The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed another case of COVID-19 in the Rainy River District.
This brings the number of active cases up to 19 in the catchment area, with 10 in the Rainy River District, 7 in the Kenora Region and 2 listed as other.
The health unit also confirms there are two COVID-19 hospitalizations in the catchment area right now.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon explains both cases listed as other live outside the region, but during the period where they may have acquired the illness or been infectious, they were in the Rainy River District.
Young Hoon explains the situation in the Rainy River District has progressed over the holiday season.
“Most of the cases that we’re seeing are contacts of previous cases, or are associated with the outbreak declared at Riverview Manor. Which is good in the sense that we’re able to follow up with the individuals and speak with contacts.”
While the health unit can’t release how many cases are in or related to Riverview Manor, they do confirm that most cases listed in the Rainy River District are surrounding or are in the town of Rainy River.
Young Hoon adds the spread in the district is related to social activity between households.
“Whether it’s family gatherings or dinners and so on, informal social gatherings are what seems to be leading to most of the cases. At this point, there is no clear indication that this is travel related.”
Young Hoon is hopeful the two week lockdown will help control the spread of COVID-19 in our region.
Overall, there have been 166 cases since the pandemic started, including 4 probable cases and one death.
146 cases are listed as resolved.
The test positivity rate from December 21 to 27 was 1.03 per cent, with 2,041 tests completed.
Since the pandemic started the positivity rate is point 32 per cent and 50,203 tests have been completed.
