Worst is likely behind us as Omicron wave cresting in Middlesex-London
After descending deeper and deeper into the COVID-19 Omicron wave during the previous six weeks, London and Middlesex County appear to be turning the corner.
As with the previous waves of the pandemic, spread of the Omicron variant now appears to have peaked, based on the positivity rate detected through testing.
“COVID-19 rates continue to be high in our region, however, some early indications are consistently suggesting that we are seeing a plateau in the burden of illness in our community,” Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers told a media briefing on Tuesday.
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is reporting 166 COVID-19 patients, 24 in critical care, but illness among healthcare workers is now declining.
“We have definitely seen a reduction in the number of staff and physicians at LHSC that are positive for COVID,” explained Dr. Adam Dukelow. “Today’s number is 374. Ten or 11 days ago we were above the 500 mark.”
Dr. Summers credits a reduction in people’s mobility and close contacts since December for decelerating spread of the very contagious strain.
“That has a very significant impact (and) is resulting in the plateau. The second major reason is the ongoing uptake of the booster,” he explains.
The virus is also starting to run out of people who are at high risk of exposure.
About 42 per cent of eligible individuals in Middlesex-London have received a vaccine booster shot, but demand to book appointments has also started to plateau.
“We always see this ramp up which is very quick, then it starts to level off. That’s what we’re seeing now,” explains Dr. Summers. “I want folks to get vaccinated as quickly as possible.”
The health unit emphasizes that case counts are still higher than at any previous point during the pandemic so this is not a time for people to let down their guard.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has hinted that a positive announcement about provincial restrictions will be made later this week.
London Mayor Ed Holder is also expressing cautious optimism that the worst of the Omicron wave is behind us.
“We’re in a much better position today than a couple weeks ago. I suspect our position two weeks from now will be even better,” said Holder.
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.