Ontario's top doctor says it's time to learn to live with COVID-19
Ontario's top doctor says it’s time to "learn to live with COVID-19" as he anticipates the province is in for a much better spring.
"We have let our lives be controlled for the last two years in a significant amount of fear and now we are going to have to change some of that thinking," Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said Thursday.
Moore credited COVID-19 vaccines, especially third doses, and new antiviral medications, as the reasons why Ontario needs to shift to a more "balanced response" to the pandemic.
"I think we have to start to understand we have to learn to live with this virus," Moore said.
He said January has been a tough month on the province’s health-care system, but things should crest in February.
Moore said that trend is expected to continue in March, and by April "we will be heading to that low rate of activity in the community."
"When we reach that low endemic rate, that’s when we review all public health measures in play," Moore said. "No one wants them a minute longer than they have to be."
He did note that the introduction of a new variant, that is more transmissible or vaccine resistant, could change these predictions.
"I am hopeful and anticipating March and April having much lower risk for all Ontarians," Moore said. "I do see the risk going down, less and less, day-by-day, month-by-month, going forward, all the while staying humble in front of this virus."
Ontario will take its first step in the reopening plan on Jan. 31, allowing indoor dining and gyms to reopen.
Public health measures will then ease at 21-day intervals until capacity limits lift by March for most settings.
Moore's comments about COVID-19 come as health officials confirmed at least 3,645 people with COVID-19 are in hospital, including 599 people in intensive care units (ICU).
This is the first time the number of COVID-19 patients in ICU has been below 600 since last Friday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A 'tragedy that can't be measured': North Bay's forever chemical problem is also the rest of Canada's
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Trump heading to Jersey Shore to rally 'mega crowd' in weekend break from hush money trial
After a long week in court, Donald Trump is heading to the Jersey Shore. And his campaign says he'll be joined by "tens of thousands" of his friends.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Quebec woman buys lotto ticket from daughter's store, wins $1 million
A woman from Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Que. won $1 million in a Lotto 6/49 draw and she bought the ticket from her daughter's convenience store.