EOHU Likely to Exit Lockdown Next Week, says Dr. Roumeliotis

During Monday the 8th of February's press meeting by the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, explained that cases across the province of Ontario have stabilized in the low 1000's.

There has also been a slow down of cases in Eastern Ontario. Prescott-Russell currently has 44 active cases of which 11 are in Clarence-Rockland. The lowest the numbers have been since well before the Christmas break.

The 7 day rolling average is showing promising signs as, most regions, are diminishing substantially. The EOHU currently has an average of 35 cases per 100,000 people and Prescott-Russell is down to 21. These numbers hold a high relevance when looking at the reopening plan.

When the regions across the EOHU's jurisdiction are given the go ahead to open again they will be placed back into the color coded zones, much like before the festive period.

COVID-19 testing will no longer be done by EOHU staff members, with local medical staff taking over in Alexandria and Casselman.

The local vaccine supply is still suffering from delays on the manufacturing end, though Dr. Roumeliotis explained that trays of Pfizer are back in the region as of last week and that he is "lead to believe the supply will become more reliable".

Following the provincial announcement made ono Monday, Dr. Roumeliotis told the media that only areas within the "green zone" would open this week.

For other regions, the relevant numbers on Tuesday 9th February will determine their reopening zones. The reopening will likely occur next week. The stay at home order will continue until at least the 16th of February.

The next announcement will take place on Thursday 11th.