Yesterday (Feb 3), during the weekly virtual media conference, Dr. Ian Gemmell, our Local Acting Medical Officer of Health, reiterated the stay-at-home order, spoke to the revised vaccination plan and the outbreaks in the HKPR District Health Unit Region.
In the conference, it was reported that there have been 144 COVID-19 cases in the last 2 weeks, with about half of those associated in outbreaks.
Two of the major outbreaks are at Hope Street Terrace in Port Hope & Caressant Care McLaughlin Long-Term Care Home in Lindsay.
Dr. Gemmell adds that there is a change in numbers this year when it comes to the flu probably because of the stay at home order and the restrictions that are in place – adding that they are working for keeping influenza infections down.
He adds that keeping numbers down is good news because we have to keep the numbers down so that everyone that wants the vaccine can get it.
There is a shortage of the vaccine but Dr. Gemmell has been told they can expect 1000 more doses early next week.
MBC asked if the current vaccine(s) also protect against the variant strains and Dr. Gemmell had this to say.
Dr. Gemmell adds that they are forming an advisory committee for the vaccine implementation – adding that more on the program will be provided once specifics are in place. And he adds that by next Fall things should be getting back to “normal”.
Dr. Gemmell has also been told that we “Should be swimming in the vaccine by March”.
The HKPR still have plans to add to their daily COVID-19 report with the amount of vaccine that have been administered.
