Media Releases

Due to active forest fires in the region, some communities in Northwestern Ontario may experience smoke in the air this weekend. An air quality alert has been issued today for the Red Lake and Ear Falls area. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) will begin to wrap up their COVID-19 mass immunization clinics by the end of July. This gives the public a few more weeks to book either their first or second dose appointment to get vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for anyone aged 12 or older and Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), along with national and provincial health agenciesare closely monitoring rare reports of potential myocarditis/pericarditis (inflammation ofthe lining around the heart) following a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Most cases world-wide have occurred within several days after vaccination, and in teensand young adult males after receiving the 2nd dose Read more…

Anyone who had a first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days ago is now eligible for their second dose. After seeing a lot of interest and long line-ups at some clinics last week, Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) urges the public to book an appointment Read more…

As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance, the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can be interchanged for first and second doses. For second doses, the public may not receive the same brand of mRNA vaccine as their first dose, depending on supply at the local clinic. “Using Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has released its COVID-19 clinic schedule for next week. Many clinics are taking place throughout the region for 1st and 2nd doses for anyone eligible. The eligibility criteria for these clinics include 1st dose: Anyone aged 12 or older 2nd dose: Anyone born in 1951 or Read more…

The eligibility for 2nd doses at Northwestern Health Unit’s (NWHU) walk-in clinics this week has expanded. First dose: Anyone aged 12 or older Second dose: Anyone born in 1951 or earlier (70+ in 2021) First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people, and their household members Those who live in a long-term Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) advises the public that technical issues due to an upgrade to the COVID-19 vaccine Provincial Booking System caused some local clinics not to show up in the system, and some people were able to book appointments on dates when there are no clinics planned. The booking Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) notifies the public that anyone in the area who worked at the Mary River Mine Site at Baffinland Iron Mines in Nunavut between April 15th and May 27th is at risk for COVID-19. Baffinland Iron Mine employees and contractors in our area should immediately self-isolate and Read more…

Due to active forest fires in the region, some communities in Northwestern Ontario are experiencing smoke in the air. An air quality alert has been issued today for the Kenora, Red Lake, and Sioux Lookout areas. Forest fire smoke is made up of a mixture of gases and very small Read more…