(8/11) Rapid antigen tests have lost some of their sensitivity. At least two negative tests using proper sampling (mouth, throat, and nose) separated by at least 24 hours are needed to be sure that an individual is not infected.
16
109
201
Replies
(1/11) We released new COVID-19 modelling for Ontario today. Key findings: we are well into wave 6 driven by highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant, waning immunity and lifting of public health measures. Follow this thread for more results
89
288
513
(2/11) There is significant uncertainty around the impact of case growth on our health system and deaths.
5
10
73
(3/11) Ontario’s COVID-19 wastewater signal increased, but growth has slowed down, suggesting that community transmission may have peaked.
7
13
74
(4/11) Regardless, Hospital and ICU occupancy are likely to continue to rise for some time, but the peak will likely be lower than in wave 5.
11
16
83
(5/11) COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers have reached the same level as the peak of wave 5. High infection rates in healthcare workers are stressing hospital operations and affect the ability to provide healthcare services.
7
38
126
(6/11) Wave 5, was associated with a disproportionate impact on long-term care residents. Infection prevention and control and maintaining a complete vaccine series continues to be important.
6
11
65
(7/11) Infected individuals (particularly if unvaccinated) are at risk of developing Long COVID, which is associated with serious neurologic illness, heart attacks, stroke, and long-term impairment.
70
96
194
(9/11) Masking in indoor public areas will substantially reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Masking protects both the person who wears the mask and their contacts.
27
92
206
(10/11) A complete vaccine series provides strong protection against hospital and ICU admission. A 3rd dose offers better protection than 2 doses and reduces the chance of transmission.
29
32
105
(11/11) Access to vaccination, testing and treatment continues to be uneven across socio-economic groups. It is critical that all Ontarians have equitable access.
27
21
95
@COVIDSciOntario
@drgregkelly
Hmmm ...
@cha_myoung
I’ve discussed this at length. It’s not Omicron that is changing things and causing more false negatives. That’s a myth. - it’s the time of onset of symptoms when the cases are breakthrough.
2
12
46
0
0
2
@COVIDSciOntario
@JessicaTurner01
Please explain to the public (because they are confused; they don’t understand the difference between RATs and PCR tests). A positive RAT = contagious. RATs do NOT remain positive unless the person still has a high enough viral load to be contagious. PCR tests remain positive.
6
31
98
@COVIDSciOntario
Long Term Care in Peel is not rapid testing the best way (with samples from mouth, throat, and nose). When I pointed this out, I was told they would like to but have not been given this updated instruction yet from Ontario Ministry of Health (typical mismanagement!)
0
0
1