Announcing a significant milestone in the region's vaccination rollout, Windsor-Essex's Medical Officer of Health had some words of encouragement Monday morning.
"We have survived the worst of the pandemic," said Doctor Wajid Ahmed.
A visibly relieved Ahmed told reporters there are now more adults over the age of 18 in Windsor-Essex who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 than those who have had just one shot.
The number of people who have had two shots continues to rise by leaps and bounds. As of Monday morning, 145,423 people, or 41.7 per cent, are fully vaccinated.
"Slowly and surely, we are ensuring that all of our residents are fully protected," said Ahmed. "I anticipate that more than 50 per cent of the adults in our region will be fully vaccinated sometime next week."
Anyone who had their first shot on or before June 2 can now book their second dose, although the health unit reminds everyone there must be 28 days between vaccinations.
Between 11 a.m. and noon Tuesday and Wednesday, vaccination bookings are reserved for those 12 to 17 at the WFCU Centre, Libro Credit Union Centre, and Nature Fresh Farms Recreation Centre. The health unit is also setting up a time teens can walk into the new clinic at Devonshire Mall and get their first shot.
It is still recommended youth 12 to 17 wait eight weeks between vaccinations.
Ahmed also anticipates the province to release its set of guidelines for fully vaccinated residents on Tuesday.
Last week, the Public Health Agency of Canada released its guidelines suggesting those who have had two doses of the vaccine can attend a small barbeque with friends and watch TV with a group outside their immediate household without wearing a mask.
Until the province releases its guidelines, Ahmed recommends following existing public health recommendations.
The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reported eight new cases of COVID-19 on Monday and 59 active infections across the region, of which only 12 involve a variant of concern.
Ontario recorded 210 new cases, three deaths, and 2,506 active cases across the province.
