(File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Angie Rolheiser

COVID-19

Public health warning of increased COVID-19 cases in the northeast

Aug 27, 2021 | 5:18 PM

With over 140 active cases of COVID-19 in the northeast, public health is encouraging residents to take measures to limit the spread of new cases.

Public Health Officer Dr. Nnamdi Ndubuka with the Northern Inter-Tribal Health Authority told northeastNOW the delta variant and low vaccine rates, has led to a resurgence of cases.

“Especially in Nipawin and area, we are experiencing an increased number of variants and we want residents to be aware that there is increased risk out there,” Ndubuka said.

He is strongly encouraging physical distancing and wearing masks in public indoor places.

“People also should not be going to places, work or businesses if they have symptoms that suggest COVID-19,” Ndubuka said.

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Most of the recent active cases in the northeast have been identified within the 22- to 39-year-old age group, followed by those younger than 19. The seven-day average has increased from seven cases a day to 19 and active cases increased from 32 last week to 124 as of Aug. 27.

Increased hospitalization is also being experienced particularly in the unvaccinated population.

“In the northeast, we are seeing higher case rates and more new cases within the Nipawin, Hudson Bay, Melfort and Tisdale areas,” Ndubuka said.

In the 12-year-old and older population 74 per cent have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination and 67 per cent have received their second dose.

There have been multiple daycare closures in Nipawin and Melfort areas due to recent COVID-19 outbreaks.

“When you see cases in kids at that age it is very heart throbbing, so you want to do your best to make sure that you prevent further spread among this population,” Ndubuka said. “Daycare workers and essential workers with the vulnerable population should have their second dose, we want to ensure that we encourage everyone to contribute to community herd immunity.”

Ndubuka pointed to events with large numbers of people in attendance as being a culprit for rising case numbers.

“We really want to alert the public about this variant of concern in the area and to be more vigilant,” Ndubuka said. “Avoid non-essential travel and keep to household bubbles as much as possible.”

As the new school year looms, Ndubuka said it is important for those who are eligible to get their vaccines to protect the younger population.

“If we want kids to get back to school in a safe way then we have an obligation to get our two doses to be able to protect them,” Ndubuka said.

Hospitalizations among the younger age group of 11 years and below has increased and an increase in intensive care admissions are being experienced as a result of the delta variant.

“The delta variant has dominated the majority of outbreaks that have been declared in the north, ” Ndubuka said. “With the delta variant in the picture, no age group is immune to being impacted in terms of severity of the outcome.”

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is working to increase vaccination rates and the public is being asked to support that work and continue to abide by measures that have proven to work in the past.

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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser