TORONTO, Dec. 1, 2021 — As the 10,000th person has died from COVID-19 in Ontario and a new variant has arrived in Canada, Ontario’s doctors are again urging everyone to get fully vaccinated.
“We should all take time to pause and reflect on the terrible toll this virus has taken on our families and communities,” said OMA President Dr. Adam Kassam. “Those are 10,000 friends, colleagues and family members missing from our holiday celebrations this month and from our lives. Getting fully vaccinated is an important way to honour their lives.”
The OMA noted that confirmed COVID cases have risen again, even though children ages 5-11 now are eligible for vaccinations and many adults are eligible for a third or “booster” shot. The seven-day average of 794 new cases is the highest since early June.
Anyone with questions about the virus or vaccinations should speak with their family doctor, pediatrician or public health unit.
The OMA condemns those who continue to threaten, bully or physically block doctors and other health-care workers trying to protect their patients and their communities, as well as those who continue to spread misinformation and inaccuracies about the virus and vaccinations.
We encourage all levels of government to continue to make public health decisions based on science and evidence.
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario’s 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario’s health-care system.