EOHU warns of increase in local COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, calls for precautions

Eastern Ontario Department of Health

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) reports that the region has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases recently. Local indicators of infection are increasing, including rates of positive tests for COVID-19, sewage levels, hospitalizations and outbreaks.

“We are currently in the 7th wave of COVID-19, along with the rest of Ontario,” said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer of Health. “We are closely monitoring local indicators and expect the wave to peak in the next 1-2 weeks both locally and provincially.” He expects the 7th wave to follow the same pattern seen in other countries: 4 -weekly increase followed by 4-week decline.

The seventh wave is driven by the highly transmissible variant of the BA.5 Omicron coronavirus, which has been steadily increasing across the province over the past month. The timing also coincides with vaccine- and infection-related waning of immunity in many people.

“The protection from the two-dose series of vaccines is disappearing for many people,” explains Dr. Roumeliotis. “Over 65% of people under 50 have not yet received their first booster dose. This is a problem because the booster dose provides significant additional protection against serious illness and hospitalization. He adds that immunity from previous infections also wanes over time.

EOHU strongly recommends the following measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Make sure you’re up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for individuals who have not yet received their first, second or third dose (first booster). Fourth doses (second boosters) are also now available for eligible individuals aged 18+. For vaccine details, including how to make an appointment, see eohu.ca/vaccines.
• Wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoor events with many people where distancing is difficult or impossible, such as concerts, festivals, busy markets, etc.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Continue to follow public health measures such as frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into your sleeve.

For more information and the latest updates on COVID-19, visit www.EOHU.ca/coronavirus.