The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) acknowledges the World Health Organization’s (WHO) decision to end the COVID-19 global public health emergency, marking a new phase in the pandemic.
All crisis phases end. That does not mean the impact of COVID-19 ends or that its long-term impacts disappear. The CMA reminds Canadians that COVID-19 is still present in our communities and will remain a part of our lives. Sadly, Canadians are still being hospitalized and losing their lives due to this virus. The WHO noted just last week that “an estimated one in 10 infections results in post-COVID-19 condition, suggesting that hundreds of millions of people will need longer-term care.” In Canada, it is estimated that 1.4 million people are living with long COVID-19.
We encourage everyone to follow the advice of your local public officials and remain up to date on vaccinations. We urge Canadians to continue to take reasonable precautions including wearing masks when appropriate, especially in vulnerable settings, and staying home when sick.
Dr. Alika Lafontaine
President, Canadian Medical Association
