As COVID-19 cases increase across the region, the EOHU's Dr. Paul Roumeliotis warns that "we are not at herd immunity yet" with a fourth wave approaching. 

Eastern Ontario’s top doctor addressed members of the press Monday 30, August to discuss the latest updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in the local region. 

Cases continue to increase across the province, with Ontario adding 649 cases as well as seeing the weekly 7 day average increase and a “small increase” in ICU admissions and hospitalizations. 

Dr. Paul Roumelitios, who recently backed the creation of a “vaccine passport” (which would only be necessary until herd immunity is achieved according to the doctor), said that most of the cases in hospitals hadn’t yet received their two doses, with the province reporting over 80% of new cases, hospitalizations and deaths amongst those unvaccinated. 

Cases are also increasing locally, with Clarence-Rockland reporting 9 active cases (the first time it has risen over 5 in eleven weeks), 24 active in the UCPR & 56 in the EOHU. 

August has seen much higher numbers than in June and July but Dr. Roumeliotis is hopeful that cases will stabilize at the current numbers thanks to vaccinations. 

Of the 56 active cases in the EOHU, 86% were not fully vaccinated and about 90% of hospitalizations and deaths in the region were amongst those unvaccinated.

Vaccination rates continue to increase slowly with over 293,000 jabs given since the turn of the year.

Almost 77% of residents 12 years-old and above are fully vaccinated, edging closer to the 85-90% herd immunity number. The 18-29 age group is still amongst the lowest categories.

The “very dangerous” delta variant is spreading within the community, warned Dr. Roumelitotis, with concerns regarding the reopening of schools. 

“Breakthrough cases”, meaning those who test positive with the virus despite having received two doses of the vaccine, are increasing amongst those over 60 years of age - a normal occurrence explained Dr. Roumelitotis - with a third shot of the vaccine for the vulnerable population expected before the end of the year.