The Eastern Ontario Health Unit saw a sharp rise in cases this week as the United Counties of Prescott-Russell recorded 36 new cases on Wednesday, most of which coming from an outbreak in Casselman.
 
"We think it was a symptomatic staff," said Dr. Paul Roumeliotis when asked about the likely source.

The EOHU are still awaiting confirmation on the extact number of positive residents. Speaking to the press on Wednesday afternoon Dr. Paul said 4 were in hospital but "aren't very sick" with the rest either asmyptomtic or "very minimally sick".

"This is what the vaccine should be doing," he said, explaining that they are in the category of those susceptible to "breakthroughs" and that their symptoms are lessened thanks to the vaccine.

Residents of long term care homes across the region have already started receiving their third doses and this outbreak indicates its "time to start vaccinating the long-term care homes" with most residents receiving their second doses six months ago.

Over the coming weeks the EOHU will not only start their third round of CVODI-19 vaccinations, but also their annual flu vaccination program. Both are set to be administered at the same time.

Prescott-Russell numbers high but Cornwall vaccination are encouraging. Cornwall recorded a further 18 new cases on Wednesday taking their active cases to 65, but the vaccination rates are steadily increasing and Dr. Paul says there is a "levelling off". There are currently 19 patients hospitalized, of which 11 are unvaccinated and the remainder are from "retirement homes and elderly people whoa re vaccinated".

Unfortunately the region recorded another death over the weekend, an unvaccinated 85 year old residents with multiple medical issues.

Vaccination rates continue to climb, with the 12-17 year old group increasingly steadily. Clarence-Rockland has the second highest vaccination rate within the EOHU which Dr. Paul said was directly linked to the lower positivity rates within the municipality.