The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit confirms there were five active COVID-19 outbreaks in the district, as of the week of Oct. 25.
"Two are in long-term care homes and three are in group home/supportive housing settings. All five outbreaks are active at this time," stated the Health Unit in advance of the Nov. 1 reporting period.
The five outbreaks are the most recorded by the Health Unit at one time in this calendar year. There were four COVID-19 outbreaks reported on Feb. 12.
A confirmed outbreak in acute care, long-term care homes, retirement homes, and applicable congregate living settings is declared when two or more residents/patients who are epidemiologically linked — within a specified area/unit/floor/ward — both with positive results from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or rapid molecular test or rapid antigen test within seven days and where both cases have reasonably acquired their infection in the setting.
The Health Unit "cannot be certain how this respiratory season will compare to the 2022-23 season, however, based on the Public Health Ontario Surveillance Report, COVID-19 activity in Ontario has stabilized and is expected to remain stable over the next two weeks, though we are still seeing an increasing trend locally in COVID-related outbreaks and hospitalizations."
The Health Unit notes, "Influenza and RSV activity is predicted to increase over the next two weeks."
See related: Ontario now offering flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines for all over six months
Individuals can expect to receive their COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same visit through a participating pharmacy, the Health Unit advises.
"Most primary care providers such as nurse practitioners and family doctors in our district offer flu vaccines, though only a small number are offering COVID-19 vaccines."
Both the flu and COVID vaccines are available at the Health Unit's community clinics, for those who have difficulty otherwise accessing these vaccines. In October, clinics were focused on high-risk individuals with general population clinics taking place in November.
Appointments for the community clinics can be made online through the provincial booking system or by calling 1-833-943-3900.
Ontarians are encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 shots as soon as they are available to them.
“Ontarians can connect to the tools they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy throughout fall respiratory season,” said Minister of Health Sylvia Jones. “We are working with our partners across the health care system to continue to support hospitals and their staff while making it easier for people to access the care they need, in their community.”
Moderna’s updated SPIKEVAX XBB COVID-19 vaccine has been available since September, which officials say better protects against the new Omicron XBB variant. This vaccine has been approved by Health Canada for people aged six months of age and older.
“Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthy,” Jones stated.
