WECHU wish list: Half of Windsor-Essex to be fully vaccinated before mask pull back
A 50 per cent full vaccination rate is what should be required before any easement of mask restrictions can be considered in Windsor-Essex, according the local health unit.
Medical officer of health Dr. Wajid Ahmed says a wait and see approach regarding true transmission is needed, while other countries around the world relax mask requirements.
“We’ll have to wait and see, especially when you are connecting with people in different settings,” says Ahmed.
Ahmed says the region is currently 25 per cent fully vaccinated, but notes he’d like figure that to increase before mask rules can be lifted.
“Outdoor setting versus indoor setting, people who you know or maybe people who are your friends or family versus people who are completely strangers in public space, private space,” says Ahmed.
Dina Misur of Windsor says she’ll keep putting masks on in public until more people get their vaccines.
“I don’t mind them at all, I haven’t had a problem with them from the beginning,” she says. “I think it’s wise to focus on fully vaccinated versus one shot because then you’re completely more effective.”
Beth Robinet says while she’d prefer not to wear a mask, she is willing to wait for others’ safety.
“It would be a matter of people starting to feel comfortable being closer together and stuff like that but it’s just going to take some time,” she says.
University of Waterloo public health professor Dr. Zahid Butt tells CTV News he believes masks remain important in preventing the spread of transmissible diseases, noting the Delta variant is a growing concern.
“If you are not wearing masks during this pandemic then you would see a lot more cases than what you’re seeing now,” Butt explains. “It’s more to err on the side of caution. You have to be cautious with this virus. If you give space to this virus, definitely it will spread.”
Ahmed says he’s “comfortable” with how many residents are currently fully inoculated against COVID-19, but stresses getting both doses will result in a speedier return to normalcy.
“If you want to celebrate, if you want to go out, if you want to hang out with people, get your vaccine, first and second dose quickly so we as a community can move forward quickly,” he says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.