Huron Perth Public Health officials say vaccines are starting to be distributed to long-term care residents in the area.
But there is concern about community transmission.
In a release Thursday morning, Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health, says it is still a critical point.
“Cases are rising in Huron-Perth, we are seeing multiple outbreaks and the province has raised serious concerns over the capacity of the province’s hospital system,” said Dr. Klassen. “While vaccinations have begun for long-term care residents in Huron-Perth, we are still at a critical point in the pandemic. We need to do everything we can now to stop virus transmission."
She pointed to public health measures including avoiding non-essential trips outside of the home, wearing a face covering in the indoor areas of businesses or organizations that are open and even outside if a 2 metre distance cannot be maintained. And from the beginning, washing hands and staying home when sick have been recommendations that have been constantly repeated.
“This pandemic has been an incredibly difficult time for so many,” added Dr. Klassen. “The arrival of vaccines marks a turning point, but it will take time. For now many in our community are still vulnerable, and we must all do as much as we can to reduce virus spread in Huron-Perth.”
Statistcally, there have been over 500 new cases of COVID-19 in Huron and Perth since December and as of Wednesday, January 13 there were 100 active cases. There have been 25 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
As for vaccinations, the distribution of them to long-term care residents fits with Phase One of Ontario's distribution plan and public health is working with the Huron Perth Mass Vaccination Advisory Committee.
Since late December, staff who work in long-term care and retirement homes have been receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations through the London Health Sciences Centre vaccination clinic, as part of a partnership between LHSC, Middlesex London Health Unit, Southwestern Public Health and Huron Perth Public Health.
Moving forward the HPMVAC is creating a sequencing model and an administration and distribution plan for the next two phases.
Additional groups will be identified in the sequencing model as more vaccines are stockpiled and distributed in the future phases.
“While the arrival of vaccines is a great development, vaccinations will take time and we are in a critical situation that requires action now,” said Dr. Klassen.