'Surging fourth wave' brings new advice from London, Ont. health officials

Spike in cases prompts warning of fourth wave The Middlesex-London Health Unit is urging caution and vaccination as cases hit a high not seen since May. CTV's Sean Irvine has more.

London, Ont. — Alarming words about the COVID-19 fight in Middlesex-London.

Dr. Alex Summers, the associate medical officer of health, tells CTV News he believes stricter distancing restrictions will be needed to beat the fourth wave of COVID-19.

“One thing that is clear is that physically distancing will be required, and in the past, restrictions have been necessary to make that happen.”

Summers made the statement in a late-day interview where he warned the delta variant is hitting the region - hard.

COVID-19 numbers in Middlesex- London are on a rapid rise. Just a month ago, there were three cases a day. Friday brought 38.

“The fourth wave is undoubtedly clearly, transparently upon us.”

Summers says the numbers will continue to rise given the infectious spread of the Delta variant.

This week’s outbreaks at two London nightclubs - the health unit says - are key examples.

As a result, Dr. Summers is preparing us for actions - we all thought were behind us.

“Step 3 has allowed for us to get back to some of our activities and that’s great, but it’s not something we are going to be able to do come the fall.”

But, when asked if that might result in delaying a return to classes for school-aged children, Summers backpedalled.

He argues schools will remain the last institutions to close — even if — hefty restrictions were to return.

But overall, with the numbers rising, he says everyone should expect changes.

“Obviously, those decisions lay with the provincial government and we continue to make sure they’re aware of the COVID activity we are seeing here in our region.”

Activity which would be far worse, Summers says, if most people weren’t vaccinated.

He says those who are should continue to be vigilant around children, at-risk people and adults who declined the jab.

“For those of you who got vaccinated you still did absolutely the right thing. You’re going into this fourth wave with more protection, sustainably, remarkable more protection, than you would have had without the vaccine.”

Summers says tough restrictions are not “inevitable” if people heed the warning now to mask up and keep six feet apart.

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