The Grey Bruce Health Unit reported 42 new Covid cases in the region on Thursday.
The high count was anticipated as Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra warned on Wednesday the region was at a “critical threshold” with cases, as more than 70 positive tests had come in over a 36-hour period.
There are now 145 active known cases in the region, as nine recoveries were reported Thursday. Only one person is currently hospitalized locally, but the health unit says three Grey Bruce residents are receiving care outside of the region as well.
The surge in new cases has resulted in more than 512 active high-risk close contacts identified by Public Health.
“This is a significant event requiring a Grey Bruce wide response as at-risk contacts are from across Grey, Bruce, and Simcoe Counties. Everyone across Grey Bruce is required to observe stay-home orders,” a statement from the Health Unit says. “A class action order from the Medical Officer of Health, to those identified as cases or at-risk contacts, reinforces the need to follow direction from public health case managers.”
The Health Unit has now declared a community outbreak in Eastern Grey County. They say the cases have been identified as variants of concern.
“This outbreak is widespread but is centered in the communities of Thornbury, Clarksburg and Meaford and spills into neighbouring Simcoe County,” a release from Public Health explains. The Health Unit says there are 21 confirmed cases, plus a significant number of probable cases and high-risk contacts related to this outbreak.
Meantime, the Health Unit says it’s also working with the Bluewater District School Board and a bus company to address a suspected Covid outbreak associated with Hanover Heights Community School. Two cases are associated with this.
“A suspect outbreak identifies interim evidence of transmission from person to person. Status will be determined pending additional testing,” a statement from Public Health says. “A single bus route is involved with this suspect outbreak.”
On vaccination progress in Grey Bruce: 43,458 doses have been administered to date.
Over the course of the pandemic, five Grey Bruce residents have died from the virus.
The testing and case counts data released by the health unit on Thursday is reflective of a 24-hour period prior to 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
More data on the local Covid situation from the Grey Bruce Health Unit is available here.