Dr. Nathanson: Unvaccinated individuals are 'dry kindling to a nearby and growing fire'
Stevenson Memorial Hospital's chief of staff says he's concerned hospitals will be overwhelmed once again as COVID-19 cases increase across the province and not enough people are getting vaccinated.
Dr. Barry Nathanson says health-care workers report a slow climb in admissions to intensive care units.
"As these numbers rise, the stress rises," Nathanson says.
The critical care physician says with the Delta variant dominating cases, the situation could escalate quickly.
"In a matter of weeks, the landscape can change dramatically," Nathanson says.
He points to vaccination rates and those reluctant or unable to get their double-dose.
"We still have approximately 25 per cent of Ontarians unvaccinated and, therefore, representing dry kindling to a nearby and growing fire."
Nathanson mentions the province's science table's modelling for the fall, which suggests another lockdown could be "unavoidable."
"The next few months are going to be key for us to see where we're going to end up," he adds.
Nathanson says the pandemic could become "more manageable" by limiting contacts and following health measures.
"We're already in the middle of a fourth wave, but we can have a huge impact on what that looks like inside hospitals and outside hospitals."
The Alliston doctor says reaching 90 per cent vaccination in Ontario will take changing the way society thinks.
"I think we'll get there. We do have to keep pushing," Nathanson says. "Vaccine certificates will have a role in that."
Nathanson believes misinformation is guiding eligible residents who are hesitant or unwilling to roll up their sleeves for the needle.
"The truth is that reluctance, when it's overcome it will pay off with a huge relief that comes with protection, safety and security of vaccination and increased opening of our society," he says.
Nathanson concludes with a plea for those who remain unvaccinated.
"Listen to the facts, listen to the studies, and the overwhelming real-world experience that we have with vaccinations and roll up your sleeve and get jabbed for Ontario and for Canada."
With files from CTV's Kraig Krause
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
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.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.