Infectious disease specialist believes staying the course is right message
Posted Apr 12, 2022 07:58:00 PM.
In the midst of a sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, one infectious disease specialist says the province's message on staying the course is the right move.
“We know a lot more now than we did in April of 2020,” said Doctor Sumon Chakrabarti, an infectious disease physician with the Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga on The Sam Laprade Show on April 12, 2022. “These waves are happening and it's how respiratory viruses act.”
Dr. Chakrabarti noted people across the country have access to vaccinations and boosters that are helping overcome any severe outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When there's an announcement about another wave, everyone starts getting nervous and that's the approach we have to change,” he said. “We will get more waves, and I feel the outcome will be much different in a good way compared to before.”
Dr. Chakrabarti said the lifting mask mandates might seem risky to many people, but with the presence of vaccines and other tools becoming accessible to deal with another wave of COVID-19, a mask mandate is not needed right now.
He said individuals who are considered high risk should still consider wearing a well fitted mask.
“We have to be careful not to oversell the idea that masks are the only protection,” he said. “Masks mandates are being dropped in favour of good vaccines, and other tools like antivirals that are helping prevent hospitalizations.”
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Chakrabarti on The Sam Laprade Show:
