New public health orders are less than two days old in our province, but already people are questioning when the further loosening of restrictions will occur. That is because provinces like Saskatchewan and Alberta are starting to lift vaccine passport rules, while Quebec has outlined a detailed plan for reopening.
Saskatchewan and Alberta have announced their intentions to get rid of vaccination passports, mandatory masks and nearly all other COVID-19 rules in the coming weeks.
The proof-of-vaccination requirement, known in Alberta as the restriction exemption program, and capacity limits at most venues were no more Wednesday following an announcement by Premier Jason Kenney the previous day.
Masks will no longer be mandatory in all settings for children under 12 and for all students starting Monday.
Ontario's health minister says masking will be important for some time to come.
"We are not in the clear yet," Christine Elliott said Wednesday.
Ontario is tracking on a best-case projection, she says. The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals was down to 2,059 from 2,254 on Tuesday.
Ontario started gradually lifting restrictions on businesses and social gatherings late last month. The plan is to further roll back measures at three-week intervals.
Elliott says restrictions will be eased when it is safe to do so, but proof of vaccination and masks will be required for a while yet.
Dr. Jazz Atwal is Deputy Chief Provincial Public Health Officer for Manitoba. He says with public health orders set to expire on February 22nd, right now they are taking any plans for reopening in two week cycles. Dr. Atwal says just because one province does things one way, does not mean Manitoba's reopening plan will look the same.
"I think first we have to bring capacities back up to one hundred per cent," notes Dr. Atwal, referring to the fact many sectors are still at capacity limits. "And then we'd have to take those next steps there afterward."
Dr. Atwal says they are actively monitoring the trends, data and surveillance to determine their next steps, with the goal of continuing to reduce restrictions over the long term and into spring. And yes, that includes proof of vaccination (POV) cards.
"We'll have to look at gradually removing those restrictions on Manitobans and POV will be one of those things as well," adds Dr. Atwal. "Not at the present time, but we are looking at that and understanding what potentially might those impacts be."
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With files from The Canadian Press