The Northwestern Health Unit continues to encourage those eligible for their COVID-19 booster shot, to get one.
Fifty-four point two per cent of those 12 years of age and older in the region have three shots.
When it comes to older adults, over 80% of those aged 70 and older have their booster dose.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says getting boosted only takes a few minutes of your time as guidelines have changed.
You only have to wait for five minutes after getting your third shot.
Dr. Young Hoon says the alternative is spending days at home if you develop COVID symptoms.
She notes progress is also being made on vaccination rates with the 5 to 11 year old age group.
“Over 62% of children in our region have now received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Our rate is at about 8% higher than Ontario as a whole.”
Meantime, the COVID test positivity rate in our region has dropped.
The Northwestern Health Unit says the current 7-day figure is now 19.6%.
That’s down from 21.8% from Monday’s report.
The number of active high-risk positives has increased.
There are now 248 cases, up from 161.
Regional breakdown:
Sioux Lookout: 104
Fort Frances: 64
Kenora: 29
Dryden: 16
Rainy River: 16
Red Lake: 9
Emo: 6
Atikokan: 4
(With Files From Sarah McCarthy)
