Toronto Public Health is warning that cases of respiratory illnesses are on the rise in Toronto. Health experts are also warning that the disease is spreading among students in schools. Public Health reported more than 570 influenza cases and an 11 percent COVID positivity rate in the second week of January.
Health officials said that the situation is likely to worsen as COVID cases and influenza cases are being reported at the same time. The main reason for the rapid spread of the virus and the increase in cases is the severe cold. Due to the heavy snow and cold, most of the time is spent indoors. Therefore, the risk of viruses spreading more during this period is very high, said Dr. Vinita Dubey, Toronto Associate Medical Officer of Health.
Dubey warned that parents and students should be vigilant and take precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory infections in schools.