Hugh: Dr. Fitzgerald Delivers COVID Update, Speaking on Isolation Requirements and the Bivalent Vaccine

Friday morning, the province held a press conference with Dr. Janice Fitzgerald regarding changes to COVID-19. The Chief Medical Officer says that with the current conditions and based on what we’ve seen in other provinces, it is safe to ease restrictions for those with COVID-19. As of Monday, October 24th, those with COVID symptoms should isolate until you have no fever for 24 hours. If you detect symptoms and test negative, try again in 48 hours. Regarding the availability of rapid tests, Fitzgerald says that she is aware that some people have voiced concerns, and the province is working on a plan to make these tests more accessible for the public. Details on those plans are still to come.

Dr. Fitzgerald also spoke on the bivalent vaccine, recommending it for anyone twelve years of age or older, as it helps protect against the Omicron variant, which remains the dominant variant. With more than one of these vaccines in production and the province working on attaining more, it should not matter which you choose, as there are no studies that suggest one bivalent vaccine is better than another.

Fitzgerald acknowledges that this winter will be the first one dealing with COVID and influenza while having restrictions lifted, so getting your flu shot this season is important. She also notes that it is possible to get COVID and influenza vaccines at the same time.