Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle yesterday said since the province moved to Step 3 of its Roadmap to Reopen on July 16, there has been an increase in Covid-19 activity across the region.
On July 30, we saw the highest number of new daily cases since June 15. Residents are also now interacting with more people which has led to an increase in the number of close contacts potentially exposed to Covid-19. Exposure in the community and through household contacts are the most prevalent exposure sources, he pointed out in an issued statement.
Higher Risk Category: In new cases identified from July 19 to 25, most were either unimmunized (23 per cent), only had one dose of vaccine (24 per cent), or their vaccination status was unknown (34 per cent). The age of new cases ranged from four to 66, with the greatest number of cases being between 20 to 29-years old (27 per cent), followed by residents 12 to 19 (23 per cent) and residents 30 to 39 (19 per cent). Currently, these are also the age categories with the lowest percentage of individuals who are fully vaccinated. For the latest local vaccine coverage information, visit durham.ca/vaccinetracker.
The data show that a risk of illness spread remains across the region and the risk of Covid-19 increases for residents who are not fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated after receiving both doses of a two-dose Covid-19 vaccine series, and it has been at least two weeks since receiving your second dose. Remaining vigilant and following public health measures such as proper hand hygiene, remaining home when experiencing symptoms and wearing a mask or face covering in indoor public spaces continue to be important, as well as being vaccinated.
As September approaches, additional residents will be returning to work settings, families are preparing for schools to reopen and numerous post-secondary students are looking forward to in-person learning opportunities at post-secondary institutions. To minimize the impacts of a potential fourth wave, please protect yourself and others by rolling up your sleeve and getting your shot.