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
BREAKING Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
BREAKING Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
How do you navigate the social media minefield with your kids?
Growing fears about social media's harm have sparked lawsuits against social media companies from hundreds of school districts in the United States and now Canada. CTVNews.ca wants to know whether your children are addicted to social media or if you have concerns about their usage of platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and X.