Latest COVID-19, Influenza trends discussed at HKPR board meeting

DAN CEARNS The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s (HKPR) medical officer of health, Dr. Natalie Bocking provided an update on the COVID-19 and Influenza situations in the health unit area, during a meeting on Thursday, October 19th.

Dr. Bocking opened her remarks at the health unit’s board meeting, discussing the number of COVID-19 cases there are in the area.

“We have seen an increase in COVID-19 activity, and this is primarily marked by an increase in the number of outbreaks [which] have been identified at long term care homes and in hospital settings,” she said.

However, Dr. Bocking noted “it has not been a dramatic increase.”

“We’re not really anticipating, at this point in time, seeing a significant surge like we’ve seen in previous waves.”

Dr. Bocking stated, the health unit has also confirmed two influenza cases in their jurisdiction.

“Influenza season has certainly started,” she said.

In terms of Emergency Department visits, for respiratory illnesses, Dr. Bocking said, “We are seeing an increase, but it’s at levels [which] are somewhat expected.”

The health unit’s advice for people remains similar to past years. They are asking residents to stay up to date on their immunizations, stay home if they are sick and to wear a mask if they are either at high risk of severe symptoms from COVID-19 or Influenza, or if they are recovering from a respiratory illness.

“There’s lots of different reasons why people might [choose to] wear a mask. We want to be mask friendly, and encourage folks to look after the health of their loved ones,” Dr. Bocking said.