NEW ONTARIO RULES; TOO EARLY OR RIGHT ON TIME?
Although this is a positive development for those who believe this phase has lasted long enough, ... professional responded to this message by saying that the decision is risky and premature ...
Ontario is finally moving out of the Covid-19 phase with the new set of rules set to be implemented from March 21,2022. According to the new rules, mandatory use of masks indoors and schools, self-isolation or symptoms screening requirements even for children before going to school, amongst other rules are coming to an end. However, the guidelines still apply to patients, residents, visitors and staff in hospitals, care settings, long term care systems, jails and public transit users. This guideline relaxation is in a bid to come out of all pandemic requirements by end of April.
Although this is a welcome development by so many who believe this phase has gone on long enough and are very happy to be moving past it to what lies ahead, a lot of the residents of Ontario seem to have varied concerns on this new development including school students as some believe it is a bit too early to relax these rules especially amongst school children considering the risk associated with their daily exposure to other children in schools and still intend to wear masks even after the lift. Some medical personnel have gone on to share that the Covid risk is still high and the mask is a way of protection for people and their loved ones and as such should not be removed.
The Government in addressing the recent update on the Covid-19 rules mentioned that the use of masks is recommended, however it is up to the people of Ontario to choose whether to wear masks or not based on individual risk assessment as it is no longer mandatory, stressing on the need to move forward from this phase.
Further explaining, a medical personnel in the province of Ontario added that Ontario is being cautious compared to other jurisdictions such as Alberta and Quebec who have lessened their guidelines earlier than now and have not had a drawback which many fear may be the case in Ontario.
Reacting to this message, another medical personnel added that the decision is dangerous and premature as the previous waves have been followed by another wave and as such, a decision of this sort may be regrettable.
Amidst the various views on this, many are of the opinion that the coming weeks will be a determinant as to whether the new laws will be effective or there might be need for return to the drawing table for a new strategy especially with the news of a new variant emerging in Western Europe.