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Delta Variant a Concern for SWPH Region

"I think the population should be aware that you are at risk for getting ill with the Delta variant in the coming weeks as it becomes the dominate strain in Ontario."

SOUTHWESTERN PUBLIC HEALTH - Southwestern Public Health has noticed a small increase in COVID-19 numbers, after weeks of steady declines.

Right now we have 26 active cases of COVID-19 in the region. At least one person has tested positive for the Delta variant, however local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock says we could have more.

"Currently there is no quick screening test to figure out if you are infected with the Delta variant. The labs have to do something called genome sequencing, where they actually have to figure out every single gene within that virus. It takes a week or two to do that, so even though we just have 1 known case so far, it may be that more cases are infected with the Delta variant and we just haven't got the information yet. I think the population should be aware that you are at risk for getting ill with the Delta variant in the coming weeks as it becomes the dominate strain in Ontario."

Dr. Lock says the best way to protect yourself from the Delta variant is to be fully vaccinated.

"It is anticipated that the Delta variant will become more dominate across the Province in the coming weeks, which is why we are working so hard to get second doses to our citizens. The vaccine works better to fight the Delta variant if you have two doses as opposed to one."

Dr. Lock says they remain hopeful the increases are just a small blip. 

"It is too early to tell but we are all hopeful that it is just a blip and we will continue on the downward trend." 

Nearby Waterloo Region has been declared a hot spot because of the Delta variant. They have the highest daily case counts right now, with 72 confirmed today. 

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