Key Takeaways:
- The highly contagious BA.4 & BA.5 Omicron subvariants are expected to be the main cause of COVID-19 infections in Canada.
- The wastewater signal may signify future rises in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, just as in Quebec.
Another COVID-19 wave has begun in Canada as summer festivities are starting, according to experts.
According to Dr. Christopher Labos, an epidemiologist and cardiologist in Montreal, “things can go significantly worse if we’re not a little vigilant and don’t take some simple efforts to attempt to prevent the spread of these variants.”
The majority of COVID-19 cases in Canada are anticipated to be caused by the more contagious BA.4 & BA.5 Omicron subvariants.
According to Labos, individuals may be more susceptible if more time has passed since their last vaccination dose.
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He also mentioned how numerous public health regulations, such as masking requirements, had been eliminated by Canada’s provinces and territories.
At this point, Labos said, “I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to wear a mask if you’re heading to be indoors with a lot of other people breathing the same air since it’s going to prevent the transmission of the infection and it’s a low-cost, low-risk way to accomplish so.
According to the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, COVID-19 concentrations in wastewater are now half as high as they were in April during the height of the previous Omicron wave and may approach that level in a few weeks.
“The data we’re viewing right now isn’t the best July news. The wastewater signal is significantly increasing, “According to CTV National News, Robert Delatolla, a professor at the University of Ottawa and expert in wastewater treatment and disease detection.
As in Quebec, increases in the wastewater signal may be a precursor to future increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
“I believe it’s beneficial in communication so that the public is informed and can decide for themselves what they’re doing. Whether they plan to mask once more, whether they attend particular gatherings or not, and whether they choose to mask or not, “said Delatolla.
Hospital staffing shortages are also putting a further burden on the healthcare system.
This week’s conference of the Canadian premiers in Victoria is scheduled to include a discussion of the issue and ongoing requests for the federal government to contribute more to health care spending.
Source: CTV News
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