Modelling preview: what indicators are best in showing us if we are doing wrong and right in fighting COVID-19?

State of emergency, reduced retail hours and masks outdoors are under consideration by Ontario cabinet. ALSO: new COVID-19 modelling to show ICUs full by early February: sources

GUEST: JP Soucy, Infectious Disease Epidemiology PhD student & Vanier Scholar at University of Toronto

How do we get to zero community COVID-19 cases?

A fundamental problem is that not all international travelers are following self-quarantine rules, and thus acting as multiple new patient zeroes of infection. The solution is not only to mandate a self-isolation quarantine for at least 14 days when arriving in or returning to a province (followed by negative COVID tests), but also to strictly enforce its implementation.

In other words, just as other countries (e.g. Singapore, many Caribbean islands, Hong Kong, etc.) who have reached near zero community cases daily have done, upon arrival, travelers are directly transported to designated facilities (e.g. hotels) where they undergo self-isolation for 14 days, which is enforced (e.g. digital monitoring) with clear penalties for non-compliance (e.g. severe fines or jail time).

GUEST: Dr. Hsien Seow is associate professor at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation

Ontario’s long-term care is overdue for change.

ALSO: Some non-front-line hospital staff get COVID-19 vaccines ahead of vulnerable populations, raising ethical concerns.

GUEST: Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos, long-term care advocate and Professor at Ontario Tech University

Ontario’s long-term care is overdue for change. So what needs to happen?

ALSO: Some non-front-line hospital staff get COVID-19 vaccines ahead of vulnerable populations, raising ethical concerns GUEST: Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos, long-term care advocate and Professor at Ontario Tech University

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How do we get to zero community COVID-19 cases?

A fundamental problem is that not all international travelers are following self-quarantine rules, and thus acting as multiple new patient zeroes of infection. The solution is not only to mandate a self-isolation quarantine for at least 14 days when arriving in or returning to a province (followed by negative COVID tests), but also to strictly enforce its implementation.

In other words, just as other countries (e.g. Singapore, many Caribbean islands, Hong Kong, etc.) who have reached near zero community cases daily have done, upon arrival, travelers are directly transported to designated facilities (e.g. hotels) where they undergo self-isolation for 14 days, which is enforced (e.g. digital monitoring) with clear penalties for non-compliance (e.g. severe fines or jail time).

GUEST: Dr. Hsien Seow is associate professor at McMaster University and Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation

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Modelling preview: what indicators are best in showing us if we are doing wrong and right in fighting COVID-19?

State of emergency, reduced retail hours and masks outdoors are under consideration by Ontario cabinet. ALSO: new COVID-19 modelling to show ICUs full by early February: sources. 

GUEST: JP Soucy, Infectious Disease Epidemiology PhD student & Vanier Scholar at University of Toronto

How far in the queue are you from getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

Scientist Jasmine Mah and colleague created a Vaccine Queue Calculator, basing it on the national guidelines priority list released by the Canadian government. It takes into account your age, profession, health condition, and risk factors. The calculator then shows you the minimum and the maximum number of people in front of you & a range of dates you might have to wait till you get your shot. 

GUEST: Jasmine Mah, Masters of Science grad from Guelph University