NWHU provides COVID update

Tim Brody - Editor

The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) says, “As a 6th wave of COVID-19 begins in the province, local case numbers are increasing in many of our communities.”
The Health Unit has noted that the virus, including the BA.2 variant, is circulating in the region.
Public health officials are urging residents to stay home and isolate if they are feeling unwell.
NWHU says that due to eligibility criteria for PCR testing, many people test positive on Rapid Antigen Tests, which are not captured in reporting. According to NWHU, this indicates that the number of people in our region with COVID-19 is much higher than the data shows. “It is likely that when interacting in public settings, people will be exposed to the virus. The risk of this happening will go up and down as we experience waves of illness, but the risk will still be there. I strongly recommend wearing a mask when in enclosed public settings to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” stated Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at NWHU, in an April 12 COVID-19 update released by the Health Unit.
“Staying home when you are unwell, staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, continuing to wear a mask in public settings, and limiting the number of people you come into contact with can help lower the chances of spreading the illness or getting infected,” Dr. Young Hoon added.
NWHU is also urging kindness as we continue to adjust to live with the virus, “Many businesses and agencies, including hospitals are experiencing staffing shortages. This means many essential workers are putting in overtime and extra shifts because their coworkers are ill. Showing compassion, patience and kindness can go a long way during these challenging times,” NWHU shared.
For more information about COVID-19, including vaccinations, treatment, or isolation advice, people can visit 
www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19.