Thread by @CPHO_Canada

1/8 Today my remarks focus on the disproportionate impacts and severe outcomes of #COVID19 on seniors. It’s hard to calculate the hardships endured and the grief that remains for those we’ve lost. #OlderAdults

2/8 Prevention & control of #COVID19 in high-risk populations is crucial for controlling this & future pandemic waves. These outbreaks drive up the case fatality rate, accelerate spread, & continue to spillover into the community.

3/8 But it is older adults who bear the brunt of #COVID19. Though an estimated 20% of COVID-19 cases in Canada are linked to long-term care homes, over 80% of all deaths are among seniors residing in these settings. #ProtecttheVulnerable

4/8 A range of measures has been implemented in an effort to prevent introduction & spread of #COVID19 in long-term care homes. Yet, many areas of 🇨🇦 are still struggling to get ahead of the rapid & stealthy spread of this virus.

5/8 Canada’s older adults are our elders, they are the keepers of our history, culture and wisdom. Each loss is one too many but the scale and impact on our seniors as a whole is nothing short of a national tragedy. #COVID19 #COVIDLoss

6/8 Where there are weaknesses, whether structural, social or economic in nature, this virus will take advantage. We need to be willing to do what it takes to address these weaknesses in long term care & assisted living homes. #COVID19 #PersonalSupportWorkers

7/8 That means providing better financial and other supports to essential workers in these settings, so that we stand a better chance of maintaining control of #COVID19. #PersonalSupportWorkers #HealthcareHeroes

8/8 We will be living with #COVID19 for some time. If we make it a priority to look after the most vulnerable in our society, we can change the outcome of this pandemic and not live in its shadow. Together, we can do this.
#ProtectTheVulnerable