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The Ministry of Health and Wellness is once again urging the public to take special care of the elderly population during the current COVID-19 wave.

This vulnerable group can have multiple comorbidities, and contracting COVID-19 can place them at higher risk for negative outcomes compared to younger persons.

All persons are being reminded to encourage elderly persons in their care to be vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. Despite the advent of successive variants of SARS CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID, vaccinations are still effective and therefore remain an integral component of the multi-pronged prevention strategy used in controlling COVID’s impact. Being fully vaccinated and boosted reduces the risk of persons suffering from severe illness or dying due to COVID-19.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to have a high index of suspicion for COVID when older folks are not feeling well. They should seek medical attention and test for COVID as early as possible. Delay in care for elderly persons can reduce their chances of a more favourable outcome. The Ministry of Health and Wellness is also reminding all persons of the other key COVID-19 prevention protocols, including hand washing/sanitisation, wearing of masks (especially when coming into contact with elderly persons), physical distancing and good ventilation in homes. For further queries, persons may call the COVID-19 hotline at 536-4500.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness.

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