Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, advised that there is continued widespread transmission of the Omicron variant in Peel and it is unclear if the peak of this surge has been reached. Dr. Loh stated that the healthcare system is experiencing increased pressures due to a simultaneous increase in COVID-19 admissions and the impact of Omicron on staff.
In accordance with Ministry directives, Peel’s COVID-19 response has shifted its focus to increasing vaccination coverage and protecting our highest-risk settings in response to the widespread transmission that is currently being observed. Dr. Loh provided an update on the vaccination program, noting that its priorities remain first and second doses for those who are unvaccinated, including children aged 5-11 years, and third doses for older adults, especially those who live in Long-Term Care. Dr. Loh advised that efforts to increase vaccination capacity are challenged by the impact of Omicron on immunization clinics’ staffing and resourcing, and the limitations that hospital partners are experiencing, such as increasing demand on their services and staffing issues, which reduce their capacity to contribute to vaccination efforts. Working with the Ministry of Health, Public Health is continuing to increase capacity where possible by deploying outreach and access strategies targeted at reaching the Region’s large and diverse community.
Dr. Loh noted provincial measures enacted to support the health and wellbeing of students and teachers returning to in-person learning. Public Health continues to work closely with local school boards in preparation for the return to school.
Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding: the provincial government’s mandate and role in providing testing (PCR and Rapid Antigen); efforts to increase booster rates; school vaccination clinics; consent requirements for children aged 5 to 11 years; wastewater signal monitoring; and, provincial guidelines on self-isolation.
In response to questions regarding access to testing, Dr. Loh stated that during this phase of the pandemic, if a person is sick with COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home and follow the provincial isolation guidance based on age and vaccination status. Due to widespread community transmission, a test is not necessary to confirm COVID-19.
Councillor Saito requested that the weekly COVID-19 Epidemiology Update to Councillors be sent earlier in the day and that the Region’s twitter feed include the pop-up clinic information for ease of reposting.