Rapid spread of Omicron showing 'tale of two pandemics: rich and poor'

As parts of Canada see staggering rises in COVID-19 activity amid Omicron's rapid spread, experts say the highly transmissible variant is training a spotlight on social inequities across the country.

Dr. Amit Arya, a palliative care physician in Mississauga, Ont., and Dr. Andrew Boozary, who leads the Social Medicine Program at Toronto's University Health Network, both say Omicron's rise continues to show "a tale of two pandemics," with those who can afford to better protect themselves pitted against those who can't.

Arya said lower-income populations often don't have the funds to buy upgraded masks or rapid antigen tests, nor can they easily take time off work to isolate or get their booster doses.

"If you have money, you're able to afford the protection you need to survive and be safe," he said.

Essential workers bore the brunt of COVID-19 infections during Canada's Delta-driven wave last spring, and Arya said low-wage employees are likely to experience some of that again.