Media Releases

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is warning the public of an increased risk of COVID-19 infection across the region. Clusters of cases are currently being seen in Kenora, Dryden, and Fort Frances, however, the number of cases and risk is likely higher than reported across the region as some individuals choose Read more…

As the omicron variant spreads across the globe, Dr. Kit Young Hoon, Medical Officer of Health at Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) strongly recommends against travel outside of northwestern Ontario over the holidays. “I ask that anyone who was planning to travel rethinks their plans. The omicron variant is extremely transmissible Read more…

Statistics Canada has released its new population estimates for public health units in Ontario. The previous estimates available were based on the 2011 Census and were significantly higher than the most recent census data. This means the region’s COVID-19 vaccine coverage rates have been underestimated up until now. “According to Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) warns that although travel may be possible, it comes with risk. The origin of many new cases of COVID-19 in the region have come from recent travel. “Since the U.S. border reopening, we have seen a number of cases in people who have recently travelled to Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit’s COVID-19 clinics continue as more residents become eligible for the vaccine, including booster doses. Anyone who is eligible for a first, second, or booster dose of the vaccine can book an appointment at one of the scheduled clinics throughout the region. Eligibility includes: First doses: Anyone aged Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is pleased that Health Canada has approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children. NWHU says their clinics will be ready when the vaccine arrives in the region from the Ontario Ministry of Health. Until delivery dates are known, parents and guardians of 5-11 year olds should wait Read more…

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) reports that 90% of the area’s residents aged 12 and older have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Over 130,000 doses of the vaccine have been given in the region. “I would like to thank residents who have chosen to get vaccinated to Read more…

Booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available for the following groups if they had their second dose in May 2021 or earlier: Anyone aged 70 and over (born in 1951 or earlier) First Nation, Inuit, and Métis adults and their family/household members aged 16 or older People who received Read more…

Ontario has expanded third /booster dose eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. The following populations are currently eligible to get a COVID-19 booster shot if their second dose was given at least 6 months (24 weeks) ago: A booster dose for these higher-risk populations will provide increased protection against COVID-19 and Read more…

November 3, 2021 Dear NWHU area residents, The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact Northwestern Health Unit’s services. Our priority is the pandemic response, which includes case and contact management, COVID-19 vaccinations, and infection prevention and control support. As nearly all NWHU staff have been redeployed to assist with the pandemic Read more…