Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle, yesterday cautioned that the highly-transmissible Omicron Covid variant may be spreading across the region.
Durham Health has officially confirmed only two cases so far. However, daily new covid case count is increasing hitting a new peak of 90 cases on December 14.
“Over the past week, there has been a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in our community. While a number of these positive cases are still under investigation, there is a likely chance that many of them will be identified as positive for the Omicron variant,” said Dr. Kyle.
He pointed out that public health leaders across the province are expressing concerns in response to the latest evidence which shows that Omicron is more transmissible than other variants of concern. “There is also a greater risk of infection even if individuals are fully vaccinated. Modelling data show that Omicron will become the dominant strain of SARS-CoV-2 (the Covid-19 virus) in the coming weeks”.
New requirements
In response to the increasing spread of Omicron, the province announced additional public health measures on December 10, including proof of vaccination requirements for youth ages 12 to 17 that participate in organized sports at recreational facilities. “On December 14, I issued revised instructions to owners, operators and persons responsible for indoor areas of facilities used for organized sports and recreational fitness activities, in alignment with provincial direction,” said Dr. Kyle. “Effective December 20, individuals 12 to 17 and those who coach, teach, volunteer and/or officiate at organized sports or recreational fitness activities will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a valid exemption upon entry to applicable facilities. Please review the letter of instruction and learn how the instructions may impact you.
School outbreaks
The Health Department continues to prioritize the health and safety of residents and is taking measures to limit the spread of Covid-19 in our community. Families may be having to manage children and youth at home resulting from dismissed classrooms and school/childcare centre closures. In response to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the Health Department is taking a cautious approach when assessing risks to students, teachers and those in our school communities, said Dr. Kyle.
“Recently, several outbreaks have been declared in local schools and unfortunately, we have had to make difficult decisions to temporarily close schools where there were serious concerns about the risk of illness spread. These decisions, which are made in collaboration with local schools and school boards, are never taken lightly and many factors are considered”.
Through the case and contact management process in a school setting, staff assesses the:
- Number of positive cases;
- Probability that there is Covid-19 transmission in a school setting;
- Risk of further Covid-19 transmission in a school setting; and
- Populations at greatest risk.
When staff has identified that there is a significant risk to a school population, further action is taken in collaboration with the affected school to protect the health and safety of those at risk. A school closure helps to prevent further spread of Covid-19 within the facility, the medical officer pointed out.
“At this time, to protect the most vulnerable residents in our community, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and consider the safety and risks associated with your activities and your upcoming plans over the holidays”.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Get vaccinated;
- Get a third dose as soon as possible, if eligible;
- Practice physical distancing;
- Wear a mask when physical distancing is a challenge;
- Always practice proper hand hygiene;
- Reconsider attending large gatherings and high-risk events;
- Continue to screen themselves and their children for symptoms of Covid-19; and
- Remain home when experiencing any symptoms.
Individuals that are experiencing symptoms are encouraged to get tested for Covid-19. Public health measures in combination with vaccination will help to reduce transmission of Covid-19.