Health officials in Canada are warning of a seventh wave of COVID-19 this fall, with a possible new variant.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon is the Medical Officer of Health for the Northwestern Health Unit and stresses they will be ready.
“Although the timing of an increase in COVID-19 specifically is difficult to predict, the Northwestern Health Unit will be prepared to offer large-scale COVID-19 vaccinations in the fall to protect our communities most vulnerable.”
She notes the vaccine remains the best way to stay protected and vaccines continue to be offered for those eligible.
The Health Unit is reporting 132 COVID cases confirmed through PCR testing.
One hundred of them are in communities under the jurisdiction of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says numbers are lower elsewhere.
“Overall, there’s been a steady decrease in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 locally. Case numbers in most health hubs are low, as are our institutional outbreak numbers”.
The positivity rate is sitting at 11.2%.
Case count (Health Hubs):
-Sioux Lookout (on reserve): 100
-Kenora: 15
-Sioux Lookout: (off reserve): 5
-Dryden: 4
-Red Lake: 3
-Fort Frances: 3
-Atikokan: 2
There are 3 institutional COVID outbreaks in the region.
That includes one at the Pinecrest home for the aged in Kenora.
Recent testing showed 25 residents testing positive for the virus.
Day and overnight absences have been placed on hold for the time being, but one essential caregiver is allowed for each resident.
Meantime, the Northwestern Health Health Unit says it’s important to continue to get booster doses for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon says there is evidence that the first or second dose starts to drop.
“The vaccine protection does wane somewhere around the six month mark, maybe a little bit earlier or a little bit later, depending on the individual,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
“So its important to have some sense what’s going on, with respect to vaccination policy, and know when you might be eligible in the future for your next dose.”
She adds vaccination criteria hasn’t changed that much over the past few months.
“If its been more than three month since you had COVID then you should be looking to book an appointment for your booster dose. There is added benefit from and protection from a booster dose so you have significantly reduced risk of severe illness and decreased risk from being infected.”
Dr. Young Hoon expects fourth dose eligibility will decrease from 60 years of age and older over the next few months, and the vaccine for kids under the age of five should be available later this summer.
For information on vaccinations, visit Northwestern Health Unit
