More than one-quarter of recent local positive COVID-19 cases are age 19 and under

Despite having recorded the lowest case rate in the entire province over the last reported seven-day period, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has noticed a "changing trend," to go along with this data.

"In the past 14 days, more than one-quarter of our cases have been among those 19 or younger," said Shannon Mantha, Executive Director of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer for the Health Unit.

"While we're very fortunate to have low case rates in our district," said Mantha during Thursday's Health Unit media availability, "the changing trends in our cases and the evolving provincial situation, serve as a real reminder that we need to stay the course with public health measures and keep our cases and community transmission rates as low as possible, as well as get a vaccine when one is available to you."

Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health for the district led off with remarks reminding the public there is community spread — also one-quarter of recent cases — meaning people with positive cases are unsure how they contracted the COVID-19 virus. Chirico said this also indicates there are likely cases active in the community that are not reflected in case numbers.

The case rate stands at 9.2 per 100,000 population, according to the Health Unit and the district has the lowest cumulative case rate over the course of the entire pandemic.

"It is exciting that we continue to keep our case numbers low," he continued, "but as we know the situation can change quickly and we all need to remain vigilant in following public health measures. Until we are able to get everyone vaccinated, this is our only way to slow the spread."

Mantha updated the local COVID-19 situation: 16 new cases in the last seven days; a total case count of 351 (230 in Nipissing and 121 in Parry Sound); as of Thursday morning, 16 active cases with two of those hospitalized; four active variant of concern cases in the district; and, one-quarter of recent cases have come from community spread.

"I know the shutdown and additional restrictions are difficult for all of us — for our financial well-being, our social health, and our mental health. Small businesses have been particularly affected by the uncertainty and the ever-changing restrictions from week to week."

Chirico added the provincial numbers must be brought under control before we can move forward.

"This is why we've said the quickest path to a lasting reopening is not reopening too soon."

Chirico closed his remarks by reminding the public to be "COVID-kind to one another and not use hurtful language that discriminates against people."