Mayor Bevilacqua urges Vaughan citizens not to let their guard down

The following statement was issued by Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua to address the rising COVID-19 case counts and hospitalizations across York Region:

“As we approach the Thanksgiving long weekend, I want to remind residents to please remain vigilant. While we are making tremendous progress in our fight against COVID-19, now is not the time to let our guard down. In response to increasing COVID-19 transmission rates throughout York Region, on Sept. 28, York Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Karim Kurji, issued a Letter of Instruction indicating that all individuals aged 12 years and older who are entering an indoor municipal recreation facility, where organized sports are played or practiced, must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption. This directive has been in place for nearly a week, and the City of Vaughan will continue to support communication, education and compliance efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“Unvaccinated individuals are prolonging the pandemic and are the driving force behind the increase in cases and hospitalizations. In recent weeks, admissions to the ICU and general medicine units at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital have crept up, and case counts across Vaughan and York Region have been rising. Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital continues to care for some of the highest volumes of COVID-19 patients in the province, and the majority of the individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 are not fully vaccinated. Vaccines are the most effective protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

“We know that COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, can spread quickly amongst individuals. As we enter the fall season, with students returning to in-person learning and as more indoor gatherings are likely to occur, York Region Public Health expects to see an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in our communities. I urge all citizens who were born in 2009 or earlier to get vaccinated with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Your actions will help protect those who cannot receive a vaccine and those who may not achieve strong protection from immunization due to underlying health conditions, such as severe immunosuppression. Even after vaccination, we must continue to follow public health measures to keep everyone safe and healthy, ensure any social gatherings stay within current capacity limits, stay home if you don’t feel well, practise physical distancing, wear a mask when required and wash your hands frequently.

“York Region continues to reach significant vaccination milestones, including administering more than 1.5-million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to date. More than 85 per cent of eligible York Region residents age 12 and older have received their first COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 80 per cent of all eligible York Region residents have received two doses. There are still plenty of opportunities available for residents to access the COVID-19 vaccine close to home. Please visit york.ca/COVID19Vaccine for more information.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Karim Kurji, who recently announced his retirement, for his leadership throughout the global COVID-19 pandemic. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the health, safety and well-being of all York Region residents and job creators. On behalf of Vaughan residents, we remain thankful for his steadfast commitment to delivering healthcare excellence.

“We don’t want to see a continued rise in case counts in Vaughan and across York Region. It’s time for everyone to step up and do their part to get vaccinated.

“Thanksgiving is an opportunity to reflect on what matters most. This weekend I urge everyone to make responsible decisions that will keep you and your family safe. Please accept my best wishes for a safe, healthy, and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday.

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