There's a false belief that vaccinated people can't spread COVID-19 according to Moosonee's mayor.
In a video message posted today, Wayne Taipale urged people to follow the public health guidelines to keep the virus at bay.
"Vaccination doesn't stop from carrying the virus or even possibly getting it. If you get it, you won't get it as severe," he said.
As of May 6, there are four active COVID-19 cases in the James Bay and Hudson Bay region. Three active cases are in Moose Factory and one is in the Town of Moosonee.
Taipale said many community members have been fully vaccinated but over half of the population hasn’t been vaccinated yet, including children and youth.
“From speaking with people, they’re letting their guard down a lot,” Taipale said. “We must always remember they are people in the community that don’t have the vaccination. And also the youth under 18 have not been vaccinated.”
The mayor said the community has been fortunate there haven’t been more cases but he is concerned to see parties and family gatherings. The current stay-at-home order is in effect until May 20 but it’s likely to be extended, Taipale said.
“Don’t go from house to house. This is how COVID is going to be spread,” he said.
To date, there have been 675 confirmed cases of the virus in the Porcupine Health region. Of those, 529 are recovered and 26 people have died. There are 120 known active cases in the region.
