(980 CJME file photo)

By CKOM News

Omicron could double hospitalizations, ICU numbers within a month: modelling data

Dec 21, 2021 | 1:31 PM

New modelling data made available by the government of Saskatchewan Tuesday shows Omicron could increase new daily COVID-19 cases by up to five times, as well as double current hospitalizations and ICU admissions by this time next month.

The modeling data is predicated on the province’s current public health restrictions and interventions.

Should the province reintroduce previous restrictions, the modeling data suggests hospitalizations, new daily cases and ICU admissions will decrease.

Scenarios included in the modeling data assume the Omicron variant is much more transmissible than Delta. The province said Omicron could double its spread across the province in 5.2 days. Other jurisdictions in Canada, like Ontario and Quebec, have reported Omicron doubling anywhere from 1.5 days to three days.

By Jan. 20, the province could be reporting more than 300 new COVID-19 cases per day — similar to the cases reported in mid-October.

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Hospitalizations could surpass 200 by Jan. 20 and ICU admissions could increase to over 60.

With additional restrictions, the modeling data suggests all three markers could decrease from current levels.

To help reduce the risk of infection, the province is suggesting everyone get the vaccine and booster as soon as they are eligible to receive it, use a mask whenever outside of their home, take a rapid test before attending any event, stay home with even the mildest symptoms and reduce contacts and any non-essential travel.

The modelling scenarios are based on limited evidence, particularly on severity and hospitalization risk surrounding the Omicron variant.