Worst is likely behind us as Omicron wave cresting in Middlesex-London
CTV
After descending deeper and deeper into the COVID-19 Omicron wave during the previous six weeks, London and Middlesex County appear to be turning the corner.
After descending deeper and deeper into the COVID-19 Omicron wave during the previous six weeks, London and Middlesex County appear to be turning the corner.
As with the previous waves of the pandemic, spread of the Omicron variant now appears to have peaked, based on the positivity rate detected through testing.
“COVID-19 rates continue to be high in our region, however, some early indications are consistently suggesting that we are seeing a plateau in the burden of illness in our community,” Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Alex Summers told a media briefing on Tuesday.
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is reporting 166 COVID-19 patients, 24 in critical care, but illness among healthcare workers is now declining.
“We have definitely seen a reduction in the number of staff and physicians at LHSC that are positive for COVID,” explained Dr. Adam Dukelow. “Today’s number is 374. Ten or 11 days ago we were above the 500 mark.”
Dr. Summers credits a reduction in people’s mobility and close contacts since December for decelerating spread of the very contagious strain.
“That has a very significant impact (and) is resulting in the plateau. The second major reason is the ongoing uptake of the booster,” he explains.
