District should be in red due to variants, neighbouring health units – Chirico

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Dr. Jim Chirico says North Bay Parry Sound District should be placed in the red zone within the province’s COVID-19 response framework.

The district medical’s officer of health said it was the province’s decision to move the district into the second least restrictive zone – yellow.

“Despite our relatively low numbers I’m increasingly concerned about the state of the pandemic in our province and our region,” he told local media during Thursday’s weekly virtual press conference.

“I do believe our health unit should be under greater restrictions. There are many reasons for this. The variants of concern (VOC) make up 58 per cent of all cases across the province. These VOCs spread 50 to 70 per cent more easily. Numbers are increasing across the province. I also believe there should be greater consistency across our neighbouring health units in terms of levels of restrictions.”

Chirico said it’s his job to assess the district and provide an honest account of what he believes would benefit the community.

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“My primary focus is on the health and safety of those within our communities. I can provide the recommendation, but it’s ultimately up to the government to make the final decision.”

Chirico said when one health unit has significantly lower restrictions than another it encourages people to come and visit, which increases the risk of viral spread.

“When our health unit regions align, we have consistency and reduced travel from one region to another. I recognize that this isn’t something people want to hear. But if we don’t reopen slowly, we will see a greater spike in the number of COVID-19 cases locally,” he added.

“The greatest path to reopening is to avoid the temptation to reopen too quickly.”

Public health physician Dr. Carol Zimbalatti said local case counts are currently under control and “we are hopeful that with the help from the public we can prevent the numbers from increasing.”

She said private social gatherings have been a common way that COVID-19 has spread.

“No matter where we are in the province’s colour-coded response framework, the province strongly advises you stay home as much as possible, avoid social gatherings and limit contacts to those who you live with, avoid travel except for essential reasons, work from home and stay home while not well.”

She stressed that this advice is important as we enter the Easter holiday and April break.

“We ask that you don’t host family gatherings with individuals that you don’t live with. Plan to celebrate a virtual dinner or Easter egg hunts with people in your household.”

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As of Thursday, the health unit has administered 12,933 vaccines across the district.

The health unit remains in Phase 1 of the province’s vaccination plan, with residents living in retirement homes scheduled to get their second dose of vaccine within the next week. Community based health-care workers are beginning to get their first dose and plans to immunize those who receive chronic home care services are under development.

Andrea McLellan, the health unit’s COVID-19 immunization strategy director, said Phase 2 of the vaccination program will begin by mid-April.

She said she believes everyone in the district can be vaccinated by mid-summer as long as the supply is there.

McLellan also confirmed the health unit is receiving vaccine allocations on a weekly basis.

Chirico said the health unit has been advocating with the province to increase its allotment of COVID-19 vaccines.

“Earlier, the province increased supply allocation to hot spots in the province. That meant a reduced supply for our region in previous months. We would like to keep on pace with the rest of the province, which has announced the commencement of those 75 to 79.”

He said the local health unit doesn’t have enough vaccine supply to open up to these individuals.

“We’re hopeful the province will adjust the allocations to make up for the shortfall. As soon as we receive vaccine allocation from the province, we have the clinics available and ready to get these vaccines into arms.”