During Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Chief Chesebrough shared with council that the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit (LGLDHU) has achieved high levels of vaccination against Covid-19. As of October 5, 96.6% of the eligible population had received their first dose of the vaccine; 91.3% of the eligible population had received their second dose.
These rates are significantly higher than the national average: only 81% of Canadians age 12 and older have received both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.
Councillor Peter McKenna offered a word of thanks to those who have received the Covid-19 vaccination, especially the vaccine-hesitant. “To have these kind of numbers, we are not just vaccinating the willing. People who were nervous have obviously stepped up, done their research, and made the choice to vaccinate. Well done.”
Chief Chesebrough noted, in the context of these high numbers, “we are seeing very little community transmission.” Due to high rates of double doses administered and decreasing demand, the vaccination centre at the Arena closed last month; pharmacies are now the main vaccine dispenser in the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark region.