Caution urged as virus continues to transform
MANITOULIN—With Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) is indicating that COVID-19 hospitalizations have reached numbers not seen since the late winter and early spring of 2022, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health and officials from the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) are encouraging people to get both the COVID-19 and booster shots. As was previously reported, MHC has returned to mandatory universal masking in all areas of the Island hospitals for all patients, visitors and staff.
PHSD has stated that COVID-19 and rates are as high as February/March of 2022.
Paula Ferguson, vice-president clinical services and chief nursing officer of MHC told The Expositor last Friday, “we have returned to mandatory universal masking in our hospitals. I can’t comment on specific numbers (of confirmed cases of COVID-19). This is a pre-emptive measure to keep our all patients, visitors and staff safe.”
Ms. Ferguson explained, “we follow the PHSD dashboard, and in having monitored it they are reporting an increasing trend (of persons having confirmed COVID-19 and hospitalizations) and knowing we are well into the respiratory illness season we have taken these measures.” She said MHC has not seen inpatient increases or outbreaks in the hospitals but have heard that COVID-19 is circulating through the Island community.
“We are taking the precautionary measures to keep everyone safe,” said Ms. Ferguson.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) also reported recently that COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise across Canada as a wave of autumn infections sweeps the population, but indicate the latest numbers are nothing to panic over, infectious diseases experts say, but they can’t be ignored either, especially with so many hospitals in the country already operating at or near capacity.
Canada recorded a total of 10,218 new COVID-19 cases from October 1-7. As of October 10, COVID-19 patients occupied 3,797 hospital beds across the country, the highest occupancy rates since last winter.
With testing practices, data sources and reporting to PHAC not consistent from one province or public health unit to the next, the agency warned the data could be incomplete.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore told Canadian Press October 30 that this year’s respiratory virus season should be easier on the province and its hospitals than last year, but success will largely depend on levels of vaccination.
Ontario residents who are six months of age and older can receive a free flu-shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Moore says it is safe and convenient to get both shots at the same time.
New COVIID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna were approved by Health Canada earlier this fall and are designed to target the XBB COVID-19 variant.
The province says those who are six months and older can receive their new COVID-19 shot if six months have passed since their last vaccine dose or confirmed infection.
Last fall and winter, high levels of COVID-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus overwhelmed hospitals, particularly children’s hospitals, but Dr. Moore told Canadian Press that while levels of RSV are on the rise at the moment and COVID-19 is still having a significant impact on the health system, flu season hasn’t yet started.
Paula Fields, president and chief executive officer of MHC told The Expositor last week, “I can tell you from a community perspective there is an increase (in COVID-19 cases). We’re seeing pockets on the Island of people testing positive for COVID-19.”
Ms. Fields encouraged people to consider getting their booster shots and COVID-19 shots, as well as to consider masking in public places.
“PHSD is pleased to announce the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which better protects against the Omicron XBB subvariant, is now available to the general public at all our vaccination clinics in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts,” a release from PHSD states. All public health clinic opportunities can be viewed at phsd.ca/COVID/19vaccine-clinics.
Public health recommends that you stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines to build long-term protection and protect against severe disease and hospitalization. Individuals are recommended to receive an XBB.1.5-containing RNA COVID-19 vaccine this fall as soon as they are eligible.
The seasonal flu vaccine is available at many locations throughout the community, including local pharmacies and health care providers’ offices. Those receiving a COVID-19 dose at public health clinics may be able to receive a flu shot at the same time, PHSD explained.
As for vaccination opportunities this month on Manitoulin Island, an appointment and walk-in clinic will take place at Freshwater Community Church in Mindemoya on Wednesday, November 8 and in Little Current at the NEMI Recreation Centre in Little Current. COVID-19 vaccine for those six months and older and a flu shot may be available for those six months and older who have booked an COVID-19 appointment.
An appointment and walk-in clinic will take place at Freshwater Community Church in Mindemoya on Tuesday, November 21, and at the NEMI recreation Centre in Little Current on Tuesday, November 28.
To book online, visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine or call 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200) between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
