Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on June 3, 2022

OTTAWA (ON), June 3, 2022 /CNW/ – The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) continues to monitor epidemiological indicators of COVID-19 to quickly detect, understand and communicate emerging issues of concern. Here is a brief summary of the latest national trends.

For additional data and analysis on COVID-19, PHAC publishes the following reports:

While the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still circulating across the country, disease activity indicators continue to show a decrease in transmission in most areas. Nationally, lab test positivity in the last 7-day period (May 25-31, 2022) decreased to 8.4%. In the same way, sewage signals have plateaued or continue to decline in many regions, but there is variability between testing sites across the country.

While hospitalization rates remain high and variable, serious illness trends also continue to decline in most regions. Nevertheless, as we expect the SARS-CoV-2 virus to continuously evolve, we are closely monitoring the domestic and international situation and preparing for new variants, including possible recombinant variants that may result from mixing genetics when co-infected with two variants. Currently, the BA.2 subline of the Omicron variant remains predominant among the variants sequenced in Canada. Because the Omicron variant is immuno-evasive, two doses of COVID-19 vaccines provide less protection against Omicron than against previous variants. Fortunately, evidence shows that boosters can help increase antibody levels that decline over time after the second dose. Although vaccine efficacy against infection declines over time, evidence shows that two doses of mRNA vaccines generally maintain good efficacy against severe outcomes in all variants, and a boost further increases vaccine efficacy more than 90% against serious outcomes. Thus, health authorities continue to strongly recommend up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible individuals, including for those who may have been infected before.

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In particular, receiving one or more booster doses, if you are eligible, helps improve protection that may have diminished since the second dose and provides even better protection against serious Omicron illnesses. This is particularly important for people aged 50 or over, since the risk of serious illness increases with age. Since June 2, 2022, more than 18.6 million third doses and from May 22, 2022 more than 2.5 million fourth doses have been administered to date. In addition, national data as of May 22, 2022 indicate that more than 86% of people aged 70 or over and 62% to 77% of people aged 50 to 69 received at least one additional dose.

During the transition phase of the pandemic and beyond, our best advantage is to continue to exercise caution and preparedness as we prepare our surge capacity for future response, including personal protective habits. that we learned. At the individual level, this can best be achieved by keep COVID-19 vaccinations up to dateincluding obtaining a booster dose(s) as recommended to be better protected against serious illness and other complications of COVID-19 infection, including post-COVID-19 status (also known as COVID long). At the same time, continuing to follow public health advice appropriate to local epidemiology and circumstances can help guide your individual and family risk assessment and the use of personal protective practices to reduce your risk of exposure and spreading the virus. Especially, properly wearing a well-fitting and well-constructed face mask, avoid clutterand get the best possible ventilation in interior spaces, are layers of protection that can reduce your risk in any setting. As always, it is advised to stay home and away from others when you are sick or have COVID-like symptoms, even if mild. reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

We can also stay healthier by updating ourselves with other recommended vaccines and routine vaccines for children and adults. For more information on vaccination in your area, contact your local public health authoritieshealth care provider or other reliable and credible sources, such as Immunize.ca and Canada.cawhich includes information to help Canadians understand benefits of being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Canadians can also go the extra mile by sharing credible Informations about COVID-19 Risks and Prevention Practices and measures to reduce COVID-19 in communities. Read my information document to learn more Information and resources on COVID-19 about ways to reduce risk and protect yourself and others, including information about COVID-19 vaccination.

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

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