The annus horribilis that was 2020 is now in the rearview mirror – but when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic, things aren’t over yet.

Vaccines are beginning to roll out across the country, with vaccinations for the general population expected to start in April. But preventing a third wave from breaking out in the meantime still needs to remain a key priority for Canadians, says one expert.

In an interview with The West Block’s Mercedes Stephenson, Dr. Isaac Bogoch said that while he believes Canadians could start to see a return to normal in 2021, the reality is that they will need to keep holding down the fort first.

“It certainly is possible and we have to do everything we can to avoid that,” said Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist with the University of Toronto who treats COVID-19 patients, when asked whether a third wave was a possibility.

“I think we can avoid a third wave if we have co-operation between the governments and public health units with creating smart policy, plus people making the right choices for the components that are under their decisions, coupled with a rapid vaccine rollout plan.”

Late last year, Health Canada approved the mRNA vaccine candidates from Pfizer and Moderna and began rolling out limited initial supplies of those to front-line health workers and long-term care home residents as the second wave of the pandemic tightened its grip on the country.