As COVID-19 restrictions loosen across Ontario, there has been a lot of information to wade through recently.
Most of the Porcupine Health Unit enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen on June 25. Because the area is at a different step than the rest of the province, here's a breakdown of frequently asked questions about where the region is at.
What is the Roadmap to Reopen?
The Roadmap to Reopen is Ontario's newest reopening plan and consists of three phases. Each step is based on provincial vaccination rates and key public health indicators.
Ontario is moving to Step Two of the roadmap on Wednesday, June 30.
Why is Timmins and the Porcupine Health Unit behind the rest of the province?
Technically, the region is at the same place as the rest of Ontario.
The roadmap does not include an emergency brake like the previous colour-coded regional reopening plan. Medical officers of health can add to provincial restrictions with powers afforded to them under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
When Ontario moved to Step 1 on June 11, Porcupine Health Unit medical officer of health Dr. Lianne Catton issued a letter of instruction keeping the emergency brake restrictions in place for an extra two weeks.
The current letter of instruction with enhanced restrictions is being rescinded June 25 and the region, except for Moosonee where there will still be some enhanced restrictions, will enter Step One.
Catton has issued another letter of instruction for businesses and organizations that is effective Friday. It includes enhanced rules for collecting contact information from staff and visitors, rapid testing, and isolating requirements for people with COVID-19 or who have symptoms.
What happens when Ontario moves to Step Two?
The health unit has not commented yet on the announcement that Ontario is moving to Step Two early. Yesterday, however, Catton said it's too early to tell when the Timmins area will move on to Step Two.
The letter of instruction for businesses and workplaces indicates it's in place from June 25 until the medical officer of health rescinds it. It requires workplaces to "ensure strict compliance with all Step One rules and instructions."
It is not clear if this letter applies to social gathering limits, which would increase to 25 people outdoors and five people indoors under Step Two. TimminsToday has asked the health unit for clarification.
What data are the decisions based on?
While Catton's letter of instruction notes the growing vaccination rates, it also breaks down the concerning public health trends. The trends noted are:
- From May 1 to June 21, there were 1,353 COVID-19 cases reported in the region. That includes 437 people in the James Bay area.
- The overall infection rate increased by 278 per cent last month — from 93.5 cases per 100,00 people on May 1 to a high of 353.5 per 100,000 people on May 25. The rate is still high, at 101.9 cases per 100,000 people on June 21.
- The region is a hotspot for the more contagious delta (B.1.617.2) variant of concern. So far, there have been 30 confirmed cases — 28 in Tmmins, one in Iroquois Falls and one in Smooth Rock Falls. Catton says these are likely "only a tip of the iceberg" and more cases are expected.
- Since May 1, there have been 63 hospitalizations.
- Since March 27, there have been 33 outbreaks, including 20 in workplaces that led to 238 cases and 786 close contacts.
POLL: What are you looking forward to most about reopening?
What can I do under Step 1?
Step 1 reopening plans are focused on low-risk outdoor activities with small crowds. It will also permit more limited indoor settings to be open, all with restrictions in place. It includes, but is not limited to:
- Outdoor social gatherings and organized public event for up to 10 people
- Outdoor dining for up to four people per table
- Essential retail capacity at 25 per cent
- Non-essential retail capacity at 15 per cent
- Religious services, rites and ceremonies indoors at 15 per cent capacity and outdoors with capacity limited to allow for a physical distancing of two metres
- Outdoor sports training (not including games or practices), fitness classes and personal training for up to 10 people
- Day camps
- Overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites, including Ontario Parks
- Outdoor pools and wading pools
What rules apply to Moosonee?
In addition to the letter of instruction of enhanced rules for businesses, the restrictions that remain in place for Moosonee are:
- Grocery stores, convenience stores, and places that sell liquor can only operate at 25 per cent capacity.
- One person at a time is allowed into other retail sales businesses.
- Restaurants may open for takeout, drive-thru and delivery only.
- No indoor or outdoor sports or recreational classes are allowed except for identified sports teams, child care providers, mental health/addictions support services, social services or persons with disabilities.
Is Timmins in a state of emergency?
In Timmins, the state of emergency was lifted June 23. It had been in place since May 17 and was the second state of emergency in the city since the start of the pandemic.
How many people have been vaccinated in the region?
As of June 21, there were 24,104 people who had been fully vaccinated with both doses. There are 47,281 people who have received their first dose.
