News Release: Protect our Children, Assess the Risks When Planning Activities Says Health Unit

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON – By getting vaccinated you can help to protect children who are not yet able to be immunized. The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is experiencing an increase in cases in the Nipissing District, with a confirmed case of the Delta variant. The Health Unit urges everyone to use good judgement and evaluate the risks before attending events with individuals from other households, especially when children who are not yet eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are involved.

“Our children have been through so much since the beginning of the pandemic, including interruptions to in-person learning, not being able to see and play with their friends, pauses in their extra-curricular activities and sports. The last thing we want is them getting sick with COVID-19,” notes Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “We must think of them when planning activities and choosing to be vaccinated. By adding children to the equation, and by making an informed decision, you can help protect the children, yourself, and others.”

Ask yourself the following questions to help you consider the risks:

• How many people will be there?
• Is everyone over the age of 12 vaccinated?
• Do you or the other people close to you have a weakened immune system?
• Is this event indoors or outdoors?
• Will there be prolonged close contact with others?

Everyone should continue to follow public health measures, including washing your hands often, wearing face coverings, physically distancing from others, self-isolating and seeking testing if you are feeling unwell, and getting vaccinated.

The Health Unit continues to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics and is accepting walk-ins at most clinics. To book an appointment, call the provincial booking system at 1-833-943-3900, or book online at Ontario.ca/BookVaccine.

For more information, visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Catherine Levac-Lafond, Bilingual Media Relations Coordinator
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca