The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has the lowest case rate in the province over the last reported seven-day period (April 17 to 23) with a rate of 9.2 cases per 100,000 population as well as the lowest cumulative case rate throughout the entire pandemic.
“Without the hard work and cooperation of everyone within our district we wouldn’t have lower than average numbers,” explains Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “Although these numbers are something to be proud of, it is not time to let up. Earlier in this year, we saw how quickly the COVID-19 situation can change and we need to remain vigilant. Until everyone is fully vaccinated, the only way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our numbers low is to follow public health measures.”
The Health Unit says those public health measures include:
- Staying home as much as possible;
- Limit outings to essential trips only;
- Practicing physical distancing –
- staying two (2) metres from individuals you do no live with,
- and if you live alone physically distancing from anyone outside your exclusive close contact home
- Wearing a face-covering indoors and whenever physical distancing is difficult, indoors and outdoors;
- Washing or sanitizing your hands often;
- Coughing and sneezing into your sleeve;
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth;
- Cleaning high-touch objects and surfaces often.
Dr. Jim Chirico says though difficult to pinpoint the reason why our numbers are so low, many factors include the hard work and sacrifice of individuals in the district, our demographic, our rural communities, as well as our work sectors.
“But I can’t underestimate the sacrifice people have made,” he said. I think, ultimately, it comes down to what individuals do that really makes the difference.”
Written by Bradley Aubin