NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO – As Northwestern Ontario is suffering its seventh wave of COVID-19 due to the new Omicron BA.5 subvariant strain, the latest PCR testing data is showing a total of 315 active cases of COVID-19 in the Northwest region.
Last week, NWHU reported the region had an average of 12.8 per cent of positive cases in the region, however, this week the positive cases are up to 17.7 per cent with the majority of cases on reserves around Sioux Lookout.
As on Mon. July 18, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority 38 new cases in the Sandy Lake First Nation community with 328 active cases. Deer Lake First Nation has 11 new cases contributing to the total of 30 active cases of COVID-19.
Dryden is experiencing 20 active cases during the past week. Kenora has 10 and Fort Frances has nine.
With the increasing numbers of COVID-19, NWHU notes that with the “increasing case numbers, the region is also seeing an increase in hospitalizations,” NWHU stated in their release.
“The current wave we are in is showing more severe infection, leading to an increase in hospitalizations,” says Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU. “It is even more important now that individuals consider practicing prevention measures like masking in enclosed public spaces, enhanced hand hygiene, and staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccine doses,” Dr. Young Hoon said.
Although it will still take some time to get several vaccines to accommodate children under five. Ontario recently announced that anyone over 18 years of age can get a second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Lloyd Douglas, Public Health Physician, SLFNHA, stated in a release that “across the region, the uptake of First Nations community members receiving the first and second COVID-19 booster doses is relatively low. Among adults aged 18 and older, only nine percent (9%) have received the second booster (4th) dose.”
Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority recommends that eligible individuals should stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
During this seventh/summer wave, it is important to continue to practice mask-wearing, especially in indoor settings and physical distancing where possible, said Dr. Douglas.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and/or test positive for COVID-19, stay home and do not attend work, school, childcare or other public places
Anyone who would like a dose of the vaccine can visit their local pharmacy, health care provider, or book into one of NWHU’s clinics.
