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

Police renew warning to Ottawa demonstrators

Police renew warning to Ottawa demonstrators
Police renewed warnings to downtown Ottawa protesters to get out of the parliamentary precinct Wednesday, this time with the federal Emergencies Act in their arsenal. Officers walked along Wellington Street handing out notices to protesters encamped there, telling them they "must leave the area now."

Police renew warning to Ottawa demonstrators

Alaska harvesting depleted B.C. salmon: advocates

Alaska harvesting depleted B.C. salmon: advocates
Canada and the United States ratified the Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985 to manage cross-border harvesting,but it wasn't designed to deal with climate change and stocks that are in crisis, said Greg Knox, executive director of SkeenaWild Conservation Trust based in Terrace, B.C.

Alaska harvesting depleted B.C. salmon: advocates

Former boyfriend of Surrey teen Kiran Dhesi pleads guilty to her murder

Former boyfriend of Surrey teen Kiran Dhesi pleads guilty to her murder
Inside the vehicle was a deceased female body that had sustained injuries consistent with homicide. The female victim was dentified as Bhavkiran (Kiran) Dhesi, 19 of Surrey.

Former boyfriend of Surrey teen Kiran Dhesi pleads guilty to her murder

IHIT investigating homicide of a 30 year old male in Abbotsford

IHIT investigating homicide of a 30 year old male in Abbotsford
Abbotsford Police Investigating a Homicide on Simon Ave. Victim is a 30-year-old male. Investigators are in the early stages. No information to suggest the public is at risk.

IHIT investigating homicide of a 30 year old male in Abbotsford

519 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

519 COVID19 cases for Tuesday
There are 787 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 and 124 are in intensive care. In the past 24 hours, two new deaths (Northern Health) have been reported, for an overall total of 2,766.

519 COVID19 cases for Tuesday

Vancouver man gets life for 2017 murder: police

Vancouver man gets life for 2017 murder: police
Police say the 61-year-old Kunik died in February 2017 after being stabbed repeatedly while he was alone on the Stanley Park seawall. The department says Lagimodiere was arrested 11 months after the death.    

Vancouver man gets life for 2017 murder: police