Dr. Sally Otto, an evolutionary biologist and professor at the University of British Columbia, told the Evolution Conference in Ohio last week that the BA.5 variant is circulating in more communities again and predicts that the third wave will peak sometime in next month.

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Health Minister Adrian Dix said BC is planning for the fall, but did not elaborate Monday. “We’re planning what we’re going to face in the fall, but we don’t know what we’re going to face in the fall,” he said. “So no option is ever ruled out.” Story continues below ad “Right now, overall, we’re seeing the level of hospitalizations from COVID going down, but we’re also seeing other places in the world with real challenges. What we will continue to do in BC is follow public health guidance on these matters – we follow the guidance of our provincial health office and our public health teams – we follow that guidance and continue to take the necessary steps.” 1:07 Officials urge Canadians to get COVID-19 booster, warn of spike in cases come fall Officials urge Canadians to get COVID-19 booster, warn of spike in cases come fall The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is recommending booster shots this fall ahead of a possible future wave of COVID-19 in Canada. Trending Stories

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Dr. Brian Conway, medical director of the Vancouver Center for Infectious Diseases, said there has been some talk about Canada following the trend of western Europe with an increase in cases and more evidence of COVID found in wastewater. Story continues below ad “My view is that there will be a bit of an uptick if we’re not careful,” he said. “Get your shots, wash your hands, wear a mask, stay home if you’re sick. These things are not difficult.” Conway said everyone should get their third shot now, if they haven’t already, so they’re ready for their fourth shot in the fall. 1:27 Epidemiologists: Getting infected with COVID-19 doesn’t protect you from reinfection Epidemiologists: Getting infected with COVID-19 doesn’t protect you from reinfection – April 19, 2022 Dix said he believes the key issue everyone needs to recognize is that the COVID-19 pandemic is still here.

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He said cases in the province were not increasing at a “dramatic level” but the strain on the health care system was “significant”. Story continues below ad While eight million British Columbians have received a third dose of the vaccine, Dix said 1.4 million people are eligible for their third dose right now in the province and have not yet received it. “Everyone should plan on getting another dose in the fall, everyone,” Dix added. © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.