Omicron wave of COVID-19 could be flattening on First Nations, says top doctor

OTTAWA - The highest physician for Indigenous Companies Canada says he’s cautiously optimistic the Omicron-driven wave of the pandemic could also be flattening throughout First Nations.

Dr. Tom Wong, the division’s chief public well being officer, says for this to occur nationally, communities want to take care of their well being measures.

As of final week the division reported practically 85 per cent of individuals 12 and older dwelling on First Nations have obtained each their doses of vaccine to guard in opposition to COVID-19.

Wong says there are communities in each area with lower-than-anticipated vaccine uptake, and to this point solely 20 per cent of adults on reserve have been immunized with a 3rd booster dose.

The division says there are at present roughly 5,000 lively instances on First Nations.

Wong says now shouldn't be the time for leaders to calm down well being guidelines introduced in to blunt the unfold of COVID-19 as a result of the Omicron variant is very contagious.

“There may be mild on the finish of the tunnel — however not now,” he stated throughout a briefing Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Jan. 20, 2022.