Cases and hospitalizations are rising again across the country as Omicron’s most contagious BA.2 subtype prevails in Canada.  In addition, the sub-variation is spreading at a time when most provinces have lifted restrictions on COVID-19, including mask orders.
British Columbia reports the highest number of active cases with more than 43,000 infections since Tuesday, while both Ontario and Quebec report more than 25,000 active cases.
However, officials in Ontario said the number of cases was likely 10 times higher due to limited testing.
Experts say there is a lack of daily data for COVID-19, as some provinces and regions now report the number of cases only on a weekly basis.
Doctors say that what is worrying is not only the growing incidence of cases, but the growing hospitalizations across the country.
“It’s worrying,” said pediatrician Dr.  Dina Kulik on CTV National News.  “The kids went back to school, we do not hide most of the time and so we will see an increase in viruses, including COVID.”
Ontario reported 1,091 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 on Tuesday – a 38 percent increase in hospitalizations over the past seven days.
Another 72 patients were added to the total number admitted to Quebec on Tuesday, while the province reported another 31 deaths.  Quebec is also seeing a worrying number of out-of-home healthcare due to the virus.
Given the growing numbers, the Quebec government is reversing its decision to lift its mandate for a mask.  Provincial officials announced Tuesday that face masks will remain in place for indoor public spaces at least until the end of April.
“It’s one thing to lift mask orders when things are improving, it’s another thing to lift mask commands when you see an increase in cases and hospitalization,” he told CTV.  Christopher Labos, epidemiologist at McGill University.  National News.
“So I think the inherent logic of keeping him in place was inevitable.”
Prince Edward Island also retains its coverage requirements at present.  The General Director of Health Dr.  Heather Morrison said Tuesday that the masks are more effective against the new coronavirus when there is a universal requirement to wear them.
“Masks matter,” he said.  “The masks will be one of the last steps to be taken.”
Ontario lifted the mask order in mid-March.  Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford on Monday described the increase in cases in the province as a “small sharp increase” that was expected.
However, some health officials, including Toronto’s top doctor, are encouraging residents to return to wearing masks indoors.
“Wearing a mask is a simple thing we can all do, especially if you are older, have an older person in your life, have a serious health condition or are just indoors with people you do not know,” said the Toronto Doctor. Dr.  Eileen de Villa said Monday.
Doctors in New Brunswick, meanwhile, are calling on the county government to reinstate the use of masks in schools for the rest of the academic year.
As parts of the country enter the sixth wave of the pandemic, the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NACI) is urging provinces to prepare to offer fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
In a report issued Tuesday, the advisory committee said a booster dose program in the coming weeks should give priority to people over the age of 80 and long-term care residents.
NACI has also unreservedly recommended a second aid for people between the ages of 70 and 79 and said it could also be offered to people from the First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities.
Nevertheless, Ontario is preparing to distribute fourth installments to an even younger population – residents aged 60 and over.
Speaking to the county legislature, the Ontario Health Minister said more details would be announced Wednesday.
“Our medical advisers recommended… go to 60 to provide an extra level of protection for Ontarians,” said Christine Eliot.