The numbers have started to slip back down, but officials on Walpole Island are stressing the importance of keeping up with COVID protocols to prevent any more spread of the virus.
However, Chief Charles Sampson is urging residents to avoid gatherings outside their own household.
“Unfortunately, the support community members provide to those in need also supports the spread of the virus. We encourage our community to continue to provide comfort to one another and to be supportive, but please do so safely by following COVID protocols.”
As of Friday’s update from the Walpole Island Health Centre, the First Nations community has 27 active cases, down from 31 the day before.
Vaccinations through Lambton Public Health are continuing, but Chief Sampson says that doesn’t mean the fight against the virus is over.
“We remind community members that it takes time to build immunity after vaccination, and although the COVID vaccination lessens the severity of the disease, we must be continually mindful of the COVID safety protocols to prevent the continued spread of the virus.”
So far 640 first doses have been administered to residents of Walpole Island, 20 people have been fully vaccinated, and more second dose appointments are now being scheduled.