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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.