On Friday there were 17 active COVID-19 outbreaks at facilities in Grey-Bruce. Provincially the number of hospitalizations due to COVID has been increasing for the past several weeks, while the weekly case count is at its highest level since August, the release said.
“Staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations continues to be the most effective way to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the most serious effects of the virus,” the release said.
Booster doses are recommended for everyone five years and older to help restore protection which may have decreased over time. People 12 years and older are eligible for the newest vaccine, a bivalent booster which targets the original COVID strain and Omicron, which is the most dominant, the release said.
Frequently heard advice remains recommended: stay home when sick, practise hand hygiene, wear and mask and keep distance from others when possible in crowded indoor spaces or in long-term care, retirement homes and other congregate settings.
Dr. Ian Arra, the medical officer of health in Grey-Bruce, is quoted in the release saying the increasing signs of COVID are expected “due to seasonality” as residents spend more time indoors. There is local capacity to manage it, Arra said in the release.
The release also urged people to get the flu shot, noting children aged six months to five years should wait at least 14 days between getting a COVID shot and another vaccine. Flu shots are given at participating pharmacies and via health-care providers.
COVID vaccine clinics and other related information are listed on the health unit’s website. Book a vaccination on the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900.
Next week there are COVID vaccine clinics in Port Elgin at the Community Complex on Nov. 1 and in Owen Sound at the SOS clinic at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market on Nov. 2, both from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Nov. 4 there are clinics in Hanover at the P & H Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and in Dundalk at the arena between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Local pharmacies and health-care providers may also offer COVID shots.
