Last week, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) announced that it had received the first Brazilian variant test result. The variant was found in a sample from a resolved case in the Dryden area.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health at the NWHU, said this case does not appear to have spread to other individuals in the catchment area and that this case could have potentially acquired the variant outside of the region because of travel.
Most of the variants of concern in the NWHU have been the UK variant, Young Hoon said, adding that the UK variant is concerning because it increases the risk of death and of being admitted to critical care.
Young Hoon said the variants of concern are likely contributing to the increase in case numbers because they are more transmissible.
“Some of our outbreaks involve very large number of cases, up to 15 people or even a little bit more and that is greater than what we’ve seen in outbreaks in the past and that is likely because variants of concern are more transmissible,” Young Hoon said.
There are a few health hubs where case numbers tend to be high historically and that includes Sioux Lookout health hub and Kenora health hub, Young Hoon said, adding for both of those health hubs it is often a number of different communities affected.
Despite some areas in the NWHU catchment having lower or no case numbers, Young Hoon said all areas are still at great risk.
There are currently 78 active cases in the region, one in the Dryden health hub, four in the Emo health hub, 11 in the Fort Frances health hub, 22 in the Kenora health hub, two in the Rainy River health hub and 38 in the Sioux Lookout health hub.
Young Hoon said she is concerned that if case numbers continue to increase, the vaccination program will not come in time to prevent an even larger increase in cases that could affect the NWHU and lead to an increase in hospitalizations.
“One of the ongoing challenges is that for all healthcare agencies we are stretched, and we have lots of other work that needs to be done,” Young Hoon said. “If COVID case numbers were to increase, it not only negatively impacts the demand on our workload, but it also has an impact on the workload for healthcare service agencies such as the hospitals and primary care.”
Luckily, it has not gotten to a point where the NWHU requires additional support from other agencies to do case and contact management, Young Hoon said, adding that following provincial orders is the key to preventing this from occurring.
Despite being in a stay-at-home order the high number of new cases is concerning, Young Hoon said, adding that reducing case numbers does not only mean having restrictions lifted, but it also means there is less of a chance the virus can mutate and it gives vaccines a chance to work.
Over 31,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered.
Young Hoon said this is an impressive number and will continue to rise over the month of May as more residents become eligible.
However, those vaccinated should continue to follow provincial orders as there is about a two-week window after getting that first shot before you have the protection from that first dose.
The consequences of not following public health orders have impacts that go beyond being fined, Young Hoon said.
“The reality of people choosing to violate the law and ignore public health measures will prolong the shutdown and continue to increase cases and illnesses in our area, “Young Hoon said. “These decisions can jeopardize people’s lives and put out local healthcare system at risk.”
