York Region Public Health is reminding citizens to continue following the remaining protocols against COVID-19 to aid in reopening.
Associate medical officer of health Dr. Richard Gould said in a video update Feb. 21 that caution is still needed after gathering limits increased Feb. 17.
He said a decline in hospitalization admissions is encouraging, but we are not over the Omicron variant yet.
“The burden on our hospitals and healthcare systems, however, is still quite high,” Gould said. “Omicron is still highly transmissible, and we have to continue following the public health measures that are still in place, like wearing a mask and social distancing where you can.”
York Region has 66 COVID-19 hospitalizations as of Feb. 16, down from 83 the week before. Local COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked Jan. 19 at 244.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent of York Region residents have received at least two doses of a vaccine, though only 46.6 per cent have received a booster dose as of Feb. 17.
Gould encourages you to take proper precautions for Family Day activities.
“We know some much-needed time with family is important for mental wellbeing,” he said. “We still encourage wearing masks in indoor spaces and making sure everyone you gather with is vaccinated when possible.”
He said the “ambitious reopening plan” to lift vaccination mandates March 1 is dependent on public health indicators continuing to improve and “our collective willingness to follow public health advice.”
“We know this is frustrating to hear. But we all want to see the end of this pandemic, so we can continue to move forward and try to retake normalcy in our communities,” he said, adding you should visit york.ca/covid19positive if you or a close contact test positive or show COVID-19 symptoms.
York Region-run vaccination clinics are closed for the Family Day holiday but will reopen Feb. 22 and continue to take walk-ins or appointments. Gould noted eligibility for booster doses expanded for those 12 to 17 Feb. 18.
“There is no reason to hold back on receiving your booster dose now. York Region public health and partner vaccination clinics, as well as many local pharmacies, currently have the capacity to provide first, second, and booster doses to all who are eligible,” Gould said. “Ontario studies show that the booster dose is 95 per cent effective at preventing hospitalization or severe illness from Omicron, which is substantially higher than just two doses.”
You can book an appointment at york.ca/covid19 or through the provincial portal.
“Booster doses are key to reopening our communities,” Gould said. “If everyone plays their part, we can get through this together.”
