THUNDER BAY – The head of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is disappointed with Ontario’s latest framework to reopen the province.
Charla Robinson on Friday said the two-tiered plan lets some businesses reopen, with capacity restrictions the week of June 14, but others, like hair salons and movie theatres, may have to wait until August if vaccination targets are met in time.
“For a reopening strategy, Stage 1 is basically status quo for many of the businesses that are closed right now – hairdressers, casinos, even retail is only 15 per cent capacity,” Robinson said on Friday, a day after the new rules were announced.
“I certainly would have liked to have seen more folks be allowed to reopen, but at very reduced capacities. Unfortunately, they’ve chosen to keep many places closed into Stage 2 and sometimes into Stage 3.”
Gyms also fall into the latter category.
Based on the timeframe, Stage 2 could begin once 70 per cent of the adult population has had one dose and 20 per cent of adults are fully vaccinated. The earliest it could begin would be June 26, according to the province’s 21-day requirement between stages.
Stage 3 will come into effect once the province, which scrapped the colour-coded regional framework, hits 70 per cent to 80 per cent of the adult population single-dosed and 25 per cent are fully vaccinated.
“It’s very disappointing for those businesses, who were really hoping to open in some way in June.”
It’s not all negative, Robinson said.
At least Ontarians have a goal to strive toward.
“It’s good to know what the metrics are. It’s good to know the 21 days between, so we’re not always wondering if we’re going to change this week or not change this week. It’s good to have that timeline, but it’s disappointing with the very limiting start.
Ontario is at present under a stay-at-home order, which was put in place in early April, extended from May 6 to May 20 and later extended to June 2.
Robinson is confident the province will hit the 60 per cent vaccination threshold in order to enter Stage 1 in mid-June.
According to the COVID-19 vaccine tracker website, 56 per cent of Ontarians 12 and older have received at least one dose of a vaccine. The province on Friday announced it would resume AstraZeneca vaccinations for second doses, starting in southern Ontario, but quickly ramping up to include all one million residents 40 and older who received a first dose before its use was paused on May 11 because of blood clot concerns.
“I definitely think that’s realistic. In fact, I’m hopeful that we’ll actually be able to reach that earlier. The sooner we can get started on this pathway, the better for everyone,” Robinson said, adding she’s hopeful those who qualify and have not yet booked an appointment will do so, knowing it could help speed up the move to Stages 2 and 3.
