Algoma medical officer of health optimistic as Omicron plateaus
While the region is not out of the woods with regard to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, Algoma's medical officer of health says there is reason for optimism.
"We're certainly still in the middle of this surge in Omicron cases as we've seen across the province," said Dr. Jennifer Loo. "The good news is that we're no longer seeing that same exponential rise, especially not just in the high-risk cases that we're reporting, but also in hospitalizations."
A gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions is set to begin next week, with a minimum of 21 days between changes to provincial public health measures. Loo said she agrees with that approach.
"For this particular virus, we know that what we see today in terms of illnesses and hospitalizations were likely the result of activities one to two weeks ago," she said.
"So that 21-day period gives us that buffer to see whether the measures we're taking now are having an effect."
At Sault Area Hospital, officials said they are preparing for the eventual return of non-urgent surgeries and procedures as it recovers from its latest COVID-19 outbreak.
"We have numbers in the high 40s of staff that are off that are COVID-positive, but we are managing," said Sue Roger, vice-president of clinical programs and chief nursing executive.
"It seems to be diffused across the organization after the original, or initial, outbreak in the emergency room."
Loo said we're in a better position now compared to March 2020, when there were no vaccines and limited treatments for COVID-19 – and when the only means of stopping the spread was restrictive lockdowns.
"It's been a rough start to January for many, but hopefully with the easing of the snow and the cold will come better days ahead," she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.