Vaccinated people still need to follow COVID-19 precautions

Ontario’s top doctor said Monday that receiving the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine doesn’t mean recipients can relax and not following public health measures.

Although the vaccine may be life-saving by preventing severe infection and death, for now, it’s not life-changing when it comes to daily routines.

Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, said at a news conference Monday that people who have received one shot should still follow all existing public health measures such as masking and physical distancing.

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“People with one dose can still transmit, and the majority of people haven’t had one dose,” he said. “ICU admissions are going up. It’s time to stay the course.”

He added updated guidelines will come when a higher proportion of people in the province receive a vaccine.

For now, a first dose can give “self-reassurance, but not lack of responsibility for those around you,” Williams said.

Ontario has administered nearly 4.9 million doses of vaccine so far, which is about a third of the province’s population.