Health Minister Christine Elliott reports that six million Ontarians have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
As of Thursday, more than 78 per cent of adults 18 years of age and older have received at least a first dose, with more than 51 per cent now fully vaccinated.
During the time period May 15 to June 12, there was more than 83 per cent of residents not vaccinated. Fifteen per received one dose, with a mere one per cent of residents fully vaccinated.
Ontario is currently in Step Two in the Roadmap to Reopen, though it at the vaccination targets need for the third step.
Health Minister Christine Elliott explains there are more factors to consider.
“We are continuing to follow those steps, and it is a combination of things as you know,” explains Elliott. “The number of people being vaccinated with their first and second doses is very important. But there are many other metrics that we are applying, and have always applied to determine if we can move from one stage to another. That includes the number of people in hospital and number of people in intensive care.”
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones discussed border control. She says Ontario is constantly communicating with the federal government. Jones believes we must proceed with reopening the border cautiously.
“Minister Elliott and I have been reminding them through conversations and letters that the variants are coming into Ontario through our borders,” says Jones.
Jones adds the Delta variant has been clearly more transmissible, causing concern not just in Ontario but internationally as well.
