The Grey Bruce Health Unit confirmed 17 new Covid cases in the region Wednesday.
According to Public Health, nine people from Kincardine, five from Southgate, one resident from West Grey, one from Arran-Elderslie and one from Grey Highlands tested positive.
Thirteen of the 17 new cases are from only four households.
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra calls the rising case numbers in the region “deeply concerning” and worries the ability of Public Health to contact trace may become challenged in the coming days, as the amount of contacts people have has risen considerably since the early days of the pandemic.
“In March and April, we used to see two to three close contacts for each. Now, we see 10 to 15 for each case, some people have 30 to 40 high-risk close contacts, ” Arra explains.
Arra also reminds the number of new cases being confirmed today relates to infections that happened around 15 days ago, and expects Grey Bruce may continue to see higher daily case growth in the coming weeks.
“Over the past 15 days we know people did not change their behaviour. They’re fatigued of Covid, rightly so, however we really need to double down,” Arra says. “Stay the course with the three Ws: wash hands frequently, watch your distance and wear a mask correctly.”
There are now 42 active known cases in Grey Bruce. One person is currently hospitalized due to the virus.
Over the course of the pandemic, there have not been any deaths attributed to Covid in Grey Bruce.
Public Health says Grey Bruce does not have any outbreaks at long-term care or retirement homes, schools or daycares.