Canada is in 6th wave of COVID, says country’s top doctor

Canada’s health officials now say the country is in a sixth wave of COVID-19.

All indicators are showing a resurgence of COVID in Canada, with the chief public health officer urging Canadians to take action to protect themselves and others.

While the number of waves may differ in some regions, Dr. Theresa Tam says we are generally in a sixth wave, with case counts, wastewater COVID levels, and hospitalizations on a upward swing.

“Let me just emphasize: All across Canada — it doesn’t matter where you are, it’s very likely that Omicron variant, the BA.2 sublineage, is spreading quite widely in your community,” she said.

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While some degree of increased transmission was expected, Tam says, Canadians are urged to take a “vaccine-plus” approach with layered precautions to reduce transmission, protect vulnerable people, and ease the impact on the health-care system.

Several province had already declared a sixth wave due to a recent rise in cases.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization is strongly recommending all eligible people get a booster shot, which Tam also urges.

“Because the Omicron variant is immune-evasive, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are for less protection against this variant than previous variants,” Tam said, noting boosters can help increase antibody levels that wane over time after the second dose.

“The booster further increases vaccine effectiveness to over 90 per cent against severe outcomes.”

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Tam adds it’s vital people continue to mask to stop the spread.

“Whether it’s mandated or not, it’s just a really important thing to do,” she said, emphasizing ventilation and opting for outdoor settings are also key.

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Anyone with symptoms or who tests positive for COVID needs to stay home until they are better.

Tam says these measures are especially important as people gather for religious holidays like Easter, Passover, and Ramadan.