22 1650 Dundas St. E.,Whitby (1 Block E. of Thickson Rd.) 905.404.1502 ♦www.pphc.ca Proudly Canadian - Manufactured in Barrie, Ontario. Visit our Showroom today! Choosing Stonewood Bathroom Cabinetry allows you to create the bathroom vanity of your dreams! Plumbing & Parts Home Centre in Whitby has over 13,000 sq. ft. of showroom space of tubs, showers, steam showers, vanities, faucets and taps, toilets, sinks, parts and accessories. Hours: Mon to Fri 10am - 5:00pm. Sat 10am to 4pm, closed Sundays 18 King St. E Oshawa • 905-442-8961 joycehancock.com hancockmasks.com 905-442-8961 Our 3 LAYER MASK has a built in HEAVY VAPOUR BARRIER recommended by Health Canada to keep you safe. All sizes and various styles available with adjustable ear loops or headband elastics. Order online at www.hancockmasks.com or shop in person. THANK YOU FOR MAKING US YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE OF INFORMATION FIND UP-TO-DATE LOCAL COVID-19 NEWS ONLINE DURHAMREGION.COM/CORONAVIRUS We have weathered a lotWe have weathered a lotW together during the last 21 months of this pandemic: rolling lockdowns and wave upon wave of emergency measures. And now, in the fifth wave, we know "COVID fatigue" is a reality for many of you. We understand the anxiety and stress you feel. The dramatic rise in the number of cases related to the new, highly contagious Omicron variant is straining our already challenged hospital system. Over the last two weeks, COVID-19 positive cases have risen exponentially. While the Omicron variant causes less severe disease than the Delta variant, the sheer number of positive cases has fuelled this dramatic rise in hospitalizations. Every day, we are seeing a growing inability for our hospitals across Ontario, and here in Durham region, to meet the anticipated demand. During this fifth wave, two key issues are emerging: a shortage of healthcare workers and a potential lack of beds for the very sick. This shortage of health-care workers is significant: approximately 1,000 Lakeridge Health staff are unable to work because of COVID-19 related illness/exposure. Add to that the fact that our teams are also exhausted and fatigued. A perfect storm is brewing. The shortage of health-care workers and a rise in hospitalizations means our system may run out of hospital beds in the coming weeks. We are calling on theWe are calling on theW community's help once again. We need your help toWe need your help toW slow the transmission of the Omicron variant by getting vaccinated and following public health guidance to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Data from the Ontario Science Table shows that in people with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the rate of hospitalization with COVID-19 is about six times lower, and the rate of intensive care unit admission is about 18 times lower. Also, unless you are severely ill, please do not come to the emergency department. Choose other options, including urgent care centres, virtual options such as Durham Virtual Urgent Care Clinic and Urgent Care Durham, your primary care provider, Seniors Urgency Room and, if eligible, COVID-19 Assessment Clinics. At the moment, unless you are severely ill, you will experience very long wait times in emergency. Choosing an alternate option will enable you and your loved ones to receive quicker access to medical care outside of the hospital. As well, a reminder that our emergency departments will not routinely provide COVID-19 tests. Here is what you need to know about when and how to book a COVID-19 test at an assessment clinic: If you are symptomatic, but your symptoms are not severe, you should stay home and isolate in most cases. You do not need a COVID-19 test and can self-isolate at home. If you are symptomatic and are at a high risk of severe illness, book a COVID-19 test. Ministry of Health guidance for who can receive a COVID test is available through co-available through co-a vid-19.ontario.ca. If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, assume it is accurate and self-isolate. You do not need a PCR test. If you have had a close exposure, follow the public health guidelines for self-isolation and self- monitoring. For more on COVID-19 testing, take a moment to read the provincial guidance. If you are severely ill or your symptoms worsen, go to your nearest emergency department. They are open and available to care 24-7 for those who need emergent medical attention and are in a life-or-death situation. Just like previous CO- VID-19 waves, we will get through this with your help. Our collective efforts will enable our hospitals to be there for you and your family when you need it most. Dr. Dan Ricciuto is the medical director, infection prevention and control at Lakeridge Health. 'WE NEED YOUR HELP' TO DEAL WITH 5TH COVID WAVE OPINION DR. DAN RICCIUTO SAYS 'SYSTEM MAY RUN OUT OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE COMING WEEKS' DAN RICCIUTO Column SIGN UP FOR OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT DURHAMREGION.COM