Top Canada doctor issues omicron warning before holiday season

Dr Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public
health officer, urged citizens to take additional precautions as the
holiday season approaches, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and relieve the pressure
on an extremely exhausted workforce. The announcement comes amid rising COVID
cases in the country, and as the omicron variant begins to make its presence
felt.

She stated that individuals must take all the
necessary precautions, consider the situation, and make holiday plans
accordingly, to minimize risk while maximizing the layers of protection. The
healthcare fraternity in the country is meanwhile preparing itself for the
looming crisis to come after the holiday season.

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Canada has seen a 45% uptick in COVID
infections within a week with around 344 confirmed cases of the omicron variant
across 11 provinces of the country. Dr Theresa Tam has warned that these cases likely only
represent the tip of the iceberg. While health authorities in Canada are still
carrying out individual studies on the severity of the variant, there are no
doubts about its infectiousness. Accordingly, Dr Theresa Tam has concluded that if omicron
were to overtake Delta as the primary variant of concern, the entire healthcare
system would most likely be inundated in a short span of time.

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The government has already taken steps to curb the
spread. Provincial governments are putting strict measures in place to prevent
gatherings in cinemas, churches, and other venues. Vaccination drives have also
been increased, to ensure those over 18 receive the doses. Less than three
months after Canada lifted the travel restrictions imposed in 2020, it has formally
advised citizens against non-essential international travel.

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Jean-Yves Duclos, the health minister,
stated a strong desire not to see Canadians get infected or stranded abroad.
Dr Theresa Tam has, however, surmised that a rising number of infections is not linked to
travel. Community spread of the omicron variant has already been established in
several parts of Canada, and outbreaks have thus been reported in multiple
settings.