Dr. Paul sets new vaccination goal for 12+ individuals

As the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) enters into the second week of September, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Chief Medical officer delivers the latest updates on the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Locally, there are 8 active cases in Clarence Rockland, 29 in the United Counties of Prescott-Russel, and 72 in the EOHU as a whole.  While 2 of the cases are hospitalized, 25 of them were added over the weekend. Most cases are clusters from people who have come into contact with someone who travelled outside the region and brought it back. Of the active cases 91.3% are unvaccinated, while 8.7% are fully vaccinated.
 
Even though the numbers are on the rise, the EOHU is still below what it was in the third wave. 
 
Dr. Paul mentions since students have been back in school, there have been multiple cases, although he stresses that they do not start there, and it is simply positive kids bringing in the virus, Dr. Paul stresses that mechanisms are in place to protect staff and students.
 
In terms of vaccinations, over 300,000 doses have been administered. 
 
Although there has been progress in getting more doses administered to the age groups of 17-29 years of age, there is still a considerable difference when it comes to gender vaccination gaps in similar age groups. Now that the EOHU has surpassed its 85 percent goal for first doses, Dr. Paul would like to aim for 90% for both doses in the region, in order to achieve a higher rate of protection against variants such as the delta variant. 
 
Dr. Paul concludes with a some of the lessons that he and his staff have observed over the course of this pandemic thus far, and must implement in order for us to go back to normal: 
 

• Everyone must get vaccinated
• Active screening priority regardless of your vaccine status
• All Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn properly 
• Regular Hand Washing and disinfection must be maintained. 
• In tandem with the Ontario Government, the EOHU will soon release their vaccine mandates as well.