Expert urges caution as COVID-19 transmission remains high
Summer is around the corner, and with the sixth wave of the pandemic appearing to slow, York Region's top doctor urges caution.
The medical officer of health, Dr. Barry Pakes, told CTV News that the pandemic is not over although this recent wave is easing.
"We are by no means out of the woods yet," said Dr. Pakes.
He noted that it is safe for those who are fully vaccinated and healthy to attend long weekend events but said people must be cognizant of those who are immunocompromised.
"In situations like that, when you know there's a person like that, or when you don't know where you're going to be in close contact with them in a confined space, you might want to wear a mask."
Dr. Pakes said medical experts are now looking towards the fall when many are preparing for future COVID-19 waves or other respiratory illnesses impacting Ontario hospitals.
He mentioned that a worst-case scenario would be a variant of the more severe virus, which would mean a renewed mask mandate or the reopening of mass immunization centres.
At present, Dr. Pakes said York Region is in "good shape" heading into summer.
"As good of shape as possible is where we want to end up. Transmission is still fairly high, meaning people who are still vulnerable are still worried."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Conservatives, NDP should be 'celebrating' EV deals: industry minister
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne says federal opposition parties should be 'celebrating' the recently announced electric vehicle deals, despite their criticisms the Liberals refuse to make public the terms and conditions laid out in the contracts.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
His SUV was stolen on Montreal's South Shore. Then he got a $156 parking ticket
A couple is frustrated after their SUV was stolen from Montreal's South Shore in March and they received a parking ticket for the same vehicle last week.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
Evacuation orders lifted in Fort McMurray Saturday as rain dampens wildfire activity
Residents of Fort of McMurray who were displaced over wildfire concerns were told to return home Saturday.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs abuse allegations: A timeline of key events
In the six months since singer Cassie filed a lawsuit against Sean Combs, a wave of similar cases and public allegations against one of the most influential music moguls of the past three decades have occurred.