The second wave of COVID-19 is here and the local Medical Officer of Health is calling on residents to act now.

Dr. Jim Chirico has issued a video release (below).

“Our Health Unit District continues to experience very few cases of COVID-19, but this is likely to change in the near future. As the second wave unfolds the time to act is now, it is not the time to be unconcerned,” he says.

Chirico says social interactions should be limited to family and those in your household only while travel outside the home should be limited to school, work, essential trips for groceries, medications and medical appointments. He also says avoid non-essential trips out of town, especially to hotspot areas.

Residents are encouraged to practice physical distancing, use face coverings, wash and sanitize hands, cough or sneeze into their sleeve, and more.

Chirico says we have an opportunity to slow the spread of the virus if we act now.

He says the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit District rose to the challenge during the first wave and successfully flattened the curve, resulting in very few illnesses.

“I’m confident that working together we can achieve the same goal and keep one another safe and well. Please act now,” Chirico says.

 

(File photo above by station staff)

 

Meantime, the first shipment of the flu vaccine has been received by the Health Unit and is being shared with hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes, health care agencies and health care providers.
As of October 19, the Health Unit will start to offer appointments at the North Bay and Parry Sound office locations.
Community flu clinics will take place, starting early November across the district.

Filed under: COVID-19, North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit, Second wave