I am not liking these new restrictions but, I am liking the result. Well done Ontario. It is too early to make any assumptions. The province is working on a back log of tests ( 90,000 requiring processing as of Friday). There may be positive tests in that back log making today's total artificially low but we are down to 566 cases today. That's the second day in a row that numbers have been declining, keeping us down under 1,000 cases a day.
That's the right direction. That's the result of our re-commitment to physical distancing, masks and limiting our gathering. If we keep this up we will avoid the projection that takes us to above 1,000 cases a day by next week. I am cheering you on big time. As this rainy, cold day settles in, I know how tough this is. Gathering together inside, in the fall is the signature of this season starting with thanksgiving and it is all off the table. I have been walking around my house all morning wondering what else I can clean and if I will ever get back to my church family on a Sunday morning. Caught me off guard, today's sadness and angst.
But our focus needs to be whatever it takes to keep our economies open, our schools safe and our hospitals below capacity. That is why we are doing this. For the good of our communities. It's a difficult, selfless, coordinated effort that I hope we will never have to do again.
Here is a summary of what is new:
1/ The government has pushed pause on any further reopening of businesses, facilities, and organizations for an additional 28 days.
2/ They have also paused on all social circles. The social circle of ten no longer exists and has not been replaced with a smaller circle. The people of Ontario are being advised to allow close contact only with people living in their own household and to maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household. This means that we cannot gather on thanksgiving unless it is with the people in our household.
That ham in my fridge will have to stay there for now!
3/ People at risk, those over 70 years of age and those with underlying, chronic health issues should now act to minimize their risk of acquiring COVID-19 by steering clear of public spaces where the virus may be circulating and keeping away from upcoming annual gatherings such as Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.
Man, this is hard. Thus the blue mood on a rainy day.
Testing in the province changes today as well. Starting Tuesday, we switch to appointment-based testing at all Ontario COVID assessment centres. This will eliminate long line ups and provide certainty to patients as to when they can receive a test during the cold winter months.
Beginning today, there are no walk-in testing services at our COVID 19 clinics. The province will begin to set up mobile and pop-up testing centres for long-term care, congregate care, and other vulnerable populations. They will be expanding the number of pharmacies where people with no symptoms within provincial testing guidance can get tested.
Watch for updated testing guidance for children to help parents determine when it is most appropriate for students, children and their families to seek a test for COVID-19.
A simple runny nose is not a reason to be tested. I will outline a new list of symptoms requiring testing this week.
Watch for in-home testing that will hopefully be available on the heals of Health Canada approving these test kits. These will make it much easier for families trying to figure out when to send a child back to school and where to get testing in a reasonable time frame.
Moving targets everywhere! It makes this very confusing but let's keep it simple: Stick to your household contacts only. Wear a mask in all public spaces. Keep six feet away from anyone who is not one of your household contacts. Be of good cheer.....because this is already working to get us out of this second surge. Well done Ontario.
Anne-Marie
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