Porcupine Health Unit extends lockdown for another two weeks
With the high COVID-19 caseload in the Timmins area -- more than 50 new cases were announced Thursday -- the medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit is extending the current pandemic lockdown until June 25.
"I don’t expect we’re able to make any movement on this before then and I’m quite hopeful that we’ll get there by then," said Dr. Lianne Catton, the medical officer of health for the Porcupine Health Unit.
"While the overall COVID-19 situation in the province of Ontario is improving, the situation in the Porcupine Health Unit area remains dire," Catton said in a news release Friday morning. "Our region is not in a position to safely remove all restrictions as per Step 1 of the Road Map to Reopen with the rest of the province."
Sue Perras, the board of health chair and also the Mayor of Smooth Rock Falls agrees.
"Dr. Catton has the full support of the Board of Health in taking this very critical step to protect our communities. We must continue to work together across the region to support the measures and each other during this difficult time. Each of our communities is at risk for the rapid increase in cases we continue to see across the region," Perras said.
Catton said this is not the decision she wanted to make, but she has the support from provincial health authorities to continue with the lockdown.
"We’re going to be working with some provincial partners to work through what some of that modelling may look like ... and we’ll be sharing that as soon as we can,” she said.
The COVID-19 Delta variant is another reason for keeping public safety measures in place. Catton said it's present in the area and it's 50 per cent more transmissible than other variants.
While she is pleased that around 70 per cent of the population has had at least one dose of a vaccine, and 13 per cent of people have had their second doses, she said more vaccines in arms are needed.
Anyone 16 years and older who received a first dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 28 days ago can now make an appointment at a Pfizer clinic to receive Pfizer for a second dose.
“We know the Delta variant needs two doses for proper effectiveness," said Catton.
"The vaccines are effective against the Delta variant, but with one dose we’re only looking in the 30-50 per cent range of effectiveness against preventing the Delta variant. With two doses, we’re looking at 88-90 per cent. It’s a much bigger gap between first and second dose than what we see with any other variant.”
Catton said people who want a second dose of Moderna will have to be patient until the province sends more of that brand in mid June.
The following restrictions will remain in place in the Cochrane District and town of Hornepayne until at least June 25:
- Restricting indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with the people you live with. Limited outdoor gatherings to 5 people and maintain physical distancing.
- Restrictions against in-person shopping in most retail settings. Curbside pickup and delivery can continue.
- Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, and pharmacies will continue to operate at 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
- Restrictions against indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments can continue to operate take out, drive-through and delivery only.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.