Doctors warn Canada could see third wave from COVID-19 variant

People urged to refrain from gatherings

OTTAWA • Canada’s top doctors say COVID-19 infections appear to be on a downward trend but worrisome variants are posing an increasing threat to containing the pandemic.

Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam says aggressive vaccinations will play a key part in addressing COVID-19 spread but that is just one suppression tool as modelling data in the nation’s hot spots point to a likely third wave.

Tam said at least three provinces are reporting evidence of community spread of the new, more transmissible variants.

“Nobody wants a third wave to start, particularly not one comprised of new, more communicable variants that can cause real challenges,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday from Rideau Cottage.

“You might be worried about these new strains. Well, we’re putting our best experts on it.”

There are more than 429 cases of the variant first identified in the U.K., and 28 cases of the variant first identified in South Africa reported across eight provinces, she said.

So far there has only been one report of the variant first found in Brazil.

According to federal data, as of Thursday there have been 817,163 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, with 37,747 of them considered active cases.

“We’ve made great progress, and are now almost two thirds of the way down this curve,” said Tam, adding that ongoing vigilance was vital.

“Look at the European countries — they give us a clue as to what might happen if variants are circulating, and we let our guard down. That massive acceleration into that third resurgence, if you like ... will happen really fast.”

Tam urged Canadians to refrain from gathering just as much of the country entered a long weekend that included Family Day in several provinces, and Valentine’s Day.

The Ontario Medical Association said Friday it’s more important than ever to limit physical interactions, suggesting phone calls or virtual meals with friends and relatives.

“COVID-19 has challenged us all to find meaningful ways to connect from a distance,” president Dr. Samantha Hill said in a release.

“For the sake of all of our families, this Family Day cherish, support and connect with your family while adhering to public health guidelines.”

The warnings come as Ontario reported 1,076 new cases of COVID-19 and 18 more deaths linked to the virus. Health Minister Christine Elliott said that included 361 new cases in Toronto, 210 in Peel Region, and 122 in York Region.

Quebec reported 984 new COVID-19 cases and 25 more deaths, including four in the previous 24 hours.

NOBODY WANTS A THIRD WAVE TO START