Dr. Oglaza: ‘It’s a myth that Omicron is a less severe pathogen’
Today, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021, Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health (MOH) for Kingston, Frontenac Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) Public Health, provided a video update on the emergence of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus in the KFL&A region.
In the video on the KFL&A Public Health YouTube page, Dr. Oglaza stated that the region is experiencing the highest level of risk since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The reason why Omicron variant is the variant of concern and is a significant concern in KFL&A is that this is a new version of the pathogen that spreads much more readily, much more easily,” he explained, noting that spread has been seen in both immunized and unimmunized individuals.
“It’s a myth that Omicron is [a] less severe pathogen from what we can tell so far,” he continued. “It could be as severe as Delta, which is very concerning because, unlike Delta, it does escape immunity and it does create a risk for even those fully immunized.”
Oglaza stated that the spread of Omicron so far has been seen among the younger population, who are far less likely to have severe outcomes from the disease.
“But the concern is that that spread in the younger demographic could then spill over to the rest of the community, and with it, bring more severe outcomes among those who are older,” he expressed.
According to Dr. Oglaza, the most important measure to counter the spread and effects of the virus is to get immunized. “We know that the third dose provides [an] additional level of protection, and those who are 50 years of age and older should not delay their third dose when eligible,” he said, noting that individuals are eligible for a third dose 168 days after completing the initial vaccine series (first and second doses).
“In addition to immunizations, the other measures that we can do right now to stop the spread and break that transmission happening is to avoid social gatherings and stay home whenever possible,” the MOH concluded.
There is nothing left to say. I’ve said it all!!! Omicron is not mild!! Not to the vulnerable- they will die. Is your party worth a person’s life? Do you care?
Queen’s students, for the most part, should have been sent home and moved on line as soon as the 2 out of control parties took place. It would have saved the city and lives. Strong action and for the ones that do know how to behave, sorry, but you can blame the bad actors and you know better who they were.
I hope January has online learning for a lot of educational institutions as the very young and immature, still have much to learn.