NEWS |
THE OBSERVER | Saturday, November 21, 2009
1
EDSS swim team happy to call new WMC its home...................................»17 KCF plays host to African choir
»22 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 46
SATURDAY, November 21, 2009
www.ObserverXtra.com
Public Health Training casts a wider net prepares with H1N1 clinics
firefighters for the real thing
KATIE EDMONDS
See H1N1 page »07
Reporters, councillors join Wellesley squads for demonstrations at regional facility JONI MILTENBURG
PHOTO | jOni milTenburg
H1N1 clinics will be opened to the general public, as health officials believe priority groups have been served and more vaccine became available. Clinics will continue through next week at least. “We have five clinics confirmed this week,” said Dr. Hsui-Li Wang, medical officer of health for the Region of Waterloo. “Priority groups have been expanded to include children from six months to 18 years of age (inclusive), and those 65 years and older who suffer from chronic medical conditions.” Wang also noted that with the implementation of the wristband system, lineups and wait times at the clinics are now minimal. Four clinics in the region ran this past week, including one Wednesday at Elmira District Secondary School – a session that ran six hours and saw 1,287 visitors pass through. At this clinic, as well as the clinics happening next week, people were required to verify that they were a part of a high priority group before receiving the vaccine. The current priority groups include: All children six months to under 19 years of age; Persons 19 years of age and older (including seniors) with chronic medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, etc.); Healthcare workers including first responders – EMS, fire and police; Pregnant women; Household contacts and care providers of persons at higher risk who cannot be immunized (e.g. children under six months of age) or who may not respond to vaccines (e.g. those who are immune-compromised). Although the clinics continue to be provided to the community, Wang said that it seems as though the flu activity in the area is on the decline. “We are seeing a decrease in the amount of people who are consulting their doctor about flu symptoms, as well as fewer people in the emergency rooms with flu-like symptoms.” But that does not mean that it is any less important to get your vaccine, Public Health officials maintain.
I’m crouched on my knees holding a fire hose in a dark room that’s rapidly filling with smoke. The fire in the middle of the room is making it uncomfortably hot, so I aim the hose at the ceiling, giving it a few quick blasts to cool things down. The temperature drops almost immediately, and I climb to my feet feeling elated. The feeling is shortlived; unbalanced by the 20-pound breathing apparatus strapped to my back, I nearly topple over. It’s a good thing there are experts on hand. Firefighter Brad Battler offers a steadying hand, and we make our way back out of the smoke-filled building. Last Sunday, the Wellesley Fire Department held its first fire orientation day at the Waterloo Region Training and Emergency Services Complex. Members of township staff, council and the media had the chance to strap on gear and try some exercises. Firefighters from each of the three stations – LinSee TRAINING page »06
COMPANY COMING? ENTERTAINING GUESTS?
GET READY
holidays for the
SOFAAL I SPEC $
439
Sofa Special
Order Now Fo rT Holiday he s! Check out November Flyer Specials Available in 4 colours
Coffee/2 end tables for $199.00!
~
www.furniturehouse.ca
-
-
~