In recent weeks, COVID-19 appeared to be losing ground in Laval. However, it is back in force with a 53.50% increase in active cases having been observed between 22 and 29 November.
For Dr. Jean-Pierre Trépanier, director of public health in Laval, this increase was expected, in particular because of the return to the interior for most of the population.
“There was an increase that I would describe as quite marked, but it came after an upward trend in the other regions, which is the reverse of the last few months,” he adds. We felt it was coming. We can expect to see this kind of increase in the coming weeks. ”
Hospitalizations are also on the rise, but the situation remains fairly stable in intensive care for the moment, which is encouraging for the health network.
“It is not the same population that is affected by the virus,” notes Dr. Trépanier. The vulnerability of these people to be hospitalized or to have more severe symptoms is less than the population that was affected last year before vaccination. We will still have to monitor the circulation of other respiratory viruses this year, such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus. ”
Omicron
One of the concerns of the past few weeks is the Omicron variant. Newly arrived from South Africa, it raises several questions.
“Currently, we do not know if it is more transmissible than the Delta variant, if it causes more severe infections or if the vaccine is less effective against this mutation,” lists Dr. Trépanier. When you don’t know, you have to be careful and properly document what is happening in our area. ”
In addition, the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Social Services (INESSS) is currently working to answer all of these questions through research related to the Omicron variant. The first results should be released soon.
Holiday season
The government of Quebec should announce the measures planned for the 2021 holidays during the week. According to Dr. Trépanier, this wait is explained by the desire to learn more about Omicron and the transmission rates in order to make an informed decision.
“It will be a second holiday season that will certainly not be like in the past, but which will not be like last year either,” he said.
He also recalls that, regardless of the decisions that will be taken, it is important to continue to respect basic health rules, such as hand washing, wearing a mask and social distancing.
“We have a population that is vaccinated and people are aware of the sanitary instructions. I ask the Laval population to be vigilant on this side. It’s important to be able to come together and enjoy these moments. You just have to do it safely and follow the instructions, ”concludes the director of public health in Laval.
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