York Region dashboard helps residents monitor COVID-19 spread

Latest data shows youth, carpoolers at risk

Yorkregion.com
June 10, 2020
Kim Zarzour

Want to know how COVID-19 is spreading in your community -- and how to reduce your risk of catching it?

York Region public health has revamped its webpage to help you drill down on the facts and learn what you need to do to stay safe.

The webpage, relaunched this month, displays information about COVID-19 cases in York Region, including demographics, source of illness and geography.

There is also information on outbreaks and recovery measures.

It’s an attempt to provide transparent access to the region’s COVID-19 case-related data, said Dr. Karim Kurji, York’s medical officer of health.

“Posting data to York Region’s dashboard helps bring awareness to our residents about the importance of being vigilant,” he said.

Among the key takeaways on the current data is news that one-quarter of all cases are aged 20 to 39. That age group also accounts for approximately seven per cent of the hospitalizations and eight per cent are in the intensive care unit.

“We know COVID-19 is a serious condition when acquired. We need to bring to people’s attention this isn’t just a disease of the elderly in long-term care homes. Many younger people might not see the risks of themselves becoming infected with COVID-19 and the harmful effects of the disease,” Kurji said.

Delving deeper into the data reveals important information to prevent and stop the spread, he added.

“For example, we are now seeing carpooling as (an) aspect of consideration.”

The region has developed factsheets and infographics advising residents of precautions they can take, including wearing a two-layer cloth mask, sitting in the back seat, opening the windows, disinfecting surfaces and washing your hands before entering and after leaving the car.

Caitlyn Paget, epidemiologist for the region’s public health department, demonstrates the interactive dashboard in the video below.

To view the dashboard and the region’s dedicated web page for COVID-19, visit york.ca/covid19.