Canadians Face New Restrictions, New Concerns as Virus Surges
In an attempt to control a serious resurgence of COVID-19, several provinces are imposing strict new restrictions on social gatherings and businesses. This virus resurgence is
affecting more young people than previously, resulting in more severe illness. “As the new variants spread, COVID-19 is killing faster and younger,” Adalsteinn Brown, co-chair of a panel of scientists advising Ontario Premier Doug Ford.
Experts believe the resurgence is being partially fueled by pandemic fatigue, the premature easing of curbs and the spread of more transmissible and dangerous variants, particularly the B.1.1.7 variant first identified in Britain.
“We’re very concerned with the variants becoming an increasing proportion of cases,” Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer said. He is imploring Canadians not to gather in person with those who live in other households.
Coronavirus cases and hospitalizations had fallen sharply since peaking in January.
Alarmingly, the trend is reversing, even as vaccinations roll out. The seven-day average of cases rose to 5,086 at the end of March, up 40% from the week before and 72% from the beginning of the month, according to data from Canada’s public health agency.
Additionally, the number of variant cases at that time was 70% higher than the previous week. British Columbia recorded its highest number of daily cases in the first week of April. Ontario now has more COVID-19 patients in intensive care than ever before.
In response to the surge, British Columbia is shutting down indoor dining, worship
services and indoor group fitness classes for three weeks. Quebec is imposing new curbs, including closing schools, theaters, gyms and nonessential businesses for 10 days.
“This surge is putting incredible pressure on Canada’s already-strained health care system,” comments Gino Stirpe, Vice President of VUMI® Canada. “Increasingly, Canadians are exploring international health insurance options. The flexibility of our insurance plans is gaining wide traction as Canadians search for ways to protect their family’s health.”
Source: Washington Post
