Ontario health officials moved swiftly Thursday to quell any worries about influenza A (H1N1), also known as swine flu, cases in the province as the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert to its highest level.
The message from Ontario’s top doctor was clear: Residents don’t have cause for alarm since the status of the virus in the province hasn’t changed and the vast majority of cases are considered mild.
“Don’t panic because it’s gone to level six because it’s the same old situation,” said Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s acting chief medical officer of health.
His comments were echoed by the CEO of Ontario’s Agency for Health Protection and Promotion.
“Nothing changes as of 11 o’clock in Ontario because the WHO moves to (level six),” said Dr. Vivek Goel.
