The public is hearing more about a COVID-19 vaccine now that the number of cases in Ontario continues to trend downward.
At the Elliot Lake Family Health Team, Dr. Cathy Groh says the best hope currently for availability of a vaccine against the virus is early 2021.
In a news release issued Monday, Dr. Groh said it's important to hold fast to anti-COVID-19 protocols to keep the number of people getting infected low.
"It is great news that the number of new cases of COVID-19 continues to decline in Ontario. However, we need to remain vigilant," she said in the release. "In 2009, the first wave of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) peaked in Ontario from June 14 to 27. The second wave peaked from Oct. 25 to Nov. 7."
"A vaccine became available on Oct. 26 (2009). I recall being astounded by the number of sick people who presented to the ER on one shift during this time. COVID-19 is much more dangerous than H1N1," Dr Groh continued.
"The earliest hope for a vaccine against COVID-19 is early 2021. Until then we have very good tools to help prevent the spread of this disease. Social distancing, hand-washing and wearing masks when social distancing is not possible have been proven to be effective."
She concluded, "Getting tested if you have symptoms or think you could have been exposed will help prevent an outbreak. Call the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 705-461-8882 (Elliot Lake) if you want to be tested."