York Region Public Health is urging vaccination as local COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations spike to levels not seen in more than a year.
York Region had 117 COVID-19-related hospitalizations as of Dec. 5, the highest peak since the height of the pandemic in January 2022, with cases still climbing. Normalized wastewater data also indicates that this is the second-highest level of community COVID-19 circulation recorded since the pandemic began, with the peak only topped by December 2021/January 2022.
Associate medical officer of health Dr. Sarah Erdman said this recent spike has not peaked yet, meaning COVID-19 and influenza will be present this holiday season.
“People should be relatively concerned,” she said, adding that public health wants to ensure hospitals are not overwhelmed. “It's a wake-up call to action to get vaccinated now. It takes about two weeks for your body to mount a response to the vaccine to protect you. Now is a good time before the holidays to get vaccinated.”
Southlake Regional Health Centre has five active COVID-19 outbreaks in its facilities as of Dec. 5, involving 25 patient cases with no deaths.
But vaccination rates have tended to decline compared to the height of the pandemic. Eligibility for the latest round of COVID-19 and flu vaccines expanded to the general public as of Nov. 1. Erdman said only about one-third of seniors and 12 per cent of the general public have got the latest vaccine.
It is particularly important for seniors and those in more vulnerable populations to get vaccinated, Erdman said.
“A lot of people have become a bit complacent against COVID, which may be OK for some people who are younger and healthier,” she said but added COVID-19 can still affect them and cause illness. “But for those who are at increased risk of severe outcomes, it still is leading to a lot of hospitalizations.”
As far as masking, Erdman said it is a great idea to help reduce the risk of infection in crowded, indoor settings, especially for those at high risk of severe COVID-19 infection.
“There are no masking requirements. That’s still a recommendation for anyone who's out and about in the public,” Erdman said. “But there is a lot of evidence that masking as an individual will protect you from respiratory infections.”
Public health and government are trying to get the word out about vaccination, Erdman said. She noted people with questions can speak to their health-care professionals. Vaccines are available at pharmacies or at public health clinics. More information is available at york.ca/covid19.
Vaccination is important as we prepare to celebrate the holidays with families and friends, Erdman said.
“It’s important to do what we can to protect those who are more at risk,” she said.
