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
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.