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Ontario reopening plans on hold, as COVID cases continue to rise

A chart of COVID cases in Ontario
Ontario Ministry of Health

Daily case numbers of COVID-19 in Ontario continue to increase. For Sunday, they reached in excess of 660, the highest in more than a month. Health experts now say there is uncertainty in the weeks ahead as the colder weather moves in.

Of the more than 660 new cases, more than 300 are among unvaccinated people. The province's rolling seven-day average is now above 560, 100 more than a week ago.

Last week, the government of Premier Doug Ford hit the brakes on a further reopening, which was to take place Monday. Health experts said it was the right call.

No new restrictions are being called for yet, but the province’s Science Advisory Table is watching developments closely.

Dr. Peter Juni, head of the table, said Ontario should pay heed to where the coronavirus numbers have been heading in Europe.

‘Looking at the Netherlands, for example, it looks scary. And what could happen if we get ahead of ourselves is basically that case numbers are exploding and ICU admissions, hospital admissions will follow,” Juni said. "Right now we need to be alert, we need to react locally.”

Experts said there will be a rise in cases in November because of the colder weather and the already relaxed restrictions.

Many of the province’s medical officers of health experts agreed that the Ontario government should wait until warmer weather before lifting the proof of vaccination requirement. That was supposed to come in January.

A list of data explaining the current COVID situation.
Science Table COVID-19 Advisory for Ontario

BTPM's comprehensive news coverage extends into Southern Ontario, and Dan Karpenchuk is the station’s voice from the north. The award-winning reporter covers binational issues, including economic trends, the environment, tourism, and transportation.

Karpenchuk’s long career in public broadcasting began in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He currently works in the Toronto region.

He provides listeners with insights on Great Lakes issues, the arts, health trends and other topics that are important to our audience. His reports help listeners to better understand how residents on both sides of the border are impacted by issues and events.