Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief of public health, said multiple layers of personal protection will be needed in the coming weeks to reduce the impact of falling flu, RSV and COVID-19 cases on hospitals and vulnerable people. “While no single layer of protection is perfect, when used consistently and together, the vaccine plus the layers can provide excellent protection against COVID-19 as well as other infectious diseases we may encounter,” Tam said. Dr. Tam urged Canadians to ensure they are up-to-date on boosters and flu shots for COVID-19, practice good hand hygiene and wear face masks indoors and in poorly ventilated areas where they are not possible physical distance. “If it has been six months since the last dose or booster of the COVID-19 vaccine, get vaccinated with an Omicron bivalent targeting booster,” he said. “Continue to wash hands, wearing a good-quality, well-fitting face mask when indoors, especially if you cannot avoid being in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.” Amid a rise in respiratory infections across the country, a recent Nanos Research poll found that seven in 10 Canadians would support, or share some support for, the return of face mask mandates in indoor public spaces if recommended by officials. This is a developing story and will be updated. With files from CTVNews.ca Writer Melissa Lopez-Martinez
