Don't let frustration with COVID-19 restrictions impede Omicron decline: York Region's top doc

Newmarkettoday.ca
Feb. 8, 2022

York Region public health is asking citizens to be patient with the pace of lifting restrictions and reopening businesses.

Medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes said in a Feb 7 video update that hospitalizations remain a point of concern. Although he said COVID-19 trends are on the decline, it will take some time to come down from a high peak.

He commented on the anti-health mandate protests in Ottawa and elsewhere in Canada, including a weekend rally in Newmarket. He said it is important not to conflate frustration with restrictions impacting businesses, and opposing “common sense” measures like masking and vaccination, “which have saved our society and economy and continue to be critical to our ability to reopen.”

The province lifted some restrictions Jan. 31 and Pakes thanked residents for following health measures to allow that to happen.

“This was welcomed by all and is a testament to the sacrifices so many of us made over the past month,” Pakes said. “Many York Region residents have trouble understanding why the reopening cannot occur immediately. You only need to look at the hospital care sector to see the answer.”

York Region has 102 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Feb. 4, and 30 patients are in ICU. Pakes said though those numbers are down, they are still far too full for the health sector to resume important non-COVID work.

Meanwhile, York’s wastewater data shows a continued decline in COVID-19 cases. However, Pakes said cases are still higher than at the peak of any other wave.

“It’s a long way down from such a high peak, but it is reassuring,” Pakes said.

“There is a consensus that reopening is critical to our mental health and the social fabric of society and our economy,” he said, adding we must work together to ensure the reopening is safe for restaurants, gyms, and other businesses. “We owe it to them to protect that recovery and continue to wear masks and adhere to measures in those settings. And, of course, get your booster shot.”

He said public health expects a resurgence of cases with the reopening, but vaccination rates can keep the situation in check. He said approximately 55 per cent of adults have received a third COVID-19 vaccination dose. Meanwhile, 83 per cent of residents aged five and up have at least two doses.

Pakes once again encouraged more vaccinations, noting York Region clinics now offer drop-ins and your choices of Moderna and Pfizer.

Ontario is due to tentatively lift more restrictions Feb. 21 and remove all capacity limits March 14.

“Keep it up for just a little while longer,” Pakes said. “We can all look forward to the further easing of restrictions in a few weeks if the situation continues to improve.”