March 17, 2022 -- Today’s numbers from the Ontario Science Advisory Table are a reminder that COVID-19 is very much still with us. They also stress the importance of continuing to be diligent about observing the best public health advice to protect both those Ontarians most at risk, and the progress that we have all made in trying to put the worst of this pandemic behind us.
The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) supports the Science Table’s statement that a full series of vaccinations – currently two for children, three for adults, and four for long-term care residents and other eligible high-risk groups – remains the best defence against COVID-19. We encourage all Ontarians who are eligible to get their third dose given slower uptake on that vaccination in recent weeks. The Science Table’s projection that hospitalization rates will increase as we lift public health restrictions, remains a concern for Ontario’s family physicians.
We echo the call for greater equity of access to testing and treatments because, as today’s numbers show, the Omicron wave and subsequent variants of concern still pose significant risk to marginalized individuals and groups. Ensuring equitable access to treatment, and informed healthcare decisions, are goals Ontario’s family physicians will continue to champion as we fight COVID-19.
As we approach the removal of the indoor mask mandate on Monday, we encourage Ontarians to take the necessary precautions to protect older adults and others who continue to be at risk of serious complications of COVID-19. This includes continuing to follow the province’s guidance regarding masking on public transit, as well as to consider using masks in other crowded public places where social distancing is difficult or not possible. Masking protects both the person who wears it and others, and remains an effective public health measure to reduce COVID-19 transmission.
About the Ontario College of Family Physicians
The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) represents more than 15,000 family physicians across the province. We support our members by providing evidence-based education and professional development, promoting and recognizing leadership excellence in family medicine, and advocating for the vital role family physicians play in delivering the highest quality care to patients and families across Ontario. A not-for-profit and voluntary organization, the OCFP was established in 1954 and is the provincial chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.