From the impact of COVID on our most vulnerable to the health benefits of walkable cities, Unity Health Toronto experts offered insights this week into our rapidly changing world. Here are our top media hits for the week of February 19-25.

Toronto’s homeless population twice as likely to contract COVID-19
CBC Radio-Canada on February 24, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Tara Kiran

Dr. Tara Kiran, Unity Health family physician, speaks to Radio-Canada about her new research that found people experiencing homelessness in Toronto had twice the odds of testing positive for COVID-19. This article is in French.

Pedestrian-friendly cities have lower rates of diabetes and obesity
New Scientist on February 24, 2022
Feature of research led by Dr. Gillian Booth

New research led by Dr. Gillian Booth, scientist at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, finds that people who live in pedestrian-friendly areas are less likely to have diabetes or obesity.

Advocates call for loosened visitor restrictions at N.B.’s long-term care homes
CBC New Brunswick on February 24, 2022
Interview with Dr. Ashley Verduyn

As the pandemic evolves, Dr. Ashley Verduyn, medical director at Providence Healthcare, speaks about the importance of striking a balance between protecting long-term care residents’ health and maintaining their quality of life.

Open science, not for-profit discovery, is Canada’s best path to pandemic prevention
The Globe and Mail on February 25, 2022
Opinion piece by Dr. Dan Werb

Investment in open, not-for-profit science is critical to preventing future pandemics, writes Dr. Dan Werb, epidemiologist and scientist at St. Michael’s Hospital, in The Globe and Mail.

Here’s how to stay safe while gathering with your family
CBC Toronto on February 19, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

As Ontario loosens COVID-19 gathering restrictions, Dr. Fahad Razak, internist at St. Michael’s Hospital, explains what steps families can take to minimize their risks at social gatherings.

‘A heroic effort that went unrecognized’: Harm reduction workers facing their own burnout
Healthy Debate on February 22, 2022
Interview with Dr. Gillian Kolla

Dr. Gillian Kolla, postdoctoral fellow at MAP Centre for Urban Health Solution, speaks with Healthy Debate about the changing purpose of safe injection sites as the composition of street drugs becomes more toxic and volatile.

Is it time to end mask mandates in Ontario schools?
CP24 on February 23, 2022
Interview with Dr. Fahad Razak

Given that there isn’t yet a COVID vaccine for kids less than five, Dr. Fahad Razak, St. Michael’s Hospital internist, tells CP24 that masking for young children is a reasonable protection while we get through this stretch of the Omicron wave.