Local medical facilities and agencies are bracing for the COVID19 Omicron variant.
Public Health Sudbury & Districts Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says the area has had a large surge of cases due to the Delta variant and though they have not yet detected Omicron, they are preparing for it by encouraging everyone to get their third booster and follow protocols.
The agency reported an increase of 99 new cases on Monday with 331 active cases within its jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, in Algoma District, two Blind River schools, W. C. Eaket and Blind River Public have been closed and students have returned to virtual learning due to a shortage in staff.
Algoma Public Health is currently investigating whether a case at one of the schools is the Omicron variant.
There are 271 active cases in the district with six people in hospital.
Health Sciences North is also implementing temporary measures to address over-occupancy levels and sustain critical services, while preparing for an increase in admissions.
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Hospital CEO Dominic Giroux says there are 20 admitted patients with seven in intensive care along with another 15 who have recovered but are still receiving hospital care.
He adds six other admitted patients are waiting for test results.
Giroux says the hospital is implementing its surge plans and reviewing all elective procedures and outpatient activity to allow for any potential human resources to be redeployed to core acute and critical care program functions.
Ontario Omicron 12-14-21 WG
The province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health says he is making recommendations to the government about further public health restrictions.
Dr. Kieran Moore stopped short of saying what they are but hinted strongly that capacity limits for gatherings may be part of an announcement expected by the end of the week.
Moore says with the arrival of the more transmissible Omicron variant, a consistent province-wide set of rules is needed.
The Conservative cabinet meets today, and it is strongly expected Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott will make an announcement later in the day.
