By: Thomas I. Likness
Eagle News Service

(Eagle News) — As 2021 draws to a close, Canada’ chief public health officer is reporting a 45% increase in COVID-19 cases in the past week.

The average daily case count now stands at more than 5,000 and it’s growing, Dr. Theresa Tam told a news conference.

She worries the increase is being driven by the Omicron variant, which has gained a foothold in Canada and is spreading through community transmission.

“Even if this virus is relatively mild, especially compared to Delta, for example, it is so transmissible that even a small rate of severe outcomes could result in a high enough hospitalization rate that it can overwhelm the system,” said Tam. “We mustn’t dismiss this virus lightly.”

Tam says people should adhere to public health measures such as limiting social contacts and wearing masks. She adds vaccination is the best defense against the virus.

“It is important to stress that being fully vaccinated and then getting a booster, whether Pfizer or Moderna, is expected to provide a reasonable level of protection against infection and likely strong protection against severe illness,” she said.

Infant dies of COVID-19

Many of the country’s provinces have brought in new restrictions, limiting the number of people who can gather indoors at public spaces.

Some National Hockey League teams have cancelled games because of COVID-19 outbreaks among players.

And some amateur athletic events in Ontario have been cancelled because the fear of spreading the virus.

A stark reminder that COVID-19 does not discriminate against age.

A Montreal Hospital reports that a baby, less than two months old, died from the virus.

In a statement, the hospital said the child had been healthy at birth but had recently been in intensive care due to COVID-19 and died Dec. 16.

The hospital says infants are at more risk of complications related to COVID-19, adding measures to prevent transmission of the virus are essential.
(Eagle News Service)