Lambton Public Health is reminding residents to take proper steps as COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community.
The reminder to stay home if sick, get vaccinated, and practice safe gatherings comes as residents get ready to celebrate the Easter long weekend under no provincial mandates.
The BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron is currently the dominant strain across the province.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said community transition rates are still "quite high".
“As we start into a sixth wave of COVID-19, prevention and mitigation strategies depend on all of us taking simple actions to decrease virus transmission," said Ranade in a statement. "I encourage everyone to make decisions that will best protect themselves and their loved ones; especially with holiday get-togethers coming up.”
Certain groups, such as people over 70, older adults living in congregate settings, people with conditions that may lower their immune system, and unvaccinated people, are at a higher risk of severe outcomes if they contract COVID-19.
People aged 60 and older are eligible to receive a fourth vaccine dose if at least five months (140 days) have passed since their last booster shot.
Earlier this week, the province announced the expansion of accessibility to antiviral medication for certain high-risk groups.
Lambton Public Health said while the medication is not a replacement for vaccination, antiviral treatment for COVID-19 can protect against severe outcomes for certain individuals.
A full list of those eligible to receive antiviral treatments and pharmacies offering them can be found on the province's website.
