The Health Unit stated in a press release that the index takes into account seven indicators, such as hospital admissions due to COVID-19 and active cases to determine the risk of infecting the public with the virus while outside the community. Risk levels are low, moderate, high and very high. Each has a corresponding color: green, yellow, orange and red. As of Friday, the health unit found that the level of risk in the area was moderate, however four of the indicators were in the low risk category. “The COVID-19 Risk Index will be updated weekly and will incorporate the latest and relevant data on the COVID-19 situation in our community,” said Dr. a press release. “We hope this new tool will help residents navigate life more easily with COVID-19 and make informed decisions about safe precautions for COVID-19.” Virginia McFarland, an epidemiologist at the health unit, said the data for the index would be updated every Wednesday. When the risk is higher, the health unit said, it advises people to take more precautions, such as wearing a well-fitting mask and keeping a social distance. The health unit said the up-to-date vaccination against COVID-19, combined with the new risk index, should help ensure public health. “As always, people should continue to wear a tight, well-made mask if they think it is appropriate for them based on factors such as their health status, if they have received all the recommended doses of COVID-19 vaccine and “taking into account the state of health and the close contact vaccine,” the health unit said in a press release.
