'The worst is behind us': York Region medical officer of health halts regular updates on COVID-19

It's ok to relax a bit, but stay vigilant as Arcturus, with new symptoms, spreads

Yorkregion.com
May 1, 2023
Kim Zarzour

York Region’s medical officer of health has posted his last regular video update on the pandemic -- at least for now.

Dr. Barry Pakes announced this week that he will discontinue the updates -- posted weekly or biweekly for the last three years.

“It’s been difficult in so many ways, different for each of us, but I’m confident the worst is behind us,” he said.

That does not, however, mean COVID-19 is gone. We can relax a bit, he said, but not too much.

The virus continues to circulate in our communities, there are still dozens of patients in York hospitals, more across the province, and many preventable deaths, he said.

But Pakes believes it’s no longer necessary to provide regular public health updates taking stock of the pandemic and advising how to stay safe.

That’s because local COVID-19 metrics appear to be stable at low levels and immunity from vaccines, boosters and previous infections provides some protection -- especially with warmer weather increasing opportunities to socialize outdoors.

“You now know what to do to keep others safe and well: get the bivalent booster at six months as appropriate, wear a mask where needed and respect those who want to or need to remain vigilant ... and of course stay at home or mask when you have symptoms -- an important practice regardless of what disease we’re combatting.”

York Region continues to monitor wastewater and post metrics online at york.ca.

Public health is still offering vaccines and will remain vigilant, but Pakes said he hopes he won’t have to report back to the public on COVID-19 until the fall.

Here’s what Pakes says you need to know going forward:

ARCTURUS

This latest, and most contagious, variant originated in India, quickly spreading through two dozen countries -- and is now here in York Region.

About one third of cases are this variant and the growth is considerably faster -- 1.2 to 1.3 times more contagious than the previous variant.

While it’s more transmissible, Arcturus is not particularly concerning because it is not more severe and we are mostly immune to it.

There is a high level of vaccination in York Region -- well over 90 per cent -- and the majority have been infected with COVID-19. Hybrid immunity is still holding pretty much for everyone with the exception of people who are older or more vulnerable.

We are still concerned about it for those people.

PINK EYE

The latest variant is more likely to be associated with higher fever and conjunctivitis, or pink eye.

Pink eye is self-limiting and, in and of itself, not something to worry about.

It’s a symptom of many other viruses and on the symptom list for COVID from the beginning, just slightly more likely with Arcturus.

As is always the case, someone who has a fever, stuffy nose, cough or pink eye should stay home.

TESTING

If someone in the family has a stuffy nose and is going to be with someone who is older, frail, or immune compromised, then testing is recommended and you should reconsider the visit -- even if you don’t have a positive test.

MASKING

Levels of COVID-19 in the community are still quite high; it’s everywhere and you are likely to be exposed.

If you have vulnerable people in your social or family circles, you may want to wear a mask.

BOOSTERS

Those who are immunocompromised, older, frail or vulnerable should get an additional dose six months after their last booster and will probably need one in the fall as well.

Others who don’t have those risk factors, if vaccinated and boosted and have had COVID, may wait until the fall.

Those in the grey area -- in their 60s but not quite 65, if otherwise healthy and not at risk, should focus on washing hands and masking.

The booster’s protection against severe disease or death wanes slightly and you might get infected, but you’re still quite well protected, as far as we know, from severe illness and death.