This Is What We Need To Do To Avoid A Second Wave According To Canadian Doctors
Even though reopenings continue, the pandemic isn't over just yet. A possible second wave of COVID-19 in Canada could be avoided if these five things are addressed, according to Canadian doctors. There's also concern about flu season in the fall.
The Canadian Medical Association, which represents physicians, residents and medical students, put out a list of issues that need to be addressed.
Doing that would help the country be prepared for a resurgence of COVID-19 that could come in a second wave.
The first thing outlined by the association is that Canadians can't let their guard down when it comes to following public health measures.
So, that means wearing a maks, keeping your distance and more.
Then, there needs to be effective testing and contact tracing to stop the spread. That includes strategic proactive testing of people who have a greater chance of getting the virus.
After that, there needs to be enough PPE for health care workers if Canada is to be prepared to fight a second wave.
Marginalized communities and susceptible populations also need to be protected and given better access to healthcare and resources, according to the association.
Finally, other healthcare issues need to be managed effectively.
That includes resuming surgeries that might be on a backlog now along with consultations and other services.
Looking ahead, the Canadian Medical Association is concerned about vaccinations.
That's not just for COVID-19 but for flu-related illnesses as well that usually surge in the fall.
So, the association said there needs to be plans and resources for quick and large-scale immunization efforts.
Statistics Canada released new data that shows a majority of people are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine when one becomes available.
To help with mass immunization, Canada has ordered 37 million syringes.
Health Canada has approved clinical trials for a vaccine at the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
A team in Saskatchewan is trying to test one on humans by the fall.