Key Takeaways:
- Few public health rules restrict Canadians from celebrating Easter and Passover with family and friends for the first time in two years.
- Dr. Peter Juni, the outgoing scientific director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, entails utilising more than one rapid antigen test (RAT).
For the 1st time in 2 years, few public health regulations prevent Canadians from celebrating Easter and Passover with family and friends.
On the other hand, experts are encouraging Canadians to exercise caution and do everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
According to Dr. Peter Juni, this involves using more than one quick antigen test, the outgoing scientific director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (RAT).
He told CTV News Channel, “Don’t believe in fast testing on Sunday.” “We’re not sure how this works with [Omicron] BA.2 yet.” It’s not enough if it’s negative once.”
Also read: In the event of a strike, plans are in place to keep Kelowna General open
According to a February science brief published by the Ontario Science Table, RATs are thought to be less susceptible to the Omicron variation than they are to the Delta type. Furthermore, Juni stated that little is known about how these tests work when exposed to the BA.2 sub-variant. As a result, he advises Canadians to perform two quick tests to see if they are infected with COVID-19 before meeting with relatives and friends.
“Forget it; just one test isn’t enough,” Juni remarked. “With no symptoms, [take] at least two quick tests at least 24 hours apart.”
He suggested that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms avoid social gatherings and isolate themselves. Common symptoms are a sore throat, runny nose, a new or worsening cough, and exhaustion.
In addition to rapid testing, Juni recommends that individuals who can shift their festivities outside do so to improve air circulation. Indoor gatherings should keep the number of persons in attendance to a minimum, prevent congestion, and have adequate ventilation.
The Omicron BA.2 sub-variant has only lately become known in Canada and other parts of the world. While data suggests the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant is more transmissible than the Omicron BA.1 sub-variant, it does not appear to induce more severe disease.
At first, it looked that Omicron BA.2 was spreading slowly in Canada. Provinces like Manitoba and Ontario, on the other hand, have already stated that the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant is the most common strain circulating in their areas.
According to data obtained by CTVNews.ca, COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise once again across Canada. According to Juni, those recently afflicted with the virus or had their prescribed vaccine doses should be safe from spreading COVID-19 to others. He advised that those who haven’t been affected or haven’t received their vaccines should be especially cautious.
“Several patients have protection from BA.2, this new sub-variant, due to vaccination and recent [exposure],” Juni said. “For those of us who keep been infected recently, all we have to do now is make sure we don’t spread it and don’t get sick ourselves.”
According to statistics acquired by the science table, around 5% of the population in Ontario is now infected with COVID-19.
“If you go somewhere and mingle, you can be quite assured that there will be at least one person in the group who is now infectious.”
As a result, Juni claims that these suggestions are applicable beyond the holiday weekend. He recommends wearing high-quality masks like the KF94, KN95, or N95s. Juni recommends placing a medical mask underneath a fabric mask for a snug fit if none of these are available.
“All of it will help, and all we have to do now is wait a few weeks,” Juni remarked. “Now that I see we’ve reached the summit, I think if we’re all a little more attentive, this will already help.”
Source: Global News
Get Canada and Yukon’s top News, Market News, and other News of USA and worldwide only on yukonweekly.com
