The interim director of public health Dr. Luc Boileau gave a rare press conference on Sunday warning the Quebecists that several indicators of another wave are rising as experts closely monitor an outbreak, but that “it is still too early to say that a sixth wave is officially here”. 1:57 What do we know so far about Omicron sub-variant BA.2 What do we know so far about Omicron sub-variant BA.2 – January 28, 2022 He said that along with the increase in cases and the positive rates of PCR tests limited to certain high-priority groups, health authorities have also seen a sharp increase in hospitalizations in several areas outside the Montreal area. The story goes on under the ad Boileau said the county has no plans to announce restrictions or closures, but added that it is important for people to act responsibly through testing and isolation. READ MORE: BA.2 33% more contagious than the “original” Omicron COVID strain, according to a study He reminded the Quebec people that while the isolation guideline for vaccinated people remains five days from the onset of symptoms and then coverage for another five days, humans can be contagious for up to ten days. In addition to the increase in infections, Boileau said that in less than a week, about 8,600 health care workers are currently out of work due to the virus. Compared to the Omicron wave in December and January, between 16,000 and 20,000 health workers were absent. Those who are more vulnerable and at risk of developing complications related to infections due to age or because they are immunosuppressed should be much more careful, said the director of public health. Trending Stories
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READ MORE: Canada has identified cases of BA.2. What do we know about this Omicron sub-variant? Health officials say they have been expecting an increase in cases as public health restrictions in the province have been lifted in recent weeks, but the presence of the even more contagious BA.2 variant is causing an increase in cases and currently accounts for two-thirds of positive cases in Quebec. The story goes on under the ad The latest daily provincial test data released on Friday reported that 2,203 PCR tests were positive in the past 24 hours – an understatement of the situation as access to PCR tests remains restricted to high-priority groups. Non-priority groups should be tested with home antigen tests available at local pharmacies. In terms of hospitalizations, Quebec reported 1,088 hospitalizations on Sunday, with 56 people enrolled in the intensive care unit. READ MORE: Quebec will offer the 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine to high-risk groups as cases and hospitalizations increase Boileau told reporters Sunday that it would take several more days to make sure Quebec is officially in its sixth wave. Earlier this week the county health authorities approved a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for high-risk groups. Early data on the BA.2 subtype of the original BA.1 Omicron variant show that it is not more dangerous, but it is more contagious than BA.1 Omicron – which had already become the most contagious COVID variant since the beginning of the pandemic. READ MORE: BA.2 subtype is more difficult to identify than the original Omicron strain, says WHO Omicron subcategory BA.2 was first identified in November last year. Virologists say BA.2 is likely to repel BA.1 as the dominant strain, just as Omicron overtook Delta. The story goes on under the ad Research to date shows that the severity of BA.2 disease is similar to that of BA.1. Quebec has promised that mask requirements, the only measure left, will be lifted by April 15 for public spaces and by May for public transportation, and Boileau said the plan remains. At least three senior members of Quebec’s government tested positive last week, including Prime Minister François Lego. –With files from the Canadian press and Reuters 1:53 France loosens cover-up measures, China sees a peak of contamination Previous Video Next Video © 2022 Global News, part of Corus Entertainment Inc.
