December 20, 2021 Health Policy COVID-19 testing capacity in Ottawa under strain and pushed to the limit; OPH urging symptomatic people to assume they have COVID and to self-isolate for 10 days.
December 17, 2021 Epidemiology It is one thing to distribute rapid tests, another to help/teach the public the proper technique to ensure accurate results. Instructional jargon in some kits is overly clinical, not home-user-friendly. Ontario Science Table updates mask recommendations.
December 15, 2021 Epidemiology The talk of Omicron causing milder disease is premature. There’s still not enough data to draw broad conclusions about hospitalizations and the severity of disease caused by Omicron. Answers will come soon.
December 13, 2021 Epidemiology The Jason Kenney mind: Let’s put Albertans in the crosshairs again. I think I will ease COVID restrictions for Christmas with the unknowns of Omicron on the horizon. #MyCriticalThinkingSkillsWentOutTheWindow
December 9, 2021 Health Policy Ottawa Medical Officer of Health Dr. Vera Etches expresses concern about rising COVID-19 rates and how it could affect holiday plans.
December 3, 2021 Epidemiology Science communication should be calm, measured, provide quality evidence for claims, and offer solutions. Hyperbole and fear-mongering statements like “Omicron will dominate and overwhelm the world in 3-6 months” are unhelpful and easily misinterpreted.
December 2, 2021 Epidemiology Ontario to expand eligibility of COVID-19 boosters for adults 50 and older finally recognizing that this is a three-dose vaccine. #VaccinesWork
December 1, 2021 Epidemiology Moderna CEO should quell their speculative and alarmist comments about Omicron. In times of uncertainty, statements should be calm, measured, humble, and neutral in tone. Answers likely forthcoming in 1-2 wks. Solutions will follow thereafter.
November 29, 2021 Epidemiology Two cases of Omicron variant reported in Ottawa. Ottawa Public Health is introducing new self-isolation and testing requirements for residents who have travelled to eight countries within 14 days before arriving in Canada “out of an abundance of caution.”
November 25, 2021 Health Policy Dr. Peter Jüni, the scientific director of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table says lifting Ontario vaccine mandates in January ‘next to zero’. He is right for many reasons. More likely to happen in the spring or early summer 2022.