of Ontario’s Reopening Plan takes effect at 12:01 a.m. June 30, Dr. Salvaterra noted that not all regions in the province are entering it due to the spread of the Delta variant. “We need to remain vigilant and proactive as the province embarks on re-opening while trying to speed up the access to second doses of the COVID vaccines at the same time.”
Peterborough Public Health noted highlights of Step 2 measures include the following changes:
- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people,
- Indoor gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people,
- Personal care services can operate where face coverings can be worn at all times, at 25 percent capacity,
- Outdoor dining with up to six people per table, with exceptions for larger households,
- Indoor religious services permitted at up to 25 percent capacity of the particular room,
- Outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of physical distance,
- Overnight camps for children are permitted to operate under mandated health and safety guidelines.
To prevent a fourth wave however, Peterborough Public Health reminds local residents that the following measures and recommendations have not changed:
- It is strongly recommended that only households or fully immunized residents sit together when dining.
- Indoor use of facilities for weddings, parties, and other social events is still prohibited. Outdoor use of facilities is permitted for weddings, parties, and other social events at 25% capacity.
- The Letter of Instruction issued to workplaces remains in effect requiring that employees must wear PPE (medical/surgical mask along with eye protection) when providing service or working within 2 metres of others (where no physical barrier exists). This applies whether staff are indoors or outdoors. A cloth mask is not considered PPE.
- Screen everyday before leaving your home for any reason, and stay home if you feel ill.
- Get tested, even if experiencing minor COVID-19 symptoms.
Seasonal residents are strongly advised to limit indoor guests to household members or fully immunized guests only. The 14-day self-isolation period recommended for those relocating to secondary properties in the Peterborough Public Health area is still recommended for those who are not fully immunized. Anyone living in Peterborough at this time is encouraged to get a second dose at one of our clinics as soon as possible.
“We must continue to navigate this second step of reopening very carefully, as the intention of the provincial reopening plan was to proceed gradually. That is why these instructions to workplaces and recommendations to the public remain in effect to help to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 by a worker and multiple households, in the event that there is an exposure,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “The intent is to protect the community and help keep businesses and organizations open for good.”
Peterborough Public Health has updated its website with the new provincial and local guidance for Step 2 at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391