York Region looks ahead to next COVID-19 wave in fall

York Region Public health is preparing for the next COVID-19 wave in the fall, and younger residents may have to wait till then for their next booster dose.

Medical officer of health Dr. Barry Pakes told the regional council May 26 that signs are currently promising for COVID-19, with a clearer decrease in wastewater indicators. But he said projections indicate another wave to come once the summer is over, perhaps later in the fall. 

Pakes said regional public health is getting ready for that possibility.

“We are going to be seeing a significant COVID increase, or a potential future wave, in the fall,” he said. “We are planning for the fall, whether it's COVID or another viral illness. We’re hoping to keep most of that in the background for most residents of York Region. But certainly in acute care and public health we're going to very actively be managing that." 

Pakes said the regional wastewater signal is at about a third of what it was at the Omicron wave peak, but that still means it is well above the previous waves of the pandemic due to Omicron’s transmissibility. He added that the region is still experiencing about a death per day, and hospitals are still strained by cases, with 56 as of May 24.

But Pakes said vaccinations, and a significant portion of the population going through COVID-19, has prevented many from getting severe outcomes.

“The deaths have been lower than in previous waves thanks to excellent vaccination coverage,” Pakes said.

Although many weeklong community clinics have closed, Pakes said the plan is still to have temporary booster dose clinics continue into the summer. Fourth doses are currently available for those 60 and older and some immunocompromised, though there is no indication yet on when it may be available for the younger population.

Pakes said it may be best for the next booster dose to come later for others who currently are not at high risk.

“There are people in the community who are under age 60 and would very much like another booster,” Pakes said. “It is very important the booster that they get, if it’s necessary, is closer to a future wave.” 

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti asked about the requirement to self-isolate if testing positive. Pakes said though it is not technically legally required, self-isolation is something public health is asking residents to do — and most are.

“People do care about other people,” he said. “People are, and should continue, to adhere to that.”