Mayor, Mackie want thousands of expiring shots used as 12 new COVID-19 cases reported
The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) is reporting 12 new COVID-19 cases Thursday as it pushes people to get vaccinated with doses set to expire in the coming weeks.
London Mayor Ed Holder joined the call for people to get out and get the shot, so that 21,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine that will expire on Aug. 12 don't go to waste.
"These vaccines are safe, they work, they're how we finally bring this pandemic under control once and for all. So I'm saying to the unvaccinated, 'Wake up, it's time.' We have 21,000 doses of a life-saving vaccine. It would be an absolute travesty if demand fails to meet the supply, especially when people in other parts of the world would do anything to be in our position."
Both Holder and MLHU Medical Officer of Health Dr. Chris Mackie pointed out that the vaccine is a life-saver.
Over the past month-and-a-half, MLHU data shows that all deaths, nearly 85 per cent of hospitalizations and 70 per cent of positive cases have been among the unvaccinated. There have been no hospitalizations among those who are fully vaccinated.
Mackie says as demand is being met, so new demand is dropping, but "that happened very quickly and so it was difficult to adjust appropriately over that time."
He adds that there are some cases of people being picky – wanting Pfizer over the Moderna vaccine – but they are still seeing good uptake, with over 81,000 doses of Moderna administered over the last few weeks.
On the positive side, Mackie says the region has passed the 80 per cent threshold for first dose vaccinations among those who are eligible for the vaccine and is at over 60 per cent for second doses.
Where the numbers stand
The return to double-digit cases came a day after the region reported its lowest daily count in more than a month with just two cases. There were no new deaths reported.
The region now has a total of 12,765 cases and 229 deaths, with 12,482 cases resolved leaving 54 active. There are now 3,594 cases with a variant of concern, including 93 of the more contagious Delta variant.
The London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) is caring for seven inpatients with COVID-19 with fewer than five in critical care.
An outbreak continues in the B7-200 Adult Inpatient Mental Health/PICU unit at Victoria Hospital. Fewer than five cases are currently associated with the outbreak.
REGIONAL COVID-19 COUNTS
Here are the most recently available numbers from other local public health authorities:
- Elgin-Oxford – seven new, 18 active, 3,946 total, 3,844 resolved, 84 deaths, 868 variants
- Grey-Bruce – eight new, 79 active, 2,093 total, 1,993 resolved, 18 deaths
- Haldimand-Norfolk – one new, 10 active, 2,733 total, 2,669 resolved, 48 deaths
- Huron-Perth – five active, 1,937 total, 1,875 resolved, 57 deaths, 348 variants
- Sarnia-Lambton – one new, six active, 3,638 total, 3,564 resolved, 68 deaths, 676 variants
Ontario health officials reported 218 new infections across the province Thursday, the first time in three weeks the daily count has surpassed 200.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.