The Northwestern Health Unit isn’t considering implementing regional COVID-19 restrictions at this time but will continue to monitor the trends and statistics.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health for the NWHU says currently the trends have seen a slight increase, but not enough to warrant regional restrictions.
“It’s not rapidly increasing, we’re not seeing a sudden surge or a sudden increase,” said Young Hoon. “Hospitalization numbers have seen a small recent increase but it’s hard to tell how stable those numbers are.”
She added that the data they have aren't stable enough and doesn’t indicate the need to implement regional restrictions.
Currently, the region is facing a very high seven-day positivity rate of 24.2 per cent, which is more than double the 10 per cent provincial average.
Hospitalizations are much higher in the region compared to the province. From the weeks of February 14 to February 27, 2022, 17 hospitalizations per 100,000 population were reported, which is much higher than the five reported by the province in the same period.
Past concern was raised though with Ontario moving into the first phase of their reopening plan back on February 17, 2022, that numbers would shoot up drastically, but that hasn’t been the case.
“We’ve not seen that increase that might suggest those restrictions need to necessary be imposed.”
As the region adjusts to the recent lifting of additional restrictions on Tuesday (March 2, 2022), Young Hoon still wants the region to be cautious as COVID-19 is still at large in the region.
“Risk in our area is greater. The improvements and the opening up and the less risk seen in much of southern Ontario is not being seen here so people need to act accordingly and make an extra effort to follow the ongoing public health measures.”
“Particularly the physical distancing, masking indoors, and staying home if you’re sick.”
In a way to try and reduce the risk of the virus in the region, Young Hoon is extending her COVID recommendations originally issued on February 17, 2022.
The recommendations are as followed:
- Keep social gatherings limited to a maximum of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors;
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All indoor public settings are limited to the number of people who are able to maintain a physical distance of at least two metres from every other person to a maximum capacity of 50%;
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Be vigilant in continuing to practice all prevention measures, including physical distancing, daily screening, staying home when feeling unwell, and wearing a mask properly when in indoor public settings and when physical distancing is challenging; and
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Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as it significantly reduces the chance of infection from the Omicron variant.
In the event of regional restrictions being implemented, Young Hoon would have to get the go-ahead from Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer. This comes after changes were made to the Reopening Ontario Act that doesn’t give the local Medical Officer of Health the ability to issue Letter of Instructions to organizations and businesses.
NWHU not considering regional COVID restrictions, advises public to stay vigilant - KenoraOnline.com
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