Public Health Grey Bruce says following provincial direction, COVID-19 case and contact-management will now focus on high-risk settings like hospitals, Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes and other vulnerable congregate care settings such as shelters.
A release from the Health Unit says, “Over and above the provincial direction, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will continue to contact all cases in Grey Bruce to inform them of positive results, and conduct an initial assessment. Our local team will also do a thorough risk assessment, and cases and contacts management for individuals associated with high-risk settings. Individuals not deemed at high-risk will be referred for follow-up provincially.”
58 new cases of COVID-19 were reported Tuesday in Grey Bruce (as of 11:59 p.m. on December 21st). There are 226 active cases with 1,288 high risk contacts. Five people are hospitalized in Grey Bruce due to the virus.
The Health Unit says it is echoing Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore’s statement Tuesday which said, “As cases continue to rise at a rapid rate, the provincial workforce will be reaching out to those who have tested positive and asking them to notify their close contacts directly. If you receive that call, please follow the isolation recommendations. Cases that are not in high-risk settings will be provided with details on testing and isolation, and instructions on how to identify and inform their close contacts. Household contacts of positive cases need to stay home and isolate, regardless of their vaccination status.”
The Grey Bruce Health Unit says it has updated its website and has developed a guidance document for all confirmed cases, contacts, or anyone who is concerned about being positive with COVID-19. Changes are highlighted and linked in the alert box at the top of the homepage at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
It says, “As we are operating at enhanced capacity for both case and contact management and vaccine rollout, we are asking the public to please limit calling our helpline for general information. All information can be found on the Grey Bruce Health Unit’s website including information about the updated process on testing and case management.”
Meanwhile, Grey County says in a release, there is a suspected COVID-19 Outbreak at Rockwood Terrace Long-term Care Home. It says one resident and two people working at the home have tested positive and are symptomatic–all from the 2nd Floor. According to Grey County, which owns the long-term care home, no other residents are showing symptoms at this time. The County says residents on that floor are in isolation and are being PCR tested. Visits on the floor have been suspended aside from designated care partners.
The County says enhanced infection control protocols are in place and says it is working in close partnership with the Grey Bruce Health Unit to ensure, “Every possible step is taken to protect our residents. The health and safety of our residents, and the team members who serve them, is our highest priority.”