Over 1,000 migrant workers self-isolating in Haldimand-Norfolk region

One thousand migrant workers who have arrived in Canada are currently self-isolating in Haldimand and Norfolk before starting work in the region, according to public health. 

Over 600 of them have received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, which is being offered at Pearson Airport upon their arrival. 

Incoming migrant workers are considered high priority for the vaccine, due to them living in group housing. Haldimand-Norfolk public health says vaccinating these workers now will reduce the strain on health resources later. 

“The health district has a limited number of resources, which is one reason why we work very hard to try to limit the number of cases as best as we can,” said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health for Haldimand-Norfolk. 

“Given that our service levels for case and contact management have been curtailed, because we are exhausting our human resource, our human resources at the current time, I’m hopeful that we’ll get caught up but I’m also concerned that with increasing cases that will be challenged to get caught up.”