The Northwestern Health Unit has confirmed another case of COVID-19 in the Rainy River District.
That brings the number of active cases in the catchment area to 19, with ten in the Rainy River District, seven in the Kenora Region and two listed as other.
The health unit also confirms there are two COVID-19 hospitalizations in the catchment area.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kit Young Hoon says the two cases listed as others are individuals who live outside the region but may have acquired the illness or been infectious while 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 confirm that most cases listed in the Rainy River District are within the town of Rainy River or in nearby areas.
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 four probable cases and one death.
A total of 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 0.32 per cent. More than 50-thousand tests have also been completed.
