Wednesday, June 09, 2021

Progress and Jab News

I am pleased to say that our provincial war against the pandemic is inching toward some degree of victory. It may not be a rout, and there may be skirmishes to come, but I think we will appreciate the result well enough.

As I write this on Tuesday, Ontario has experienced fewer than 1000 new cases for more than a week, which is remarkable progress after a high of more than 4000 cases per day for more than 2 weeks in April. And . . . I just now had an update flash onto the screen that we were down to 469 new cases, the lowest count since September 26.

More than 9 million people have received their first dose while another 1 million have had 2 jabs. With more than 60% having been jabbed, the province is moving into phase 1 of the recovery a few days earlier than scheduled.

It is not just Ontario, but the whole country is getting there. Somewhat surprising, given our pedestrian start, Canada now has a higher percentage of first jabs (63%) than any other country except Malta and Bhutan. We are slightly ahead of early leaders, UK and Israel.

While we are still well behind in second doses, that is also changing. Sue and I have been able to secure appointments for next week, about a month and a half earlier than originally scheduled.

Kids over 12 are getting in on the action. As of Monday, Danica (14) and Jonathan (12), have their first jabs.

With cases down, shots up, second shots coming quicker than expected, and recovery timetable moved slightly forward, we are feeling more positive.

Patio dining will open on the weekend, which has Sue and me looking forward to breakfast by the river sooner than later, but it won't be this weekend.

20 comments:

Patio Postcards said...

It is all becoming more & more positive vaccine news in Ontario. I wonder what ever happened to the person in charge of the roll out after Retired Lt Col Hillier left ...

After the initial rush of the weekend, I think the first place I want to go for non essential in person shopping is Buck or Two, or Dollarama (lol).

Yeah to the Grandkids getting their first jab.

Barbara Rogers said...

What good news! Ours has been good this week also, and I'm feeling more inclined to be out in public again. It would be nicer if the rest of the world were also having such success. Our problem now is pushing for the rest of the people who had thought they wouldn't get vaccinated, to do so.

PipeTobacco said...

Very glad for you!!!!

PipeTobacco

Marcia said...

That is all good news. I'm hoping too that the border will reopen. We have a trip planned to Maine in September and would love to cross the border to Quebec, too. The state of things here in some states means that some of those states will stay off our list for travel for a long time.

gigi-hawaii said...

Congratulations. Good news! Take photos of your dining at the restaurant.

Marty said...

Definitely good news. I'm happy to live in the state of Massachusetts, (although the city closest to us has a sadly low inoculation rate) and very happy to NOT live in a state (of denial) like Alabama or Mississippi.

Margaret said...

That is wonderful news! Our cases are dropping here in WA too, but there are too many anti-Covid vaxxers like my sister-in-law. They're keeping the virus percolating which makes me nervous.

Mage said...

So pleased for you all.

Marie Smith said...

It is slow and steady for second vaccines here too. We are booked for the coming weeks. Yay!

Red said...

We can never trust "old covid" but I hope we're finished with it. We are fortunate in many ways. It could have been more deadly!

The Furry Gnome said...

Looking forward to those patios!

William Kendall said...

Mine is scheduled for month's end with a second in October, though the person who set it up said I can expect it sooner.

Bindu said...

It is looking good. More people are getting vaccinated.

Joanne Noragon said...

The whole hemisphere is happy, John. All of North America!

Vicki Lane said...

Things see to be better here too--despite the sad number of folks who refuse to be vaccinated. We are socializing more--with vaccinated friends, but I don't anticipate going to a restaurant any time soon.

Jenn Jilks said...

Congrats for you all! We're about in the same boat, except we were jabbed yesterday, Jos next week. we are getting there.

MARY G said...

I hope we will soon have vaccine to give away. This is a whole world problem.

Rita said...

Yes, things have been looking up recently. :) :)

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

That's great news for you and your family and many other folks there as well. We haven't heard when our grandchildren in RI will be vaccinated.

Christina said...

Vaccines are just amazing!