Experts weigh in on Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 situation

Experts in Saskatchewan are warning the public that COVID-19 is far from over. Summer months may bring with them a break from the virus, but another wave is expected next fall.

The uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 continues as Saskatchewan enters its third summer having to deal with the virus.

Experts say now more than ever public health needs to keep the message clear: keep up with proper vaccinations and booster shots.

“Pushing COVID-19 to the backburner is not going to help us individually or collectively,” said epidemiologist Nazeem Muhajarine.

Muhajarine said the power of vaccines to protect us against severe COVID-19 is a certainty, saying they are keeping the number of hospitalization low and fewer people are ending up in the ICU.

“A lot more public health messaging needs to address this,” said Mahujarine. ” It seems like the voices in public health have kind of disappeared over the past months but COVID-19 hasn’t disappeared. It is very much in our presence. People are still getting infected.”

Muhajarine explained that COVID-19 is affecting people on a more severe level and should not be compared to the common cold or flu, noting it is much worse and adding that the virus is constantly evolving and continues to disrupt our lives much more than a seasonal flu.

With new subvariant Omicron BA-4 and Omicron BA-5, Muhajarine said these new variants are considered more infectious and contagious.

“Will we see the kinds of case numbers going up and along with that hospitalizations that we are seeing in France, Portugal and many other European countries?” said Muhajarine. “It is on us to expect to see it and act accordingly, discuss it and message it accordingly. That is what prudent and safe sort of action and response will want.”