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
Countries struggle to draft 'pandemic treaty' to avoid mistakes made during COVID
After the coronavirus pandemic triggered once-unthinkable lockdowns, upended economies and killed millions, leaders at the World Health Organization and worldwide vowed to do better in the future. Years later, countries are still struggling to come up with an agreed-upon plan for how the world might respond to the next global outbreak.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Oprah Winfrey: I set an unrealistic standard for dieting
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
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.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
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.
Whooping cough outbreak declared in Newfoundland
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.