Détails des événements

This PHO Rounds will be the first of a two-part series on the upcoming 2026–2027 Respiratory Virus season. The first session will provide an overview of current epidemiological trends for COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in Ontario, Canada and internationally. The session also describes the planned approach to testing across the provincial laboratory network for respiratory viruses for the 2026–27 season. Provincial resources available to support surveillance of and testing for respiratory viruses will be highlighted.

To register for part two of this series, please register separately at PHO Rounds: Respiratory Season 2026–2027: Part 2.

Intended audience:

Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Associate Medical Officers of Health (AMOHs), public health professionals working in Communicable Disease, primary healthcare providers, public health clinicians working in acute care, long-term care and congregate living settings, public health unit staff and epidemiologists.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Summarize current epidemiological trends in influenza, COVID-19, and RSV in Ontario, Canada and internationally.
• Identify where to find the Public Health Ontario resources on respiratory viruses in Ontario.
• Describe the testing options available in Ontario for influenza, COVID-19 and RSV for the 2026–2027 season.

Michael Whelan, MSc., is an Epidemiologist Lead on the Communicable Disease Control team at Public Health Ontario. His portfolio includes influenza and emerging respiratory viruses, tuberculosis, legionellosis, and invasive group A streptococcal disease. Michael completed his MSc. in Epidemiology at Queen’s University.

Dr. Maan Hasso, MD, FRCPC, is a Medical Microbiologist at Public Health Ontario and is the lead of the respiratory viral detection portfolio. He completed his medical degree as well as a master’s degree in medical microbiology from Baghdad University in Iraq. In 2020, he graduated from the medical microbiology residency and fellowship program in the Department of Laboratory and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto, and completed the certificate in Medical Microbiology from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Mary Choi is a Senior Medical Consultant at the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Public Health. She is a Public Health and Preventive Medicine specialist who has worked extensively with stakeholders across government, health care, and community sectors as part of Ontario’s COVID-19 pandemic response, and more recently, as Associate Medical Officer of Health at the Region of Peel where she provided strategic leadership in the coordination of a multisectoral respiratory season preparedness and response. In her current role at the Ministry of Health, she provides public health advice and expertise to support the province’s policy and program development initiatives aimed at advancing health equity and improving population health outcomes.

The opinions expressed by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies or views of Public Health Ontario, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by Public Health Ontario.

Public Health Ontario Grand Rounds are a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). In order to receive written documentation for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, please check “Yes” beside the question “Do you require CME credits?” on the registration form.

College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Affiliate Members may count RCPSC credits toward their Mainpro+ credit requirements. All other CFPC members may claim up to 50 Certified credits per cycle for participation in RCPSC MOC Section 1 accredited activities.

PHO Grand Rounds are also approved by the Council of Professional Experience for professional development hours (PDHs) for members of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI).

For more information or for a record of registration for other Continuing Education purposes, please contact events@oahpp.ca

Public Health Ontario is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact 647-260-7100 or events@oahpp.ca.