What you need to know about the current COVID-19 situation in York Region

Medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes answers questions about the rising number of cases, masking, booster doses, family gatherings for Ramadan, Passover and Easter

Newmarkettoday.ca
April 13, 2022
Debora Kelly

In his weekly update on the COVID-19 situation in York Region, medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes answers questions about the rising number of cases, masking, booster doses and family gatherings for Ramadan, Passover and Easter.

He continues to urge residents to wear masks in all indoor environments and in crowds, in confined spaces with poor ventilation, or when in close contact with others.

What’s the status of the sixth wave in York Region?

The gradual rise in cases has ramped up to “a very significant increase” in transmission -- in York Region, as well as other regions in the province -- since the removal of restrictions, Pakes said.

According to wastewater data, we’re seeing case levels similar to the Omicron peak earlier this winter, he added.

However, while hospitalizations are also increasing, they’re not at the levels seen last January.

Do I need a fourth vaccine dose? What if I’ve had COVID already?

It’s particularly important for those 70 and older to get a fourth dose as they are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes, Pakes said.

“For everyone younger, it’s still important to get your third dose, even if you had a COVID-19 infection already, because it provides longer lasting protection.”

Fourth doses are available as early as three months since your last dose, he added, and help to prevent severe outcomes should you contract the virus, including being hospitalized, being admitted to the ICU “and worse.”

While appointments are required for the fourth dose, walk-ins are available for first, second and third doses.

How many boosters are you going to tell me I need to get?

“The answer is we still don’t know,” said Pakes. “We do know the immunity from the vaccine wanes over time. So it will depend how much COVID is circulating in the fall and whether or not there is a new variant.

“Whether this is something we will have to have every year, like the influenza vaccine, we don’t know yet. We are focusing on the now and our goal currently is to get through to a comfortable and healthy summer and avoid serious outcomes from COVID-19 and allow the health-care system to serve non-COVID patients, as well as COVID illness.”

Is it OK to gather with my family for the holidays?

“At Ramadan, Passover, Easter gatherings, protect yourself and close contacts by being up-to-date with your vaccinations,” Pakes advised.

Be sure to reschedule if you have any symptoms, he added.

“This is the time of year when many people also suffer from allergy symptoms, and it can be difficult to tell the difference between a COVID symptom and a common cold or allergy.”

Bottom line, always isolate if you’re feeling ill, he said, and use your free rapid antigen tests to determine if you’re positive.

“If you’re still not sure, wear a mask,” he said.

COVID is never going away, isn't it endemic now?

COVID is not yet endemic, Pakes said.

Why?

“We are still experiencing waves of infection as opposed to a predictable pattern.”