buy time for provinces which are not yet reporting a surge in infections fuelled by Omicron. Speaking to Canada-wide open-line radio show Cross Country Checkup, Dr. Peter Jüni noted that the booster shot must be used by local governments as part of broader efforts that will assist Canadians in preparing for the coming months, including restrictions on personal and business gatherings.
“It’s not a recipe against the current tidal wave that Ontario is starting to face already, and other provinces will follow,” he said. “We invest with the booster so that when we loosen restrictions again […] we start to see protections through the boosters. That’s the idea.”
Several provinces in Canada have already announced measures to curb the spread of infections caused by Omicron, with Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec imposing capacity limits in businesses, while some local government officials are attempting to make rapid tests more accessible amid growing demand.
However, some of these provinces are yet to expand their booster campaigns for adults, with authorities of Alberta, B.C. and Quebec saying it may take two weeks or more for a third dose to help people develop the required increase in immunity. “Nothing matters more than getting these third shots into arms,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said during a news conference last week. Everyone over 18 in the province will be able to get their booster shot from Monday.
