A return to more normal life on the way, says Tam

Canada's chief public health officer says results from COVID-19 vaccinations so far are encouraging enough that she thinks the need for massive lockdowns could be over before the end of the summer.

But Dr. Theresa Tam says some of the more personal measures, like wearing masks and limiting close contact outside our households, may be with us longer.

Tam says there are several factors that will determine when Canadians can return to something more closely resembling a normal life, including new COVID-19 variants and how quickly fast vaccines are injected.

LIVE: Federal ministers and health officials provide COVID-19 update https://t.co/6qgFiGMHIH

— Health Canada and PHAC (@GovCanHealth) February 23, 2021

Canada is aiming to vaccinate all who want to be by September.

But Tam says she is hopeful some of the most difficult restrictions could disappear even before that goal is reached, given the positive results vaccines are showing so far.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he is hopeful lockdowns won't be needed in his country after June 21, but Tam wouldn't put a specific date on that step for Canada.

I want to thank farmers for keeping the UK fed throughout the pandemic.

You do incredible work, all day, in all weathers.

My full message to the @NFUtweets Conference #NFU21: https://t.co/BYQXUQy8rA pic.twitter.com/I5M0Siyx3v

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) February 23, 2021