‘Cautious optimism’ Omicron peaks but likely reopens, says Toronto health chief

The latest spate of COVID-19 infections, mainly due to the fast-spreading Omicron variant, may finally be in the rear view.

Toronto Medical Officer of Health, dr. Eileen de Villa, said on Tuesday she was encouraged by the declining case counts, while also warning that an increase in illness and hospitalization is likely to occur with restaurants, gyms and other businesses reopening.

“These are encouraging developments that we are seeing in the indicators of COVID activity and they are directly attributable to the efforts that Toronto residents have made to reduce the impact of COVID-19 by being vaccinated and continuing to publicize. to follow health measures as Omicron has increased in our community, ”said de Villa.

She further said she was ‘cautiously optimistic’ that this wave of the pandemic had peaked.

Restrictions were lifted Monday in Ontario with schools continuing to teach in person – bringing the city back to a state of openness not seen since before the holiday season.

De Villa said getting vaccinated – three doses for those eligible – remains the best protection against the virus. She also encouraged residents to continue masking, exercising physical distance when outside their home, restricting personal interactions, and staying home when they feel sick.

De Villa said eradicating the virus is not within reach, but tools such as the vaccine remain effective and government officials continue to reduce barriers to those who have not yet been injected, including child-centered vaccine clinics.

Shovel. Joe Cressy, chairman of the city’s health council, said vaccine numbers also give cause for hope.

In Toronto, nearly 60 percent already have a third dose and more than 90 percent of people older than 12 have their first dose.

Jennifer Pagliaro is a reporter in Toronto who covers the town hall and municipal politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @jpags