Sioux Lookout Mayor Doug Lawrance is urging all community members in his area to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as the Sioux Lookout area is reporting lower than hoped for vaccination coverage rates.
“Here in Sioux Lookout, about 75 per cent of people have already been vaccinated [with their first dose]. We’ve done so because the vaccine protects us from getting and spreading COVID-19, including the Delta variant.”
As of September 22, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority is reporting that throughout all eligible age groups, 73 per cent of residents have received their first dose but only 64 per cent have received both doses of the vaccine.
SLFNHA’s vaccination numbers both trail Ontario’s average of 85 per cent of eligible residents receiving their first dose, with just over 79 per cent receiving their second dose. Ontario’s numbers are in line with our national rates of 86 and 79 per cent, respectively.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective,” notes Lawrance, who notes residents already receive vaccines for smallpox, polio, rabies, whooping cough, measles, mumps and more. “Many diseases are at historically low levels through the use of vaccines.”
Also as of September 22, the Northwestern Health Unit is reporting similar numbers in vaccination coverage rates to the provincial and national rates, with 85 per cent receiving their first dose and 77 per cent receiving their second.
“If you haven’t yet been vaccinated for COVID-19, please do so as soon as possible. You are not immune,” adds Lawrance, who reminds residents to book their appointment through the Northwestern Health Unit.
“By remaining unvaccinated, you are putting yourself at risk. By remaining unvaccinated, you are stressing your healthcare system, and you’re putting vulnerable people in peril. You’re delaying your return to normal living. We must give up a little freedom, to maintain a lot of freedom.”
SLFNHA is also reporting one active case of COVID-19 in on-reserve community members in their catchment area, with a total of 220 cases and 6 deaths throughout the pandemic.
The NWHU is reporting 8 active cases of COVID-19 in their catchment area, with a total of 1,149 cases and 8 deaths throughout the pandemic.
Ontario reported only 463 new COVID-19 cases across the province on Wednesday, the lowest daily case count in over five weeks. It’s the fewest number of confirmed cases in a 24-hour period since August 17.