Canadian doctors raise concerns about public health readiness for FIFA World Cup

An emergency physician warned that Canada's hospitals, already operating near capacity, could face added demand during World Cup games; Public Health Ontario identified measles, COVID-19 and food and water‑borne illnesses as likely risks.

As Toronto and Vancouver prepare to host FIFA World Cup games this summer, some Canadian doctors have expressed concern about added strain on the health-care system. Dr. Catherine Varner, an emergency physician and deputy editor at the Canadian Medical Association Journal, said hospitals are already operating near capacity and could face additional demand. Public Health Ontario's risk assessment named measles, COVID-19 and food and water‑borne illnesses as likely risks during the events. Local health officials and hospital leaders say planning and monitoring are underway to address potential public‑health issues. Key points: - An emergency doctor warned that hospitals operating near capacity could face added demand during World Cup events. - Public Health Ontario's assessment identified measles, COVID-19 and food and water‑borne illnesses as likely risks during the games. - Some infectious‑disease specialists highlighted concern about measles following recent outbreaks and the loss of elimination status. - Municipal health units and hospital leaders report active planning and monitoring, though specific capacity adjustments were not detailed publicly. Summary: The article describes tension between front‑line clinicians' concerns about system capacity and public‑health risk assessments that identify likely infectious and food‑borne outbreaks. Local authorities and hospitals report preparations and monitoring, but whether current measures will be sufficient is Undetermined at this time.