DRYDEN, Ont. - With the Northwest District having one of the highest rates of COVID-19 infections in the province, the chief medical officer of health is recommending businesses continue using enhanced measures despite the province easing restrictions.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health with the Northwestern Health Unit, released a statement on Thursday strongly recommending businesses, organizations, and residents follow enhanced COVID-19 measures.
“Our region’s COVID-19 percent positivity rates and hospitalizations are not decreasing like most of the province,” she said.
“We have the highest case rate per 100,000 in Ontario, nearly four times higher than the provincial rate, and are seeing increases in the trending data. In addition, recently we have seen a sudden increase in the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 in our area, and we must do more to protect ourselves and those around us.”
As of Wednesday, the NWHU catchment area had 417 known active high-risk cases in the region, along with three institutional outbreaks and a seven-day positivity rate of 24 per cent.
Last week, the province announced easing of restrictions taking effect on Feb. 17, including increasing social gathering limits and capacity limits at events and businesses.
The move came four days ahead of schedule for easing restrictions and the province has indicated that it plans to do away with proof of vaccination in March.
However, Young Hoon is advising that businesses and organizations continue to keep gatherings limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors and all public settings maintain 50 per cent capacity limits to allow for physical distancing of two metres between individuals.
People are also reminded to continue to practice all prevention measures, such as staying home when feeling sick, physical distancing, screening for symptoms, wearing a mask when in public indoor settings, and getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to Young Hoon, there is evidence that a number of cases in the region are the result of community spread from social gatherings, so limiting the number of people gathering indoors will help reduce further infections.
“The above recommendations have been issued to keep our region’s most vulnerable residents protected,” she said.
“Older adults, unvaccinated people, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly at a higher risk of severe outcomes from a COVID-19 infection. I am hopeful that these enhanced prevention practices will allow our local COVID-19 rates to decrease. We will continue to monitor data and revisit the recommendations in two weeks.”
