COVID-19 science table says Ontario is in the midst of a sixth wave

Ontario health experts say we are now in the 6th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with case counts and hospitalizations rising. One local medical officer of health says it’s due to a combination of lifted public health restrictions and March break celebrations.

Niagara medical officer of health says Ontario is already in the 6th wave of the pandemic.

Wastewater treatment data from the COVID-19 science advisory table shows that COVID cases are increasing across the province.

Dr. Mustafa Hijri says this 6th wave is mainly caused by two factors. “The measures that we’re keeping us safe from COVID-19 that are preventing and spread both in the community but also in schools have been taken away. I think the second part of this is of course we’re just coming off of March break and a lot of people travelled and a lot of people were up to social activities.”

Hirji says he wants to keep Niagara’s policies in line with the provinces, but says Niagara public health won’t hesitate to implement a mask mandate, should there be a large spike in hospitalizations.

Dr. Hirji says COVID-19 treatments could prevent hospitalizations in people who are more vulnerable or elderly. He suggests asking your health care provider if they are eligible to receive those treatments. He suggests doing so as soon as you know you are infected.