It may be milder, but prospect of catching Omicron still frightening for immunocompromised people

People with compromised immune systems, disabilities and other chronic conditions in Newfoundland and Labrador say they feel forgotten by the provincial government's response to the latest wave of COVID-19.

During a media briefing last week, the province's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, said most people in the province likely will catch the virus at some point.

"The reality of this virus is that it's so infectious, most people will acquire it, but our health-care system can't stand the pressure of everyone acquiring it at the same time," she said. 

The Omicron variant, which is much more infectious than previous COVID-19 variants, has led to record case counts in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. However, N.L. health officials have not implemented the lockdown measures seen during previous outbreaks.

"Our objective right now is to slow the inevitable spread," Fitzgerald said.

Jeremy Nolan, a Memorial University student and theatre practitioner, said those words made him feel hopeless.

"It feels like they're giving up, especially on the most vulnerable people who can't afford to get it," Nolan said in an interview with CBC News.

Nolan has cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems by producing too much mucus. He's had a lung transplant due to the condition, and he manages the disease with pills and checkups every few months. 

Since the pandemic started, he's had an influx of anxiety during each outbreak because of the potential danger of COVID-19, a virus that primarily affects the respiratory system. Mounting evidence suggests the Omicron variant, while more infectious, is milder than previous variants. Nolan said that doesn't matter — for him, contracting the virus could have severe consequences.

"I could easily die from it," he said. "It's definitely terrifying to think about."

Nolan said he's been impressed by the government and Public Health response to COVID-19 up until now, but feels let down by the current health measures. He's calling for a full lockdown, a measure that he says will more effectively protect the most vulnerable.

"I'd like to see them … take the initiative to kind of protect everyone." 

John Dooling, a St. John's IT worker, has a circulation condition called Buerger's disease, which leads to limited mobility and chronic pain in his feet. He said he's worried about how COVID-19, which affects circulation in some cases, could worsen his condition.

"What is currently happening [to] my feet, you know, just turned up to 11," he said.