In response to declaring a critical threshold of COVID-19 cases in Grey Bruce, the Health Unit has redeployed staff and resources.
All trained staff are working on contact tracing and case management.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra says ensuring case management is the lynchpin to limit any further spread from current cases.
He says an updated case management process has been introduced based on the experience of jurisdictions that have seen large-scale contact tracing numbers.
He adds, a Class Order will ensure cases and at-risk contacts comply with directions.
Large-scale vaccine clinics are being deferred to next week.
Those vaccines are directed to residents in shelters and congregate settings where the risk of transmission would be higher with the current surge. Dedicated mobile teams, made up of health unit staff, EMS and volunteers, will attend 31 settings, up for 11 previously scheduled, to administer vaccine.
The phone lines for core programs of public health remain open and functioning. The Grey Bruce Health Unit Helpline is shut down with that staff re-deployed. The Health Unit says the answers to most inquiries are on their website.
Public Health is strongly urging people to refrain for calling the health unit, for the next 48 to 72 hours, unless matters are of an urgent nature. If you have a health care emergency, call 911.
Arra says, everyone across Grey Bruce needs to consider themselves a carrier for the next 48 hours until we reach all case and their contacts. If contacted by public health, be prudent in following any direction that is given. This is in addition to the Provincial Stay-At-Home Order.
Consistent with the Provincial
Stay At Home Order, the Health Unit says individuals should only go out for necessities, such as:
The grocery store or pharmacy
Health care services (including going to medical appointments or getting vaccinated)
Outdoor exercise or walking pets in your community
Work that cannot be done remotely
Child care or similar activities
Businesses must ensure all COVID-19 precautions are in place and followed.
Do not travel outside your region or the province unless absolutely necessary.
Individuals who are symptomatic are asked to attend assessment clinics.
Have you had a call from our Case and Contact Management team?
The call may appear as a ‘private caller’, don’t be afraid to pick up!Individuals who are symptomatic are asked to attend assessment clinics: https://t.co/s4Nc9gYKsd pic.twitter.com/MphuSKZ48a
— GreyBruceHealthUnit (@GBPublicHealth) April 16, 2021