TORONTO – Ontario’s expert pandemic advisers say it may be more difficult for the healthcare system to respond quickly to a surge in critically ill COVID-19 patients during Wave 4.
A report on intensive care capacity from Ontario’s COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Board was released today as the province registered 153 patients in intensive care units.
The researchers concluded that staff shortages, worker burnout, and resumption of treatment for other health conditions can put pressure on the healthcare system in the event of a surge in patients.
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Their report also raised the problem that influenza, which was essentially absent during the last flu season, may make more people seriously ill this winter and may also need intensive care in hospitals.
The group says public health measures are necessary to keep COVID-19 and influenza cases low and says longer-term measures are needed to address staffing issues.
Recent projections from the group have indicated that intensive care occupancy will continue to rise in the coming weeks and may reach around 200 patients by the new year.
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