The medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit is expecting many more COVID-19 infections in the days to come, due to the Omicron variant. Dr. Lianne Catton points out that it’s up to eight times more transmissible than Delta.
“We’re hoping that they’re mild,” she tells regional media. “We’re hoping that we limit exposure to vulnerable community members in higher risk settings, such as long term care homes and retirement homes. And we need everyone’s help in order to do that.”
Catton’s asking us to continue the safety measures instituted at the start of the pandemic.
OVERWHELEMED BY INQUIRIES
Take the latest surge of COVID-19 infections from the Omicron variant. Add in more restrictions from the provincial government and expanded eligibility for vaccinations. The sum of all that for the health unit is not being able to keep up with inquiries to its phones and online portals.
Dr. Catton says her staff is unable to get back to everyone immediately.
“So we are reminding people to check our website, to help others check our website and get the answers that they need. We know there’s been lots of changes the last few days alone, so we really need people to be patient, to be kind and to expect delays with respect to responses.”
Meanwhile, Catton reports that 84 percent of the eligible population in the region has at least one vaccination.
