Chatham-Kent Public Health is getting some help from the province to allow it to concentrate on vaccination efforts and focus on COVID-19 cases and contacts in highest-risk settings.
A provincial team will now take over investigating all new cases in Chatham-Kent and will issue instructions for both cases and contacts.
The changes were directed by the province, according to the local public health unit.
Health unit officials said this new model protects the most vulnerable people in highest-risk settings across the municipality, including schools, child care centres, retirement homes, long term care homes, other congregate living settings, and acute healthcare settings.
The provincial workers will reach out by text message with a request for a reply followed by a phone call.
Local public health officials continue asking the public to get their booster shots as soon as possible to slow down COVID-19 transmission. They also ask people to self-isolate at home with household members for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status if COVID-19 symptoms are developed.
"If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the isolation and contact notification instructions provided to you by the [provincial] investigator following up on your case," wrote local public health officials in a media release on Tuesday afternoon. "This change helps CK Public Health to focus on vaccination to reduce the severity of symptoms and help reduce the strain on our local healthcare system."
Chatham-Kent Public Health said all community residents aged 18 and older are eligible to book an appointment for the third COVID-19 shot at a mass vaccination clinic or select pharmacies as long as at least 84 days has passed since their second dose.
Vaccine appointments can be booked at www.GetYourShotCK.ca or by calling 519-351-1010.
Chatham-Kent Public Health is also continuing to vaccinate those aged 5-11, and giving first and second doses for those aged 12 and older.
