By: Thomas I. Likness
EBC News Service

(Eagle News) — Lifting health measures such as wearing a mask indoors and social distancing, could result in a fourth wave of Covid-19 in Canada this fall, Canada’s chief public health officer warned Friday.

To avoid that, Dr. Theresa Tam says personal protective measures should remain in place until at least 80% of the population is fully vaccinated.

“The Delta variant of concern has emerged as the latest hurdle,” said Tam. “Canada has every opportunity to avoid a strong Delta wave by remaining vigilant to keep infection rates low as we build the vaccination barrier wall high.”

She says the Delta variant is extremely contagious and it is becoming more prevalent in Canada.

Tam says if it becomes the dominant strain and only 75% of the population is fully vaccinated, a surge in Covid-19 cases could overwhelm the health care system this fall and winter if protective measures are lifted.

However, she says those measures could be lifted if more than 80% of country’s adults are fully immunized.

She also stresses the importance of younger people getting immunized.
(Eagle News Service)