Experts calling for tighter lockdown measures before Easter weekend
Posted March 31, 2021 6:32 am.
Last Updated March 31, 2021 12:39 pm.
With COVID case counts rising at an alarming rate and hospital ICUs getting slammed, all signs are pointing to stricter lockdown restrictions across the province.
Since the last province-wide lockdown ended the COVID-19 situation in Ontario has spiraled out of control, with hospitalizations up 20 per cent.
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is calling on every region in the province to go back one stage in the colour-coded pandemic framework.
“I know how hard it is to even think this, but we all need to take one step back,” said OMA President Dr. Samantha Hill. “We have flattened the curve before and we will do it again.”
“For now, every region in the province should go back one stage. We can reassess frequently. Today, let’s keep our eye on the long game. Vaccines are here. Summer is coming. I believe in Ontarians.”
The OMA says that doctors remain troubled by the exponential growth of COVID variants across the province.
“Action needs to be taken now to get the third wave under control and save lives,” said OMA CEO Allan O’Dette. “We are asking all Ontarians to exercise an abundance of care and caution to stop the spread.”
Dr. Nathan Stall, a member of Ontario’s science advisory table, tells the Toronto Star the Ford government was too quick to lift past lockdowns and he expects tougher measures will be coming imminently.
“I’d be shocked if we were not in lockdown shortly before or after this weekend,” said Stall to the Star.
RELATED: Easter weekend: What’s open and closed in the GTA?
An announcement from the province is expected as early as Thursday when the province’s latest pandemic modelling is expected to be released.
Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday that everything is on the table to help curb the spread, including another lockdown, as he urged people not to gather for Easter.
“I’m extremely concerned on the situation that we’re seeing,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Also very concerned about seeing the age group, the younger people now in ICUs.”
Ford would not specify what new measures his government is considering, if any, but said he will consult the province’s top doctor before making a decision.
A new report from Ontario’s science advisory table suggests the third wave of infections is already worse than the second wave — with variants of concern now accounting for nearly 70 percent of all cases and more severe cases popping up among younger people.
The table called for a two-to-three-week hard increase in restrictions to cut off what the table’s scientific director, Dr. Peter Juni, says is an out-of-control spread.
The president of the Ontario Hospital Association, Anthony Dale, says the province could also face a new surge in patient transfers and cancelled surgeries. he stresses it is imperative that people continue to follow public health guidelines.
Dale tweeted on Wednesday, saying there are now 421 COVID patients in ICU beds across the province. It marks the highest number of COVID patients in critical care since the pandemic began last year.
“I am very concerned about the breakdown in social cohesion and the understanding of the risk and the sacrifice that is still needed to get us all through this safely together and without unnecessary death and harm and further massive disruption to hospital care,” said Dale.
Despite a ramp up in vaccinations in recent week, Dr. Juni says there is no way the province can avoid the burden of the third wave by only relying on vaccinations.
“We cannot get this under control with just the vaccine right now because we don’t have enough ready,” he said.
RELATED: Ontario bracing for 1.5M doses of Pfizer vaccine by end of April, Moderna shipment delayed
Toronto school boards announced the closure of six more schools on Tuesday, increasing speculation that schools in the GTA may be returning to online learning.
In an email sent to all principals and vice-principals on Monday morning, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) asked all schools to be prepared to make the switch to virtual learning should it be necessary.
Education Minister Stephen Lecce says spring break for Ontario’s schools will go ahead as planned next month, at least for now, drawing criticism for not providing enough clarity on the matter.
Lecce said the government will let families know if recommendations from the province’s top doctor necessitate a change to the break scheduled for the week of April 12.
Ontario reported 2,336 new COVID-19 cases and 14 additional deaths on Tuesday. It was the sixth straight day the province reported over 2,000 cases.
