Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health at the NWHU, said they are receiving more information on cases in Fort Frances, with most of them are contacts with previous cases. Young Hoon said that they are waiting on more results which may change the situation but that overall, things are improving.
Young Hoon said that while they are still waiting on test results, positive case numbers look to be declining.
“I do think generally the public is following public health measures, which is great,” Young Hoon said.
Young Hoon added that socializing between households drives the spread of the virus but that if the public continues to make an effort to follow public health measures, it will reduce the risk.
The province-wide lockdown came into effect on Thursday and Young Hoon said no one should leave their home unless it is for essential reasons which includes going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing healthcare services, getting exercise or going to work where the work cannot be done remotely.
Further restrictions include only allowing five people to gather outdoors but they must be wearing a mask unless they are from the same household, not gathering indoors with anyone outside of your household but, a household where a single person lives can join another household.
There are also new restrictions for schools. Students in grades one, two and three are now required to wear masks at school and at recess.
Young Hoon said that they are working closely with school boards to ensure the safety of students. She adds that transmission in schools is very low and whenever they receive a case in a school they usually end up testing the entire class and anyone who has come in contact with a student.
Young Hoon said the NWHU region is expecting to receive the vaccines in February and are currently working with local partners and agencies across the region on plans for phase one.
Young Hoon said the NWHU will be focusing initially on long-term care home residents, staff and essential caregivers.
“We will be as transparent as possible throughout the process, keeping in mind that there are security protocols that must be followed,” Young Hoon said. “As we receive more information on dates and quantities, we will share the information as we’re allowed to.”
