Published Thursday, September 24, 2020 12:18PM EDT
Last Updated Thursday, September 24, 2020 12:33PM EDT
The statement, written by specialists in infectious diseases, medical microbiology and infection prevention and control, reported that the seven-day average for cases in the province is approximately 400 cases per day.
“Without immediate action, we know from international experience that this extremely contagious and life-threatening virus will spread rapidly through our schools, long-term care homes, retirement homes and other congregate settings,” the health-care workers warned.
“While maintaining our province's economy is always a priority, we are extremely concerned that, without action, the current rate of spread will require a return to widespread closure of non-essential businesses and schools to prevent a rise in hospitalizations.”
The health-care leaders, mostly from hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area, stated that regions where the speed of transmission was underestimated are “now facing the consequence of increased hospitalization rates, including a rise in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and more deaths.”
“Now is not the time for hesitancy. We must regain a firm grip on the virus to ensure those who are most susceptible in our province stay protected,” they said.
“Given the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases over the last two weeks, and the speed at which this virus spreads, now is the time to put public health measures in place.”