Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, says Ontarians have stepped up, resulting in a decline in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu and COVID activity throughout the province.

In a statement issued today, Dr. Moore, said: “RSV trends are beginning to stabilize and decline, and after the annual 12-week flu season, the number of cases of flu peaked at the end of November, case rates continue to decline, and the impact on our communities, hospitals and intensive care units is improving.”

Moore thanked Ontarians for following public health advice “regarding the layers of protection throughout the holiday period and beyond, which has helped to manage the spread of these respiratory viruses.”

However, Moore cautioned: “We must remain vigilant as many jurisdictions across the province continue to see a rise in the number of cases of the more transmissible XBB.1.5 variant of COVID-19.”

While the new strain has not been associated with a change in severity of illness more individuals may get infected as it becomes the main variant in Ontario.

Moore said he encourages Ontarians to stay up to date with their vaccinations, and to stay home when they feel sick, wash their hands often, cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and to wear a mask in crowded indoor public spaces, especially those at higher risk.