Toronto's Doctor Says That We Are Currently 'In A Transition From One Pandemic To Another'

Toronto's top doctor says that the city isn't ready to loosen restrictions just yet. 

Instead, Dr. Eileen de Villa, medical officer of health, told reporters on Monday that the city is now transitioning from "one pandemic to another."

Editor's Choice: Ford Extends Stay-At-Home Order For Most Of Ontario & Moves 3 Regions To The Green Zone

Today, we are in a transition from one pandemic to another. A transition to a new pandemic. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health

During her remarks, de Villa warned of the impact new virus variants of COVID-19 could have in Toronto.

She states that the U.K. variant, South African variant and Brazillian variant have all been confirmed in the city. 

"If, as expected, variants of concern become the dominant strain in Toronto, there is an even greater likelihood of case counts increasing," she states. 

Dr. de Villa also warned that if transmission rates stay as they were in January, the death toll for Toronto could rise to almost 5,500 by May.

As COVID-19 variants continue to be a concern for the 6ix, the doctor warns that now is not the time to be loosening restrictions. 

"I understand the value of preparing for the time we can lift restrictions. From a public health perspective in Toronto, that time is not now"