Hello. I’m Dr. Richard Gould, Associate Medical Officer of Health for York Region.
York Region’s vaccination rates continue to increase, with more than
83 per cent of those age 12 and older having received one dose
of a COVID-19 vaccine and nearly 78 per cent having received both doses.
We continue to see an increase in COVID-19 cases in our community, especially among those who are
not fully vaccinated. We are in the fourth wave and it is predicted the case numbers
will continue to rise into the Fall. We have the power to reduce the impact by getting vaccinated,
continuing to practice public health measures and implementing additional health measures.
It is important for all individuals, vaccinated or unvaccinated, to self-screen for symptoms of
COVID-19 before heading out into the community, wear a mask indoors, physically distance and wash
your hands often. If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, don’t wait – seek testing at
an Assessment Centre, even if your symptoms are mild and even if you are vaccinated.
With many schools resuming in-person learning next week, we all have a responsibility to keep
students and staff safe. Parents and students are encouraged to visit york.ca/safeatschool
to learn when you should stay home, how to screen before going to school every day, how
your children can stay safe in the classroom, the benefits of having eligible students vaccinated
and the most current guidance for the 2021/2022 school year.
There are also many child-friendly resources available to help parents review public
health measures with their children before heading back to the classroom.
Currently, eight out of 10 cases of COVID-19 in York Region
are in either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals
and these individuals have a greater risk of ending up in hospital and in ICUs.
York Region is urging everyone born in 2009 or earlier to get their COVID-19 vaccine.
There are numerous mobile and pop-up clinics in convenient locations across all municipalities,
including malls, movie theatres, schools, gyms and community and faith centres.
Two COVID-19 vaccination community clinics are now also open. Clinic locations and times can be found
by visiting york.ca/covid19vaccine
In addition to encouraging vaccinations, discussions for
additional measures to ensure the security and safety of both
unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals are ongoing given the increased transmissibility
of the Delta variant. The direction for any new measures will be determined in
consultation with our partners, government officials and Medical Officers of Health.
Our recent enforcement efforts have shown some businesses have been relaxed in their
implementation of COVID-19 health and safety measures. While we know most businesses are doing
everything possible to keep their employees and patrons safe from COVID-19, we ask all businesses
to ensure essential health and safety measures are being followed. This includes masking,
ensuring 2 metres of physical distancing, posting and enforcing capacity limits, active screening,
having an up to date COVID-19 Safety Plan and encouraging and supporting staff to be
completely immunized. These measures will help to keep your employees and patrons safe and healthy.
Stay safe, stay informed, stay vigilant and please get vaccinated.