Huron Perth Public Health reported eight new cases and another COVID-related death in the region this week, the fourth death this month and 56th since the beginning of the pandemic.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen, offered condolences to the individual’s friends and family, and added this was an unfortunate case of community spread and urges residents to continue to stay home.
“We recognize that for many people, the most challenging part of this pandemic has been the inability to visit friends and family in person. We feel that way too. We’re getting closer to a point where in-person visits will be possible, but we’re not quite there yet.”
The health unit has not provided further details on those who have died as a result of the virus, but Dr. Klassen did note an increase in case numbers in younger demographics as senior groups previously heavily impacted are more protected after receiving their doses of vaccine.
Currently, through provincial direction, all adults in Huron and Perth are eligible to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Dr. Klassen says HPPH has set up extra clinics offering the Moderna vaccine for both first and second doses.
There will be one Thursday, May 27th, at the Stratford Rotary Complex, one Thursday June 3rd at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich, and one Monday June 7th again in Stratford.
HPPH is also reminding residents to stay home and avoid gatherings during this May long weekend.
Dr. Klassen says even though cases are, overall, beginning to lower and vaccinations are rising, we aren’t “out of the woods” yet, and the provincial Stay At Home Order is still in effect.
“When I hear about [new] cases, I continue to hear ‘There was a birthday party’, ‘There was a barbeque’, ‘There was a potluck’, where public health measures weren’t followed. These are all preventable cases that are prolonging the pandemic for us all.”
Dr. Klassen adds that everyone is encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccine appointment as soon as possible.
Registration for vaccine times have also been opened up for those 12 to 17. Letters were sent to families of school aged children this week and times have been set aside from June 14 to 19 and June 21 to 26 in Goderich, Stratford and Listowel.