<span style="color: #222222;">As Canada closes in on its targets to easing of restrictions in place since March last year due to the COVID-19, fully vaccinated individuals will be able to enjoy themselves in small groups outdoors and indoors without needing a mask or having to maintain social distancing.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">And, they'll be able to share a hug, have dinner together or even play sports outdoors without those requirements.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">These were among the s released by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on Friday, during a technical briefing that looked forward to a freer summer.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">But, the obstacle in getting there could be the Delta variant, which has health authorities calling for even higher vaccination targets to prevent a potential fourth wave of the pandemic later this year.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Chief Public Health Officer Dr Theresa Tam said during the briefing that their bottomline is that we just need to get as high as possible, as much as can past that 75 per cent goalpost for both first and second doses.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">PHAC's targets for loosening restrictions were 75 per cent of the population partially and 25 per cent fully vaccinated.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">That appears to be imminent, as nearly 66 per cent of Canadians have had at least one jab, including just over 19 per cent with both doses.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Earlier, in a statement, she warned Canadians to remain vigilant despite increase in vaccinations and get fully covered.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The second immune-boosting dose substantially lowers our personal risk of infection and serious harms, provides stronger protection against certain variants of concern, including the Delta variant and may make immunity last longer, she said.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">PHAC said, this advice was based on the current state and will be d as vaccination rates continue to increase and cases decrease.</span>