Public Health Sudbury & Districts advises of a potential high-risk public exposure to COVID-19

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is advising the public of a potential high-risk of exposure to COVID-19, specifically for anyone who attended a social gathering at 1900 Wikwemikong Way, including Zipp-Thru Gas Bar and Hiawatha’s food truck, on Saturday, July 31, 2021. In addition, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is working with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) after ISC declared a community COVID-19 outbreak on August 5, 2021.

Actions to take:

Anyone who attended the social gathering, including Zipp-Thru Gas Bar and Hiawatha’s food truck, on July 31, is advised to follow public health guidance:

• You should seek COVID-19 testing as soon as possible. In addition to this, if you are symptomatic or become symptomatic at any time, even if you have previously tested negative, you should seek testing as soon as possible.
• Please contact your local Community Health Centre or public health unit for further direction on isolation.

Individuals can follow the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory Facebook page for updates.

COVID-19 testing

If needed, COVID-19 testing appointments can be arranged through the Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) assessment centre (http://www.mhc.on.ca/covid-19). Clients MUST call MHC (Mindemoya 705.377.5311, Little Current 705.368.2300). The assessment centre hours are Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Little Current) and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Little Current). On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, paramedicine COVID-19 community response team can provide home swabbing by referral, all bookings are completed through MHC. Contact your local public health unit for COVID-19 testing information.

COVID-19 vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective against COVID-19 and its variants. With the Delta variant spreading throughout the province and dominant in the area, local case counts vulnerable to rapid change. As the COVID-19 Delta variant can spread more easily and is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death as compared with the Alpha variant, its more important than ever to get vaccinated. A single dose of vaccine does not provide adequate protection from the Delta variant. This means that two-dose vaccine coverage is important for everyone. Given how infectious Delta is, vaccination rates need to be as high as possible to protect against community spread.

Individuals 12 and up should book an appointment, attend a walk-in, pop-up, or mobile clinic for their first dose and get their second dose as soon as possible. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations for a list of pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccination and booking information. Some primary care providers also offer vaccination against COVID-19.

Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics on Manitoulin Island

Updates about COVID-19 vaccine clinic locations, dates, and times will be shared on Public Health’s social media channels and online as plans are confirmed. Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics for the most up-to-date schedule.

Appointment and walk-in clinic

• Tuesday, August 10, 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., Manitoulin Secondary School. mRNA vaccine: Pfizer-BioNTech.

 Appointment only, by phone

• Tuesday, August 10, Manitoulin Secondary School.  Please call 705.674.2299 (toll-free: 1.800.708.2505). mRNA vaccine: Moderna.

 Mobile clinics

• Friday, August 13, Assiginack Farmer’s Market, 15589 Highway 6, On-6, Manitowaning, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Friday, August 13, Municipal Parking Lot, 17 Manitowaning Road, Little Current, 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Public Health Sudbury & Districts is reminding everyone to follow public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including the more transmissible Delta variant. The safest options are to limit close contact to your own household members, stay home and do not attend work or school when ill, avoid non-essential travel. Remember to practise physical distancing, wear your mask, and wash your hands. For all outings, continue to screen yourself for symptoms and practise COVID-safe behaviours.

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).