APH battling COVID and worsening opioid crisis at once

While more people in the Sault and Algoma district are receiving vaccinations to alleviate their fears of COVID-19, the region’s opioid crisis continues.

“I would say that a pandemic and a mental health and addictions crisis do not go well together at all,” said Dr. Jennifer Loo, Algoma Public Health (APH) medical officer of health and CEO, addressing APH board of health members at their monthly meeting, held virtually Wednesday.

“Recent reports from Public Health Ontario have indicated that across the province opioid-related mortality has increased tremendously during the course of the pandemic.”

“That has been the case in Algoma. In fact we are among the top four public health units with the highest rates of opioid-related mortality during the pandemic and many of these are northern Ontario health units,” Loo said.

Loo told the board that APH, partnering with other northern health units, are delving into the mortality reports to see what unique driving factors exist in the north to spike opioid use in comparison to other regions, such as the GTA.

Loo noted healthcare workers are being stretched in their efforts to address both the opioid crisis and COVID-19.

Loo said there are only “crude estimates” available in regards to how many lives have been saved through use of naloxone kits, anticipating more accurate numbers to be available for the next board meeting. 

Loo provided an update on COVID-19 vaccination rates in the APH region.  

“We are continuing to progress very well with regards to immunization. At this point in time about 77 per cent of adults 18 and over have received at least one dose of the vaccine and we have exceeded that 20 per cent threshold of adults who have received both doses and are fully immunized.”

Loo said APH expects more shipments of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines “in the weeks to come.” 

She added the two vaccines are “interchangeable.”

Loo said the province is anticipated to accelerate the vaccination rate beginning Monday so that anyone 18 and over can receive a second dose within a 21 to 28 day interval after a first dose.

In addition to vaccination centres, Loo estimated 25 pharmacies in the APH region are now administering vaccines.

“That’s a fantastic way to improve access,” Loo said.

Stating COVID-19 activity in the APH region is now at .9 cases per 100,000 people, Loo said “we’re continuing to stay well within acceptable limits.”

As of 3:50 p.m. Wednesday, the APH region has reported 400 cases, two active cases, one hospitalized case, 398 resolved cases and six deaths. 109 people have tested positive for variants of concern. 151,395 have been tested.