Grey Bruce now a variant hot spot as Red Cross arrives at Saugeen First Nation in Ontario

Public health officials in Grey Bruce declared the Ontario region a COVID-19 delta variant hot spot, and the Red Cross is now at a First Nation community to help stop the spread.

The health unit says the variant is widespread, and one of the worst-hit areas is Saugeen First Nation, about 30 kilometres west of Owen Sound. It declared a state of emergency on June 30 and remains under a stay-at-home order.

Indigenous leaders said Thursday 56 people, all under age 50, tested positive for COVID-19, and seven of them are in hospital.

It is not known how many of those cases are linked to the delta variant, which originated in India and is known as B.1617.2. But in a statement, community leaders said it is the cause of the spread.

The Red Cross sent a team of eight specialists to the territory earlier in the week to help transform the community centre into an isolation unit for people who've tested positive for the virus. 

"It is our hope we can open this Friday. We're really trying our best to do this," Saugeen First Nation Coun. Melissa Snowdon said in a social media update Thursday.

Vaccinations encouraged

Grey Bruce Public Health is urging people to get vaccinated and has planned pop-up and mobile clinics this weekend across the region. Saugeen First Nation, with the assistance of public health officials, launched door-to-door vaccinations Wednesday.  

"Both first and two-dose vaccinations are effective in reducing the hospitalization rates from the delta variant. Everyone who is eligible is encouraged to get fully vaccinated," said Dr. Arra, medical officer of health for Grey Bruce.

"People who have recovered from COVID-19 still need to be vaccinated to fend off new variants such as delta.

Public health officials say 47 per cent of the population in Grey Bruce are fully vaccinated, with 64 per cent having received one dose. Across Ontario, 50 per cent of the population has had two doses.