Huron Perth Public Health reported a significant rise in in COVID-19 cases Tuesday, with 20 new infections confirmed since Friday.
There are 38 active cases, and seven people are hospitalized with the virus. In addition, HPPH reported three deaths, all associated with the outbreak at Knollcrest Lodge long-term care home. Since it began, The pandemic has lead to the deaths of 60 people in Huron Perth.
The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, on their Ontario Dashboard, reports unvaccinated individuals have a seven-fold higher risk of contracting COVID-19, 24-fold higher risk of hospitalization, and 43-fold higher risk of ICU admission compared to fully vaccinated people.
“This is a stark reminder that COVID-19 is still circulating and we all need to be vigilant in order to decrease community transmission,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth.
HPPH advises everyone to continue following public health measures, regardless of vaccination status, including: - Screening before going to work or school - Staying home when ill, even with mild symptoms - Wearing masks in indoor public settings - Maintaining distance of two metres from people not in your household -Washing hands frequently
Huron Perth Public Health stressed Ontario is in the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is being driven by the highly transmissible Delta variant, and the majority of new cases are in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals. According to the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, the Delta variant is causing an estimated 98.8% of the province’s current COVID-19 cases.
“Vaccination offers the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death due to COVID-19,” says Dr. Klassen. “Getting fully vaccinated not only protects ourselves, but those around us, especially those who are more vulnerable. I urge anyone who is not yet fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to do so as soon as possible.”
Meantime, The Grey Bruce Health Unit added no new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday. There are fifteen active cases, and four residents are hospitalized. The pandemic has lead to the deaths of 22 residents in Grey Bruce
Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health added 59 new cases of COVID-19 since Friday, six of them in Wellington County., There are 25 active cases in wellington. 38 Wellington County residents have lost their lives due to the virus.