NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON - Over the past two weeks, the COVID-19 situation has greatly changed in the
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) region, with 808 cases being reported. This is over
five times higher than the number of cases reported in the previous two weeks. The province as a whole is
experiencing an even greater rise in case numbers due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant.
Additionally, the number of reported cases is significantly lower than the actual number of cases locally and
provincially because only a small proportion of people have been able to access PCR tests lately.
In response, Ontario has moved into a modified step two of the Roadmap to Reopen, returned students to
online learning for two weeks and set new rules for testing and self-isolation.
With more people in the Health Unit district now being exposed to COVID-19, and fewer people able to
access PCR and rapid antigen tests, the Health Unit has launched a new web page,
myhealthunit.ca/COVIDGuide. The web page provides a link to the provincial self-assessment tool and
guidelines for what to do next if you test positive for COVID-19, have symptoms, or may have been exposed
to the virus. Individuals without internet access can contact the Health Unit’s call centre at 1-844-478-1400 or
705-995-3810 for advice.
“It is understandable that the quick and frequent changes have been frustrating and confusing. By following
public health measures and taking precautions as if you have COVID-19, you can help to slow the spread
among people in our communities, help our hospitals avoid crisis and allow our businesses to recover more
quickly,” explains Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “The data are showing that although Omicron is
less severe than other variants, the sheer number of people getting infected in a short period of time could
result in critical hospital bed shortages.”
For more information on the COVID-19 situation locally, visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.
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Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca