Canada's Omicron Infections May Have Peaked But Hospitalizations Rise, Health Officer Says
January 21 2022 - 1:55PM
Dow Jones News
By Paul Vieira
OTTAWA--Canada's chief public-health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam,
says early evidence suggests infections linked to the Covid-19
Omicron variant might have peaked.
At a press conference, Dr. Tam cited stabilizing numbers as they
pertain to daily case counts, rate of positive tests and wastewater
analysis. However, she warned that hospitalizations continue to
rise steeply, and the number of intensive-care unit beds occupied
with Covid-19 patients remains at elevated levels.
Canada's most populous provinces, which are responsible for
delivering healthcare, have started to lift some restrictions
imposed to contain the spread of the Omicron variant. Ontario this
week said it would allow bars, restaurants and gyms to reopen on
Jan. 31 at 50% capacity.
Economists expect the economy to take a hit in the first quarter
because of the fallout from the Omicron variant, which fueled a
sharp rise in cases and absenteeism in the workplace.
Statistics Canada said Friday that it estimates retail sales
fell 2.1% in December -- when initial concerns mounted about
Omicron, and regions started to impose new economic and social
restrictions.
Write to Paul Vieira at paul.vieira@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
January 21, 2022 13:40 ET (18:40 GMT)
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