TORONTO – The Ontario Hospital Association is warning of a steady uptick in the province’s key COVID-19 indicators, urging residents to double down on precautions.
The statement from the OHA, which represents more than 150 public hospitals including Thunder Bay’s, came as the province saw its third consecutive day reporting over 200 new confirmed cases on Sunday.
The association also pointed to the province’s reproduction rate, or R value, creeping above 1, saying the spread of infection is accelerating.
“On behalf of Ontario's hospitals – the anchor of Ontario's pandemic response and the last line of defence in the long war against COVID-19 – we implore the people of Ontarians to strictly adhere to the public health measures that helped bring wave one under control and allowed Ontario to re-open its economy,” the statement reads in part.
The possible resurgence of the virus could lead to renewed restrictions and endanger the school year, the OHA warned, as well as put health workers at greater risk and cause further delays for those awaiting elective procedures.
The association speculated that fatigue with restrictions and lower numbers may have dampened Ontarians’ commitment to fighting the virus.
“It has been a long six months, and fatigue around public health protocols and restrictions is a reality for some. Other people may have been lulled into a false sense of security by lower cases counts and the re-opening of the economy. Make no mistake, COVID-19 is still a very real threat.”
The statement did not advocate for any changes to public policy, instead emphasizing “the importance of personal responsibility.”
The OHA highlighted frequent hand-washing, physical distancing, wearing masks when required, staying home when sick, and avoiding unsafe gatherings and parties as actions Ontarians could take to reduce the spread of the virus.
“Ultimately, skipping a dinner party or a wedding that isn't safe is a very small sacrifice to make to protect our loved ones and people who are particularly vulnerable to the threat of COVID-19,” the OHA said.
