THUNDER BAY – Dr. Janet DeMille says she’s surprised at just how well the District of Thunder Bay is doing in its ongoing fight against COVID-19.
While cases have exploded in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Thunder Bay is down to just one active case and has remained in single digits for all but a handful of days since the middle of June, a remarkable feat given what’s happening in other jurisdictions.
DeMille, the medical officer of health for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, on Thursday said it’s a good sign – and a little surprising.
“I don’t think a month ago I would have anticipated that we would be where we’re at, but I’m very pleased that we are,” DeMille said. “I think it’s really a combination of things. No. 1, we have a very good immunization rate and we are still seeing people coming forward.”
According to numbers provided on Tuesday by the health unit, nearly 80 per cent of the district’s population has been double vaccinated.
Public health measures that remain in place, including masking, are also still proving effective.
“I think people are generally following those rules, whether it’s individuals in their day-to-day workplaces, organization, or schools, we’re seeing people really be fairly compliant overall with those measures,” DeMille said.
“I think that will reduce spread as well. And I think we’ve been lucky that we haven’t had a lot of sources introducing COVID to our area through travel. We’ve had some cases, but not really seen much transmission that way.”
Of the 32 cases announced since Sept. 1, at least 17 have been travel related.
While travel at this time is being discouraged, DeMille said she is encouraged about new regulations announced this week by the federal government that will require double vaccinations for anyone wanting to fly or take a train.
The new rules go into effect next month.
“It does help reduce the overall transmission,” DeMille said.
She also weighed in on Thursday’s news that Pfizer is seeking approval from the United States government to administer vaccinations to children aged five to 11.
It’s potentially good news, DeMille said.
“I think it’s really important that we move, eventually, to getting all age groups vaccinated, and certainly the five- to 11-year-old one is important, especially because they go to school and daycare. It will help protect those settings as well.”
