Re: Ottawa Public Health to let go most remaining COVID-19 staff as province ends special pandemic funding, Dec. 3.

I’m deeply disappointed to hear that Ottawa Public Health will be cancelling COVID-19 programs, including immunization services for the general population. The pandemic is not over. According to Statistics Canada, COVID-19 was the third-leading cause of death for Canadians last year.

It is irresponsible to cancel these programs. If the province has cancelled funding, the city must step up with its own funding, and put pressure on the provincial government to restore funding.

SARS-CoV-2 is a level-3 pathogen capable of harming organs throughout the body. Even a relatively “mild” acute case may lead to long COVID, cognitive issues, dementia, strokes, heart failure, heart attacks, diabetes and other health issues. Repeat infections are associated with more severe outcomes.

We need to invest in preventive public health measures. These must include multiple layers of protection, including universal masking with N95 respirators, vaccines, HEPA filters and improved ventilation.

Mike Buckthought, Ottawa