Sixth wave is 'much less predictable,' says expert
The difference between the sixth COVID-19 wave and others is its unpredictability, according to Dr. Susy Hota, an infectious disease specialist at the University Health Network.
In an interview with CTV News on Tuesday, Dr. Hota said eliminating COVID-19 restrictions across the province allowed further transmission of the virus.
"Mask mandates coming down means the opportunity for transmission to continue is greater. So this makes it much less predictable for us to understand what the wave will look like."
Dr. Hota noted that she is unsure if communities no longer having measures to stop transmission would prolong the sixth wave, especially with recent Easter and other holiday gatherings.
Before the long weekend, Dr. Hota said case numbers appeared to stabilize, but holiday get-togethers could result in a spike in cases.
"So that's what we're looking towards, is understanding in the next week or two what community levels have done and if we see a rise in hospitalizations and ICU admissions," said Dr. Hota.
ANTI-VIRAL MEDICATIONS
This newest wave comes as anti-viral medications become available in the province. Dr. Hota explained that the drugs could effectively reduce the risk of hospitalization of those at risk of infection but said the challenge is getting the pills into people's hands.
"I think there is some work being done already with some of the eligibility criteria changing last week. That's been helpful in having them available at participating pharmacies. Hopefully, [it] will increase the uptake of the anti-virals."
The criteria include those over 18 who are immunocompromised, anyone over 70, and those older than 60 who have had less than three vaccine doses.
With more people contracting the virus, Dr. Hota explained many could be infectious for eight to nine days after the onset of symptoms.
"It really depends from person to person. It's not going to be the same. Things decline towards the tail end in terms of the risk of transmission to others."
The infectious disease expert stressed that anyone infected should have improved symptoms and be fever-free for at least 24 hours before attending a gathering.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
The impact of Trump's lies in Springfield, Ohio
Springfield, Ohio was once a manufacturing hub. Now, people know it for Trump's comments at September's presidential debate, when he famously - and falsely - told an audience of 67 million people that Haitians eat their pets, echoing claims that had circulated on social media.
India protests Canadian government's allegation its home minister ordered Sikh activists targeted
India officially protested on Saturday the Canadian government's allegation that the country's powerful home minister Amit Shah had ordered the targeting of Sikh activists inside Canada, calling it 'absurd and baseless.'
Iran's supreme leader threatens Israel, U.S. with 'a crushing response' over Israeli attack
Iran's supreme leader on Saturday threatened Israel and the U.S. with 'a crushing response' over attacks on Iran and its allies.
Vancouver quietly proclaimed Chip Wilson Day as billionaire installed sign calling B.C. NDP 'communist'
On the same day Chip Wilson erected a controversial sign at his Vancouver mansion, the city was quietly honouring the billionaire and his wife.
'Election seems really close': Americans in Canada cast ballot ahead of U.S. election
Stephen Winters says watching the U.S. election campaign from Canada as a dual citizen is like a parent watching their kid play sports.
Spain to send 10,000 soldiers, police to Valencia after deadly floods
Spain is sending 5,000 more soldiers and 5,000 more police to the eastern region of Valencia after deadly floods this week that killed more than 200 people, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced Saturday.
Jury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid
A federal jury on Friday convicted a former Kentucky police detective of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during a botched 2020 drug raid that left her dead.
Orphaned squirrel who became social media star was euthanized after being seized from New York home
An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker's home, authorities said Friday.
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.