As the regional vaccine coverage rate continues to increase, COVID-19 cases continue to decline.
The case rate per 100,000 population in Windsor-Essex declined again in the last seven days and now sits at 13.2. There were just over 4,000 COVID-19 tests conducted in the last seven days and two per cent of the tests came back positive.
Around 7,000 COVID-19 vaccines are administered daily in the region by the health unit, hospital, pharmacies, and primary health care providers. As of Friday morning, 73.1 per cent of adults had received one dose and 29.2 per cent are fully vaccinated. Among those eligible for a vaccine, 70.5 per cent have been partially vaccinated.
“The moment we started to increase the coverage rate, with one dose and then two doses in all of these age bands, our cases started to decline, showing the benefit and the importance of vaccination,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ahmed. "If that trend continues, hopefully, we can call the pandemic over and we can all go back to what we like to do.”
On Friday, the health unit reported four new COVID-19 cases in the community. Among the new cases, three are close contacts of previously confirmed infections and one was community-acquired.
There are now 56 active infections in the region and 25 of them involve a variant of concern.
“To see 56 is pretty significant. It’s a great feeling and it’s a testament to all the work the community is doing and adhering to guidelines,” said CEO and Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Marentette.
As of Saturday at 8 a.m. any resident who received a vaccine on or before May 9 will be eligible to book an appointment for their second dose. It’s estimated around 60,000 people were vaccinated between April 18 and May 9.
“We are getting plenty of vaccines, so don’t freak out if you can’t book the appointment right away. There will be plenty of vaccines, there will be plenty of opportunities, not just the mass vaccination clinic. You will have access through the pharmacy. You will have access through your primary care providers. So do not panic, just be patient and everyone will get the vaccine,” said Dr. Ahmed.
The province recently announced that, beginning the week of June 28, all Ontarians 18 and older who got a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can book an appointment for a second dose.
