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
Signs of Alzheimer’s were everywhere. Then his brain improved
Blood biomarkers of telltale signs of early Alzheimer’s disease in the brain of his patient, 55-year-old entrepreneur Simon Nicholls, had all but disappeared in a mere 14 months.
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.
Lyon-bound Air Canada Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner from Montreal turns back midflight due to pressurization alert
Passengers heading from Montreal to Lyon, France on Friday were forced to return home and depart the next day after a pressurization indication was detected in flight.
Oilers dominate Canucks, win to force deciding Game 7
The Edmonton Oilers avoided elimination from the NHL playoffs Saturday night, beating the visiting Vancouver Canucks 5-1 in Game 6 of their second-round series.
The eight most expensive homes for sale in Ottawa this spring
Ottawa's ultra luxury housing market is blooming like the tulips this spring, with a significant increase in the number of homes sold worth more than $2 million.
B.C. pipeline company argues its 'haulers' are not trucks, for tax purposes
A contractor working on the Coastal GasLink pipeline has been denied more than $333,000 worth of tax rebates because pieces of machinery it purchased – and claimed were not trucks – were deemed sufficiently truck-like in B.C. Supreme Court.
$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.
Usyk beats Fury by split decision, becomes undisputed heavyweight champion
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight boxing champion in 24 years.
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.