NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – The latest report from Northwest Health Unit and the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority shows a significant drop in cases of COVID-19 across the region.
Last week, NWHU reported a total of 219 cases of COVID, but this week there are 91 active cases.
12 cases are being reported in Kenora, nine cases in Dryden, and seven cases in Fort Frances and Sioux Lookout.
It should be noted that these case results are based on PCR testing according to the NWHU. Rapid Antigen Test tests results are not reported to NWHU.
The majority of cases are still localized in the First Nations communities near Sioux Lookout with 54 active cases.
According to the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, there are 305 active cases in their coverage. Kingfisher Lake First Nations has 50 active cases. North Caribou Lake has 46 and Eabametoong First Nation with 35 active cases.
Indigenous Services Canada reports there has been a decline in positive COVID cases in the First Nations community compared to the month of July.
In August 2022, the following data was reported from First Nations communities:
- 815 average daily reported active COVID-19 cases
- An 8% increase from July 2022
- 16 newly reported hospitalizations
- A 20% decrease from July 2022
- 12 newly reported deaths
- A 29% decrease from July 2022
Although the data show a decrease in COVID-19 cases, both NWHU and SLFNHA advise keeping up to date with COVID vaccinations since vaccine protection will decrease over time.
Booster doses are recommended for all eligible populations. If it has been six months since your last dose or six months since being infected with COVID-19, get another booster dose. While a previous COVID-19 infection can provide some protection, up-to-date vaccination including booster doses is recommended to provide longer-lasting, more effective protection against severe outcomes.
