Elliott says ‘Green Zone’ not likely for Ontario despite optimism from Dr. Williams

By Lucas Casaletto

The province’s health minister isn’t nearly as upbeat as the chief medical officer when it comes to COVID-19 and the holidays.

Speaking on Monday, Dr. David Williams channeled his inner optimist, suggesting the entire province could be in the less restrictive ‘Green Zone‘ by Christmas.

Christine Elliott isn’t so sure.

“I don’t think it’s something we can count on at this point,” Elliott said at Tuesday’s COVID-19 briefing.

“We are watching the data everyday. We’re looking to see what’s happening in those areas that have been put into the control situation, particularly in Peel and Toronto.”

“I think he [David Williams] is being very optimistic but that is in his nature,” Elliott added.

She says Dr. Williams and his team will be coming out with more guidance in the next several weeks.

Williams’ assessment came with sharp criticism from health experts across the province as many called the move ‘impossible’, none more clear than Dr. Michael Werner, who tweeted “why is there such a disconnect between what Dr. Williams says, and what I view, you know, from my perspective at the bedside?”, he asked.

“It would be helpful if Dr. Williams had the perspective of us on the frontline when he’s providing the premier with his advice.”

RELATED: COVID-19 confusion – Breaking down Ontario’s colour-coded framework by region

Modelling data released by the province last week suggests we could hit 6,500 cases a day by mid-December.

Peterborough, Chatam-Kent and Algoma are among the public health sectors currently in the ‘Green Zone‘. Toronto, Peel, Halton and York all joined the ‘Red Zone‘ after experiencing a sharp increase in COVID-19 transmission and positivity rate.

“We are very hopeful that all of Ontario will be in a green situation before the holidays, but I don’t think it’s something that we can count on at this point,” Elliott said.

“If we want everyone to be in the ‘Green Zone‘ we all have to do our part.”

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