Act like Omicron ‘already here,’ says MOH

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The Omicron COVID-19 variant has yet to be confirmed locally but “we expect that to change very soon,” says Brant’s acting medical officer of health.

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“We need to be acting like Omicron is already here,” Dr. Rebecca Comley said Tuesday during her weekly media briefing.

“We’re trying to say right on top of it and be very nimble in terms of our recommendations, as well as keeping in mind the province’s recommendations as we make our own.”

He noted that the Ontario Science Table estimated on Monday that more than 30 per cent of new COVID cases are Omicron and the number is growing rapidly.

That means, she suggested, more protocols are likely to be announced before Christmas about social gatherings and event capacity.

“I expect we’ll announce something in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, Comley said her best advice is for anyone eligible for a third dose of vaccine to book it as soon as possible.

The Brant County Health Unit recorded 111 new COVID cases for the week ended Dec. 12. That’s up from 95 for the week ended Dec. 5 and is the highest weekly case count since 163 for the week ended May 16.

Comley hinted that there may be more than the 30 COVID deaths in Brantford and Brant County that have so far been reported.

Asked about two deaths added to the local count by Ontario on Sunday, Comley said: “We don’t update our count until we see the death certificate and we haven’t seen that. I can’t confirm that. ”

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“An increase in hospitalization is always concerning, especially in a setting of increased cases and the Omicron variant,” Comley said.

The health unit seeing an increase in cases linked to social gatherings.

“We need residents to be more mindful than ever when it comes to their social interactions,” said Comley.

“It is imperative that we do all we can to reduce opportunities for transmission. I know this is a big ask for those in our community. We have all sacrificed so much over the past two years. That said, this virus is not just going to vanish because we are tired of it. We once again need the collective effort of our community to get through this wave. ”

While Omicron is reportedly less severe than the Delta variant, Comley noted it’s too early to know if that’s definitive. Even if the variant is relatively mild, the “sheer numbers that could potentially occur” could easily strain the health-care system, even is a small percentage of cases actually need hospitalization, she said.

“The best defense against the Omicron variant remains the vaccines we currently have in use.”

The doctor noted that early reports indicate third doses give good protection against COVID infection and offer significant protection against severe health outcomes.

“I strongly encourage anyone eligible for a third dose to book it as soon as possible.”

The health unit is currently expanding its vaccine capacity with more than 3,300 new appointment bookings added to existing ones before the end of the year.

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“We’re operating at maximum capacity to ensure eligible residents are protected as soon as they can be,” said Comley.

As of Sunday, 86 per cent of Brantford-Brant residents, aged 12 and older, have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 83 per cent have completed a two-dose series.

Walk-in appointments are accepted for all those, 12 and older, getting first and second doses. Those getting a booster must book an appointment using the booking portal on the health unit website (www.bchu.org).

Health unit CEO Jo Ann Tober, who oversees the vaccine rollout, said “negative reactions or any significant events” are not being seen particularly with third doses.

With two current outbreaks associated with churches – New City Church in Brantford with six cases and Paris Presbyterian Church in Paris with three cases, Comley said all worship groups should be careful about following provincial guidelines for gatherings. She hinted there may be further recommendations to come in a few days.

She noted that three outbreaks at local schools that have been going on for three weeks or more are because transmission is often between other classes, households and overlapping social or church groups.

“We’re often seeing a cluster of cases, then a break, and then another cluster of cases. It’s hard to isolate the source of each group in isolation. ”

The doctor also said the health unit has been monitoring local sports practices and games through the fall. So far, there have been COVID cases but no outbreaks in sports settings, she said.

“We’re constantly watching and looking at what kind of limits we need to put in place.”

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