COVID-19 cases and percent positivity rates are rising in most health units across the province, including in the Southwestern Public Health region.
That has resulted in the local health unit along with Huron Perth Public Health and the Middlesex London Health Unit, to issue a letter of recommendation for the holiday season.
This includes limiting social gatherings in private dwellings to 10 people.
Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alex Summers listed the recommendations.
Medical officer of health Dr. Joyce Lock yesterday stressed the importance of vaccination, especially in children.
The letter notes, in addition to limiting close contact with others, the best way to prevent COVID-19 spread and severe illness from the virus, is to get fully vaccinated.
The recommendation for unvaccinated individuals 12 years of age and older is included as the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection is much higher in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated individuals. While breakthrough cases may occur in vaccinated people, they tend to be milder with a much lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and death.
Dr. Summers stressed the importance of vaccinating youngsters in the 5 to 11 age group and noted it is only a matter of time before they are included in the vaccine passport mandates.
The letter does not add restrictions or gathering limits for businesses, restaurants, or other establishments to those already put in place by the Provincial Government. However, it does advise individuals of the steps they can take to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 at a critical time, when the number of cases is on the rise and holiday gathering and travel plans are being made.
The recommendations – which are not legally enforceable – are now in effect and will be reassessed in four weeks.
