We'll likely all face Omicron infection this winter, Ontario doctor says
Peel Region’s medical officer of health says all residents will likely get infected by the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant at some point this winter.
Dr. Lawrence Loh spoke at Brampton’s COVID-19 press briefing on Wednesday morning and said most people will likely become ill from the coronavirus variant that is rapidly spreading across the province.
“Given how transmissible and widespread this disease is, it's likely that we will all face Omicron infection at some point in the winter. That said, we can get through this together by reducing our own risk of severe outcomes by getting vaccinated and sticking to these precautions,” he said.
Loh reiterated that the best defence against the virus is getting vaccinated and following other health measures, such as masking, physical distancing and reducing contact with others.
“The data is clear, however, that those in our community who remain unvaccinated are six times more likely to end up being hospitalized and 10 times more likely to end up in ICU (intensive care units). So my message today is clear, get vaccinated,” Loh said.
While Loh emphasized vaccination as the key tool in fighting the virus, health officials continue to stress that people should still take all the measures they can to avoid contracting it and thereby spreading it to others in the community who are at risk, including unvaccinated children, those who can’t get vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems.
Yesterday, the Ontario Hospital Association said a record 80 adults were admitted to ICUs, the highest single-day tally observed throughout the pandemic.
More than 3,400 people were hospitalized with the virus on Wednesday, including a total of 505 in ICUs, compared to 288 ICU patients a week ago.
Two years into the pandemic, Loh said the focus now is less about preventing COVID-19 infection but reducing one’s chances of getting severely ill.
“If you are vaccinated, especially with two doses, and three if you're older, then your risk is much more manageable in our current context.”
Loh continues to urge parents to get their children vaccinated as students will be heading back to school for in-person learning on Monday, after pivoting to virtual learning for two weeks.
“We do have unique challenges in Peel because we do have proportionately more five to 11 year olds than other comparably sized health units,” he said.
“Please know that getting your children protected from these rare but severe outcomes during the Omicron surge will also help to provide peace of mind while also reducing the risk of hospitalization,” Loh added.
On Sunday, Brampton is holding a family clinic at the Save Max Sports Centre from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. for both parents and children to receive vaccinations.
Loh also addressed reports that some residents are turning down vaccinations after arriving at clinics for their appointment because they could not receive the vaccine of their choice.
He pleaded with residents to take whichever vaccine is on hand as both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are similar and effective at offering protection against the virus.
Officials in Toronto have previously said that about two to three per cent of people with appointments at city-run clinics are walking out after not being able to receive their preferred brand of vaccine.
“Walking out of an appointment for a booster leaves you at risk and wastes that appointment for someone else who could have otherwise accessed protection. So please, whether the brand starts with a ‘P’ or an ‘M’ make sure that you're getting vaccinated with the mRNA vaccine before you.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
Manitoba man sentenced to house arrest for keeping fishing tournament funds meant for Children's Hospital Foundation
A Manitoba man who pleaded guilty to keeping the funds raised from an ice-fishing fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba has been handed a sentence of 18 months house arrest.