‘We would not go back to ground zero,’ region’s top doc talks Omicron

In the face of the threat of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, Waterloo Region's top doctor said residents know what to do to effectively slow the spread.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang provided her take Friday morning, noting the region has yet to see a confirmed case of Omicron.

But she said she wouldn't be shocked to see one show up at any time.

“Even when cases are identified here, it is important to remember that we would not go back to ground zero,” she said.

Overall, Dr. Wang said we're seeing a rise in COVID-19 cases, and is happening more frequently among those who are unvaccinated.

She said there's also been a recent jump in cohort outbreaks at local elementary schools.

“This trend will likely continue until more of our five to 11-year-old population becomes immunized,” she said. “Immunization has prevented significant spread in the older 12 to 17-year-old school cohorts.”

“Most other outbreaks also remain limited in scope.”

Dr. Wang warned while the impact of COVID remains moderate in the health care system, the pressures on hospitals are high, as they continue to deal with both COVID and non-COVID demands.

She is encouraging residents to continue building a wall of protection with vaccinations, and to follow public health protocols.

“I know it can be disheartening when we think of a potential new threat, and having to keep up our vigilance is tiring,” Dr. Wang said. “We must remember though, that all the progress we've made together as a community counts.”

“In the face of new threats, it is much better to have a higher wall of defense than a lower one.”