The federal government has announced it will quadruple its contribution of COVID-19 rapid tests to the provinces and territories this month, for a total of 140-million to be distributed on a per-capita basis.
Although the COVID-19 Omicron variant may be so mild that people don’t realize they have it, and many are using rapid tests which don’t have to be reported if they are positive, Canada’s top doctor believes that as long as safety protocols are followed, there will be no invisible waves of COVID. Dr. Theresa Tam notes that more daily tests are being done now compared to any other period of this pandemic. Last week, over a million tests were done across the country, and she adds that waste water testing is also part of the picture. Waste Water testing is being conducted in Saskatchewan and originated from research at the University of Saskatchewan.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau notes that this is not how anyone wanted to start 2022. One thing has changed from the first early months, though. Trudeau says Canadians know what to do to keep everyone safe and keep the health system from getting overwhelmed. He suggests things should improve in the spring, if people continue getting vaccinated and following safety protocols.
The Prime Minister says Transport Canada is investigating reports of unacceptable behaviour on a recent Sunwing Airlines flight from Montreal to Cancun, Mexico. Videos show passengers not wearing masks, gathering in close proximity, singing and dancing in the aisle and on seats, something Justin Trudeau says he’s extremely frustrating. “We know how hard people have worked to keep themselves safe, to limit their family gatherings at Christmas time, to wear masks, to get vaccinated, to do all the right things, and it’s a slap in the face.”
Federal Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos says in the nearly two years since the pandemic began, huge steps in fighting the virus continue. He says January 2022 isn’t March 2020. “We have made significant progress and we are continuing to add resources and tools to help protect and support Canadians. He echoes the Prime Minister’s advice to get vaccinated and observe health guidelines.
(CJGX)
