COVID-19 in Sudbury & districts: Your weekly update April 29, 2021
Issued: Thursday, April 29, 2021Reporting period: Thursday, April 22, 2021, to Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
April 29, 2021 — The following is a summary of how the status of COVID-19 has changed in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area over the last seven days up to end of day April 28, 2021: 53 new cases, and 121 cases were resolved. There were 2 COVID-related deaths. Thirty-six (36) new cases screened positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC), which is 68% of the cases reported in this period. Ten (10) outbreaks were active in the past week, including 7 in local workplaces, and 1 each in a hospital, a long-term care home and a daycare. Six (6) outbreaks were declared over in the past 7 days, 4 in workplaces and 1 each in a daycare and a long-term care home. At end of day April 28, 2021, there were 81 active cases in our service area, and 4 active outbreaks. Nineteen (19) cases were hospitalized, while the rest were self-isolating.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a total of 1 921 local cases of which 1 840 are resolved, and 27 people have died in our service area. Seven-hundred and eighty (780) have screened positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern (VOC).
Trends in the past seven days
- Of the 53 new cases in our service area, 7 were associated with an outbreak, while 27 were close contacts of confirmed cases. This means that Public Health identified how these people were exposed to COVID-19 and was able to take quick action to prevent further spread. Four (4) cases were travel-related, while the source of exposure was unknown for 12 cases. Three (3) case remained under investigation.
- Fifty-one (51) cases reside in Greater Sudbury, while 2 reside in the Sudbury District. There were no cases among residents of Manitoulin District in the past 7 days.
- Contact tracing information was available for all cases reported from April 18 to April 24. Through our investigation, we identified 91 people who had high-risk close contacts with these cases. That is an average of 2 high-risk close contacts per case, compared to 4 contacts per case in the previous 7 days. Public Health follows up directly and regularly with every high-risk close contact to monitor them for symptoms, ensure they are self-isolating, and make recommendations for testing according to provincial guidance.
- The seven-day incidence rate was 26.6 new cases per 100 000 population (compared to 47.8 for the previous 7 days).
- The percent positivity was 1.76% for the period of April 20 to April 26 (compared to 2.28% for the previous 7 days).
- For the period of April 14 to April 20, the effective reproductive number (Rt) was 1.0 for Northern Ontario, and 0.9 for Ontario overall.
Vaccination Program Update
- To date, the COVID-19 Vaccination Program has administered a total of 78 400 doses to residents in Sudbury and districts. Thus far, 70 495 people have received their first dose of vaccine, and 7 905 people have been fully vaccinated (current as of 4 p.m. April 28, 2021).
- Over the last seven days up to end of day April 28, 2021, a total of 5 862 vaccine doses have been administered.
- Overall, 43.9% of Sudbury and district residents aged 18+ have received their first dose of a vaccine, compared to 38.4% for all Ontario residents aged 18+.
- Second doses have been received by 4.9% of those aged 18+ in Sudbury and Districts compared to 3.0% of Ontarians of same age.
- The following is a depiction of vaccinations received by age for adults 60+ in Sudbury and districts.
| Age Group | Dose 1 | Dose 1 % Coverage | Dose 2 | Dose 2 % Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 + | 10 136 | 100.0% | 1 847 | 19.6% |
| 75-79 | 7 037 | 100.0% | 414 | 6.1% |
| 70-75 | 9 236 | 100.0% | 509 | 5.6% |
| 65-70 | 9 917 | 79.8% | 548 | 4.4% |
| 60-65 | 3 811 | 72.8% | 472 | 4.2% |
* Rates are based on 2016 census populations and may over-represent actual vaccine coverage
Stay COVID-safe
- Individuals who are pregnant are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine if there are no contraindications. Discussion with your health care provider should be considered before vaccination. For more information to support your decision-making, review the Ontario Ministry of Health support tool (Government of Ontario).
- Prioritizing the mental health of children and families is really important during the pandemic. Check out Children’s Mental Health Ontario tips to support your child’s mental health through remote learning for ideas to use at home.
- Keep safe during essential outings and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wear a face covering and avoid touching your face, keep at least 2 metres distance from others, if possible shop alone, and practice patience and kindness. Remember, if you have symptoms stay home and get tested.
- Workplaces must continue to make every effort to protect employees during the pandemic. Continue to post signage at all entrances and locations visible to consumers and staff. Inform individuals on how to screen themselves for COVID-19 (Government of Ontario) prior to entering the workplace.
What’s new
- Effective April 30, at 8 a.m., individuals who are 55 years of age and older in this calendar year (born in 1966 or earlier) will be eligible to book appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For information on how to book an appointment, visit https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/vaccines-immunizations/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/upcoming-vaccination-clinics-for-specific-priority-groups/.
- Licensed child care workers are now eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment locally. Eligible workers in licensed child care settings will receive a letter from their employer. This letter must be available at the point of booking and brought to the vaccination appointment. For details about eligibility, bookings, clinic dates, and locations, visit https://www.phsd.ca/health-topics-programs/vaccines-immunizations/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine/upcoming-vaccination-clinics-for-specific-priority-groups/.
Message from Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health
I am cautiously optimistic about the COVID-19 situation locally. We have seen a steady decline in cases recently. For me, it is a sign that public health measures are working. I would also like to credit the residents of our communities for their dedication in following the measures in place. This is truly a collective effort. As we transition into May, I understand everyone’s wishes to gather with friends and family outside to enjoy the warmer weather. It is critical we continue to follow the stay-at-home order and only gather with people we live with. Our sacrifices now will help us gather safely with loved ones sooner. The COVID-19 vaccination program continues to make good progress. I am very pleased that over 70 000 residents in our service area have received their first dose of the vaccine. When it is your turn, I encourage you to book your appointment and to help others book theirs if they need help.
Regular updates
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/data for regular updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, as well as outbreaks and potential exposures in Greater Sudbury, the Sudbury District, and the Manitoulin District. In addition, a detailed epidemiology summary is posted Mondays and Thursdays that includes information about cases over time, case characteristics, probable exposures, case outcomes, testing, and outbreaks in facilities.
For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).