NWHU asking people to follow COVID-19 prevention measures to ensure safety this Halloween
Tim Brody - Editor
“Our (COVID-19) vaccination coverage rates continue to rise, 88.1 per cent of residents aged 12 and older have received one dose and 81.7 per cent have received two doses. Mass immunization clinics are starting up again at the beginning of November. These clinics will be for COVID-19 vaccine, including third doses for those eligible and for flu vaccine. At this time, if the public would like a flu shot, they can contact their pharmacy or health care provider to inquire,” Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) Medical Office of Health, Dr. Kit Young Hoon told regional media on Oct. 18.
Information on who is eligible for a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can be found on the health unit’s website (https://www2.nwhu.on.ca/) under booking information.
“On our website, we now have information for workplaces and businesses who want to implement a vaccination policy for their staff. Information was sent to local premises, including a letter and recommendations on how to create a policy. Supporting employees in getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect them from the risks of COVID-19, prevent outbreaks and build confidence in the health and safety of a workplace. In addition, workplaces with high vaccination coverage benefit from continuity of work and reduced absenteeism. The information we sent can be found on our workplace COVID-19 page,” Dr. Young Hoon shared.
“As Halloween approaches, we ask that people follow COVID-19 prevention measures to ensure safety. We have a resource on our website (https://www2.nwhu.on.ca/covid-19/preventing-covid-19/ - Choosing safer activities – Fact Sheet – Celebrating Autumn Holidays Safely) that includes tips for staying safe while participating in Halloween events,” she advised.
As of Oct. 25, NWHU was reporting two active COVID-19 cases across its catchment area.
On Oct. 22, the provincial government released a Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the province’s gradual approach to lifting remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022.
Effective October 25 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario lifted capacity limits in the vast majority of settings where proof of vaccination are required, such as restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments; indoor areas of sports and recreational facilities such as gyms and where personal physical fitness trainers provide instruction; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and indoor meeting and event spaces. Limits will also be lifted in certain outdoor settings.
Details on the rest of the province’s plan can be found at: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1001027/ontario-releases-plan-to-safely-reopen-ontario-and-manage-covid-19-for-the-long-term
