Ontario Doc Says The Next 6 Months 'Could Be Difficult' With Cases Set To Rise This Fall

Ontario's top doctor is asking for residents to stay cautious ahead of the province's expected fourth wave of COVID-19 this fall, which he says could bring months of trouble.

Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical officer of health, told reporters during an update on Tuesday that the situation is concerning due to its impact on hospitals and ICU units.

"It worries me and it's my job to worry on behalf of Ontarians and I met with experts at the science table today to look at, given our level of protection today, the great immunization protection of 80% that we've achieved, what does the fall look like," he stated.

Moore announced that the province will likely see a rise in COVID-19 cases in September, October and November. He also revealed that the government's mandatory mask policy will remain in place to decrease transmissions during these times.

"We have another six months that could be difficult, but we'll get through it together," he added.

However, the doctor revealed that the province won't be under regulations forever. "You have my commitment that we will be following the data and when the coast is clear and the threat is diminished, we will remove the public health measures."