Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is explaining his absence on the public stage.
Dr. Kieran Moore says he’ll show up anytime there is new messaging that has to be given, and this time it’s to get the fourth dose.
“The purpose of coming out today, as you remember my last press conference we told you I’d come out if there was an issue,” says Dr. Moore.
“The purpose today is to remind all Ontarians that they are eligible for boosters. 60 and above are eligible for the second booster, and I got mine yesterday.”
Dr. Moore is encouraging anyone who is eligible to get the booster.
“It’s a testament to the power of immunization and after four or five months our immunization benefit fades and our antibodies decline and at this point at 5 months after your booster for those 60 and above, I’m really asking all Ontarians to come forward and get their booster.”
Dr. Moore says the vaccine does work because the unvaccinated are four times more likely to be hospitalized and six times more likely to be in ICU.
Meantime, the province is looking at extending the mask mandate in long-term care homes.
The mandate will expire at the end of the month.
Dr. Moore says with an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19, they are looking at all health restrictions.
He believes this wave won’t settle until middle or end of May.
Dr. Moore says they encourage mask use, especially in indoor settings.
