COVID-19: Haldimand-Norfolk Chief Physician Discusses Vaccination Delay Concerns, ‘Fifth Wave’ – Hamilton | The Canadian News

Haldimand-Norfolk’s chief physician says using the term “fifth wave” at a local health board meeting to describe the surge in COVID-19 cases may have been “a bit sensational,” but it doesn’t change the underlying message. .

Acting Health Medical Officer Dr. Matt Strauss told CHML 900 Good Morning Hamilton that it could be characterized as the “second part” of the fourth wave, which did not actually affect that southern Ontario health unit late. of the summer.

“If you look at the local data in Haldimand-Norfolk, we didn’t have a fourth wave,” Strauss said.

“So when cases peaked in Hamilton a couple of months ago, our cases were pretty low, and that’s what we’re seeing across the province in places that are currently at their peak. They are places that made the fourth wave lose a bit. “

As of Friday, the two counties combined had a seven-day moving average of 12.71 cases, a significant increase from the same day a month ago when the region only had 4.43 per day.

There were 109 active cases as of Nov. 19, more than double what was seen two weeks ago, and five deaths in the past six weeks, including four unvaccinated people.

Strauss says that not being vaccinated in a community with active cases is like riding a motorcycle without a helmet or skydiving without one.

“I wouldn’t recommend either activity, they’re both risky, but I can’t stop you and I can’t protect you from what might happen if you make that decision,” Strauss said.

The health unit has seen a significant increase in its vaccination rate of more than 12 since it was reportedly the last among 34 public health units in Ontario in early summer.

As of Friday, the region’s rate was only slightly lower than the provincial average of 85.8 percent fully vaccinated and 88.9 percent with at least one dose of vaccine.

What worries Strauss is a “lag” in vaccination rates among residents in their 40s, 50s and 60s, with the two-dose rates standing at about 80 percent.

Initiatives the health unit is working on heading into the new year to increase rates include more pop-up clinics in fire rooms, the county GOVAX bus, and school clinics.

She says she also continues to strive to educate doubters through brochures and even offering her advice over the phone.

“I have all the time in the world, frankly, to talk to these people and discuss their particular concerns,” Strauss said.

“My office has gotten a lot of calls based on that offer, and I think I’ve managed to get a few more shots in my arms that way.”

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