(Ottawa) In light of rising cases in Quebec and Ontario, Canada’s Deputy Chief Public Health Officer, Dr.r Howard Njoo, has serious reservations about the possibility of feasting with extended family or large groups during the holidays.
“Personally, I think it’s not a good idea to have gatherings of 25 people or 20 people, maybe something more intimate. I let you imagine what it is, more intimate ”, he said in response to a journalist who asked him during a press briefing, Friday afternoon, his opinion on his definition of a gathering of “Reasonable” Christmas.
The most recent models from the Public Health Agency of Canada show that COVID-19 cases have increased nationally, especially in the two most populous provinces. However, current guidelines in Ontario allow indoor gatherings of 25 people. In Quebec, it is planned to allow 20 vaccinated people to gather as of December 23.
The Dr Njoo maintained that he remains in communication with his counterparts in Quebec and Ontario, and implied that they will be ready to modify the instructions if they deem it necessary.
“Public health authorities in the two provinces […] closely monitor the epidemiological situation in their own jurisdictions. […] I think everyone is ready to have the flexibility […] and ready to modify, to adapt as necessary, ”argued the Deputy Chief Public Health Officer.
In its presentation on Friday, the Agency emphasizes that “caution is always in order” as the holidays approach, but it is possible to celebrate safely when participants are fully immunized and following advice. of public health. Other protective measures, such as masks and hand washing, should be planned with people outside the home.
The Dr Njoo claimed that, for his part, he would aim for a “family, 10 person gathering or something like that”.