Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canada is past peak of Omicron wave: top doctor

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Feb, 2022 10:38 AM
  • Canada is past peak of Omicron wave: top doctor

The country’s top doctor says Canada is past the peak of the COVID-19 wave caused by the Omicron variant.

"We are hopeful we are approaching a period of reduced transmission, allowing Canadians a chance to regain a sense of normalcy," Dr. Theresa Tam, chief public health officer, said Friday.

Tam released new national epidemiology and modelling that shows progress in key indicators, such as lab test positivity and reported cases.

Wastewater surveillance also showed the wave is on its way down. Tam said that modelling indicated the true number of infections from Omicron during the wave has been much higher than reported.

Tam said while there are reasons to hope, COVID-19 is still spreading at high levels and hospitals remain stretched thin.

"While Omicron activity has likely peaked, easing of public health measures could still lead to resurgence," she said.

Tam showed models around loosening restrictions. The data showed if restrictions are eased moderately, there could be a limited resurgence of daily cases with a potential for a slight increase of hospitalizations in the spring.

With a more substantial easing of measures, Tam said, there could be a large resurgence of daily cases, potentially exceeding prior peaks. That may not lead to a similar growth in hospitalizations, she said, because of the country's level of vaccinations.

"While a resurgence of cases is not unexpected given the characteristics of the Omicron variant, the good news is that current levels of immunity in the Canadian population are expected to reduce the impact of the Omicron infections going forward," she said.

Canada is ready to transition out of a crisis phase, she said. The country is in a better position to manage the pandemic without some of the more restrictive COVID-19 health measures.

She said people should continue to take precautions such as avoiding crowded places and wearing a mask when necessary.

"The cases might go up but as long as that wave of hospitalizations isn't as high we can probably cope with that. And with that comes a better balance."

 

MORE National ARTICLES

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas
Amita Minhas is described as a 36 year old South Asian female, 5’4” tall, 110 lbs. She has shoulder length black hair and brown eyes. There is no clothing description at this time. 

Surrey RCMP need public's help in finding missing woman Amita Minhas

Unvaccinated truckers delivering vaccines exempt

Unvaccinated truckers delivering vaccines exempt
Health Canada said the exemption covered individuals, including those involved in commercial transport, who are delivering, picking up or fixing medical equipment and supplies.

Unvaccinated truckers delivering vaccines exempt

Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine gets authorization

Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine gets authorization
Two of the vaccines already available use genetically engineered messenger RNA, which instructs cells to start fighting the virus. It never enters a person's DNA, but some have voiced fears that it could do that and mutate.

Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine gets authorization

PM defends Emergencies Act, court challenge filed

PM defends Emergencies Act, court challenge filed
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said using the emergencies law was a measure of last resort to bring an end to the illegal and undemocratic blockades that had harmed Canadians for nearly three weeks.

PM defends Emergencies Act, court challenge filed

Man in hospital with serious injuries due to gunshot wound: Surrey RCMP

Man in hospital with serious injuries due to gunshot wound: Surrey RCMP
Surrey RCMP officers conducted a search of the area surrounding where the male was located. The Integrated Police Dog Service and Air 1 were utilized; however, the scene of shooting has not been confirmed. 

Man in hospital with serious injuries due to gunshot wound: Surrey RCMP

Shots fired at a residence in Whalley: Surrey RCMP

Shots fired at a residence in Whalley: Surrey RCMP
Surrey RCMP General Investigations Unit has conduct of the investigation. Officers are in the area collecting evidence, including CCTV footage. The investigation is still in the early stages and a motive has not been determined. 

Shots fired at a residence in Whalley: Surrey RCMP

PrevNext