North Bay’s top doc supports easing of COVID-19 restrictions
As of Thursday, restaurants, gyms and movie theatres can operate at 100 per cent capacity for the first time in nearly two years.
That news is something North Bay’s top public health doctor is happy to hear.
"Many of the indicators are in a downward trajectory and that’s really good news for everybody," said Dr. Jim Chirico.
But he is urging people to move ahead cautiously.
"It’s really important to find the balance between opening the economy and still protecting the healthcare system from being overwhelmed," Chirico said.
"I think that it should be the evidence at the time that would really inform that decision to remove masking and vaccine passports."
There’s also been a slowdown in the number of vaccines administered in the region, something that concerns the health unit.
"We’ve seen a plateau and decreased demand, whether it be first, second or third dose," said Shannon Mantha, the health unit's chief nursing officer.
"We continue to offer vaccine clinics in the five hubs across the region. In the coming weeks, we will be switching some strategies up, which will include more mobile and pop-up clinics."
There’s also hope more children ages 5-11 will get their first and second doses. Mantha told CTV News only 46 per cent of children in that age group have been vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.