Written by: Aru Kaul

Coronavirus outbreak requires measures that are beyond the Canadian health care system, health experts say

Professionals believe social isolation could continue for months, if not years

Health professionals are consistently updating the public on new cases of coronavirus; both confirmed and unconfirmed, and what measures need to be taken in such circumstances.

Toronto experts agree that closing schools for a month is not long enough to stop COVID-19 from spreading.

“People should at least entertain the possibility that the school year may be done this year. I’m hesitant to speculate what will happen in September, but it’s also possible that we’ll be dealing with a disrupted school year in September,” said Ashleigh Tuite, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto’s school of public health.

“Beyond what health care can support”

Tuite is part of a research group at the University of Toronto that has a goal to help support public health in understanding the virus. This project began in February, when it became clear that COVID-19 would likely spread in Canada.

The group has looked as far as 32 weeks into isolation and believes the situation will not drastically change.

“You’re still going to have a lot of people infected, and you’re still going to have a number of people requiring hospitalization beyond what we think our current healthcare system can support,” Tuite said.

Jane Heffernan, the director of York University’s Centre for Disease Modelling, said she has seen studies suggesting isolation could last months to two years, including a study from Imperial College in London that predicts social distancing could continue for 12 to 18 months.

The study from the Imperial College of London found that since the outbreak, 28 per cent avoided travel to areas outside the UK, 50 per cent avoided social events, 36 per cent avoided public transport.

“All of the models that I’ve seen say something different. All agree that in the short term, this closure of schools isn’t sufficient and we would probably be looking at a longer term closure,” said Heffernan.

“We buy ourselves time”

However, the experts acknowledged that with the right steps forward, it is possible to help stop the spread of the virus.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily and covering coughs and sneezes.

“Again acknowledging that things will change, hopefully, we can become better at managing the disease. We may have pharmaceutical treatments that will make the outcomes of the infections better. We buy ourselves time,” Tuite said.

What is the government doing?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was asked about how long it could be until life returns to normal at a news conference on Thursday. He said the government is following recommendations from experts. “It could be weeks or months”, said Trudeau.

As a result, this week the government took some steps to support Canadians and protect their jobs, as well as limit the spread of the coronavirus.

The government also announced new funding for research, and a new strategy to mobilize industry to fight COVID-19.

“I know that many of you are worried about what might happen next. You’re wondering how long this is going to last, you’re wondering about your job, and your savings. You’re worried about your kids not being in school, and we get it,” Trudeau said.

An $82 billion plan was put in place to help people in businesses who are suffering because of COVID-19. However, the majority of these funds go towards businesses ($55 billion), instead of putting money directly into people’s pockets. They have also failed to introduce a freeze on costs such as rent and utilities. In light of this, rent strikes have been planned across the country on Apr. 1.

Today, the Liberals will introduce a bill which, if passed, gives sweeping new powers to finance minister Bill Morneau to tax and spend without Parliamentary approval. Matthew Green and other members of the Federal NDP’s caucus have condemned this move on Twitter.