Mississauga’s COVID-19 cases on the decline as 83 per cent of residents now fully vaccinated

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Published October 21, 2021 at 4:42 pm

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The overall number of COVID-19 cases in Mississauga continues to decline as 83 per cent of eligible residents—the same as the Ontario-wide rate—are now fully vaccinated against the virus. 

The increase in vaccination numbers, while still not growing fast enough for either Mayor Bonnie Crombie or Region of Peel medical officer of health Dr. Lawrence Loh, has put the city in a good position relative to other places, the mayor said. 

“In Mississauga, we are now well into fall and in a very enviable position, not only compared to the rest of Canada, but the entire world,” Crombie said today at the City of Mississauga’s weekly COVID-19 press conference. “Our case counts continue to drop more and more, as more and more of you are getting vaccinated. 

“Please, let’s stay the course and do everything we can to protect the gains we’ve made.” 

Crombie and Loh presented figures that show both Mississauga and Peel have 25 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population as of this week. In Mississauga, that number is down from 33 cases/100K last week while Peel’s number is down from 29 cases.  

“That,” Crombie said, “is good news.” 

Crombie and Low still want to get the 83 per cent number up to 90 per cent, but the current vaccination rate has had a positive impact, they say. 

“This has helped keep our case counts low and has significantly helped us limit the impact of the fourth wave of the virus,” said Crombie, who noted she is troubled by six Mississauga communities whose vaccination rates are noticeably lower than other areas.  

Residents in the Mississauga Valleys, Applewood, Fairview, Sheridan, Rathburn and Erindale neighbourhoods are getting fully vaccinated at a rate more in the 70 to 79 per cent range, she said. 

Loh said another 112,000 Peel residents receiving their second vaccine doses will put Peel at the 90 per cent mark. 

Meanwhile, he urged residents to remain vigilant, pointing to an increase in cases related to those returning from travel abroad. 

“We’ve seen an increase in outbreaks in our community linked to returning travellers,” he said. “Those travelling outside of Canada should comply with all precautions on return,” most notably those who have unvaccinated children travelling with them. 

Loh said those kids, upon returning from their trips, should avoid large groups of unvaccinated children in order to limit transmission. 

The medical officer of health also encourages everyone to get their flu shots this fall, saying officials anticipate “much more flu activity” this year compared to 2020/21. 

“Vaccination and vigilance will get us all through this,” Loh said. 

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