By Anna Mehler Paperny

TORONTO, (Reuters) – Canadian provinces have been trying to boost vaccination and offer faster testing amid a coronavirus outbreak driven by Omicron variant. But efforts to stop infections are hampered by fatigue nearly two years later.

As the hospitals struggle to eliminate backlogs after months of delayed procedures, case numbers continue to rise. Numerous burnt out staff members are not well-equipped for another round.

Canada is a wealthy country with many people who have not been infected. So if they lack vaccine protection they are especially vulnerable to Omicron, said Peter Jüni, director of Ontario’s COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

He stated, “What truly worries me is that people asleepen at the steering wheel internationally.”

“They wish it would not be so mild.” They have a wishful thinking that it will be mild. This attitude is unrealistic.

According to CBC News, Canada will likely increase restrictions for international travel. New measures are expected to be announced Wednesday.

Andrew Morris from Toronto, an infectious disease physician, says there is “massive vulnerability,” in Canada’s medical system, which could lead to it being overwhelmed.

Christie Lee is the director of Mount Sinai Hospital’s ICU. She has experienced some lucky moments. However, they are aware that this luck might not last.

“We were told to prepare for potentially rapidly growing cases,” she stated.

Alberta saw another severe fourth wave. However, Calgary ICU doctor Christopher Doig has still COVID-19 patient. He said that it is currently operating at around 110% capacity.

Staff can “surge up”, by moving to other locations. The downside to these surges is that it draws staff from other areas, and increases the backlog in surgeries.

“THE VIRUS DON’T TCARE”

While provinces are reluctant to increase restrictions, some communities have taken matters into their hands.

Kingston is the province’s highest-infection rate area. Health officials in Kingston have restricted the number of private parties and limited the hours indoor alcohol and food are permitted to be consumed. Restaurants that serve food or drink are forbidden from permitting singing, dancing, and live music.

Ontario stated this week that it was “temporarily interrupting” its provincial employee return to work plan.

Officials in health are trying to persuade the public that they require three vaccinations to ensure safety.

Manitoba, along with other provinces, has expanded third doses to anyone who is over 18. The third doses of the drug have been slowly introduced in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta.

It could be that this is changing: On Monday, the president of Ontario Hospital Association stated via Twitter (NYSE 🙂 that hospitals follow instructions to “urgently restart mass vaccination programmes.” The spokesperson for the Ontario Hospital Association did not respond immediately to questions about how this would impact care.

Fears of COVID-19-like symptoms have led to criticism of provinces that the federal government gave millions of rapid antigen testing. They are now being accused of not making them available more widely. Ontario pledged to distribute 2 million rapid antigen tests in high-traffic areas, and five to each student this week. Five tests will be distributed by Quebec starting next week.

British Columbia officials said this week that they have not received the testing they requested from the federal government. They also defended their ability to provide rapid screenings for hundreds of private companies every week, tens or thousands at a time.

Jüni said he understands people are tired. I’m exhausted. This is it. I’m done completely. The virus isn’t interested.”