How 5 years of COVID-19 has prepared Toronto to face potential crises in the future
Five years have passed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Toronto-area doctors and public health officials are reflecting on the lessons learned during those challenging times. Dr. Justin Hall, chief of emergency medicine at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, recalls the fear and uncertainty that gripped the city when Canada’s first case of COVID-19 was identified on January 25, 2020. Despite the chaos, Hall commends the staff for their resilience in the face of the unknown.
As we mark the fifth anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, it’s clear that the early days of the crisis were characterized by lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine rollouts. However, Hall emphasizes that there were many other valuable lessons learned about disease control and prevention during that time. One significant innovation that emerged was the virtual emergency department, a collaboration between Sunnybrook, University Hospital Network, and Toronto Unity Health. This service offers same-day online appointments with emergency department physicians, reducing the need for in-person visits and helping underserved populations.
Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey, Toronto’s acting medical officer of health, believes that the city is now better prepared to handle another infectious disease crisis thanks to the communication networks established during the pandemic. The coordination between hospitals, public health agencies, and social services was crucial in responding effectively to COVID-19, and Lamptey hopes that these connections will be maintained for future challenges. Dr. Samira Mubareka, an infectious disease specialist at Sunnybrook, also stresses the importance of ongoing preparedness, particularly in terms of vaccine distribution and coordination.
Looking back on the past five years, it’s important to acknowledge the wide-ranging impacts of COVID-19. Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s former medical officer of health, reminds us to honor the lives lost and recognize the ongoing effects of the pandemic on individuals. From those still at risk of severe outcomes to those grappling with long COVID, the legacy of COVID-19 continues to shape our approach to public health and emergency preparedness.
As Toronto continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, the lessons learned from COVID-19 will undoubtedly inform our response to future challenges. By maintaining strong communication networks, fostering innovation, and prioritizing collaboration, the city can build on the foundations laid during the early days of the crisis. Together, we can ensure that Toronto remains resilient in the face of whatever may come next.
