The Renfrew County and District Health Unit says community transmission of COVID-19 has increased throughout the month of November.
The health unit confirmed 63 cases last month, more than double the number of cases reported in October with nearly half of the cases in the Pembroke, Petawawa and Laurentian Valley areas.
The RCDHU says more than 500 high risk contacts have been investigated.
Health unit staff say for each confirmed case of COVID-19, they are seeing on average eight high risk contacts.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Cushman says residents are ignoring mild symptoms and continuing to attend school, work and other social activities while sick.
Cushman says this is especially of concern with the introduction of the new Omicron variant found close to our region in Ottawa.
Cushman says don’t ignore minor symptoms such as itchy/scratchy or sore throat, runny nose or headache.
The RCDHU says since September 2021, 22 per cent of individuals aged 0 to 17 years who have tested positive for COVID-19 have had symptoms that are not caught in the Provincial school screening tool, such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, and extreme fatigue.
Health unit staff say since September of 2021, more than 1 in 3 COVID-19 cases in Renfrew County and District have been among individuals aged 18 to 40.
The RCDHU says this age group also has the lowest rate of COVID-19 vaccination, which increases the potential risk of spread.
Individuals aged 18 to 40 are urged to do their part to protect the community from the spread of COVID-19.
This includes staying home when sick with any symptoms, keeping social gatherings small and contacts consistent, and getting vaccinated.
