MAPLETON – Public health is responding to a spike in COVID cases in the Township of Mapleton by focusing on more opportunities for residents there to get vaccinated.
As of Tuesday morning, data from WDG Public Health shows 16 active cases, down slightly from 21 on Monday.
Schools in the township are facing the impacts from this outbreak.
Drayton Heights Public School has four confirmed cases and three classes or cohorts closed. There are two confirmed cases at Community Christian School in Drayton and one at Maryborough Public School.
As a response, WDG Public Health is holding a first and second dose drop-in clinic at Drayton’s PMD Arena from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m on Thursday.
Danny Williamson, public health spokesperson, said this is not connected with any particular event but is more of a reflection on lower vaccination rates in the township.
Mapleton remains the township with the lowest rate of vaccination in the public health region at below 70 per cent of eligible residents fully vaccinated or with one dose.
“The unfortunate reality is, where vaccination rates are low is where you’re going to see cases,” Williamson said. “The Delta variant is still here and it is still as concerning as it has been since it arose.”
In response to outbreaks at schools, Williamson said the schools have done a good job at keeping cases low but the reality is that is a location where COVID can travel because children under 12 can’t yet be vaccinated.
If cases climb again, there is the possibility for action from public health or the municipality.
For example, last year Dr. Nicola Mercer issued a Section 22 order closing Old Order Mennonites churches and schools in north Wellington County due to a spike in cases.
Williamson said orders like these are considered a last resort from public health’s view and reiterated their view that increasing vaccination rates is the way to best control cases.
“It’s not too late, it’s still a good time to get vaccinated,” Williamson said.
