EOHU Website Updates

The EOHU is updating statistics related to the pandemic on its website from December 28th to the 31st inclusively. The website will not be updated from January 1st to the 3rd inclusively, but will be updated regularly as of January 4th.

COVID Variant

At this time, no COVID variant has been detected in the EOHU area. While the health unit is keeping a close eye on the situation, we will only know about its presence when we receive test results from the laboratory. This is another reason why the community must remain hyper-vigilant and continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In terms of the COVID variants we are hearing about in the news, it is normal for viruses to mutate. Potential effects of a mutation include:

• A change in the severity of illness caused by the virus. This does not seem to be the case in the COVID variants detected up to now.
• A change in the virus’ ability to spread from one person to another. From what we have seen in the United Kingdom, the COVID variant has an increased ability to spread amongst the population.

Both vaccines currently approved for use in Canada (Pfizer and Moderna) are effective against the original strain of COVID-19 and its variant.

Vaccine Rollout

The EOHU is regularly receiving updates from the Ministry of Health regarding the vaccine rollout and will update its COVID-19 vaccine web section accordingly.

COVID-19 vaccines are expected to arrive in the area imminently.

Caseload in the Area Remains High

The number of COVID-19 cases in the EOHU area remains high. The public is urged to continue taking precautions to counter the spread of the virus.