With COVID-19 case numbers rising, Grey Bruce could see some restrictions put in place soon.
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra says, based on the increase in numbers, most likely, the Grey Bruce Health Unit will be moving from the Green to the Yellow level of the Ontario’s COVID-19 colour-coded framework, “In the imminent future.”
Arra says this means greater restrictions and enhanced enforcement including operational restrictions on bars and restaurants, sports and rec facilities, personal care services, retail spaces and other businesses.
Arra says it’s an undesirable outcome but he adds collectively, it is in our control to change course.
He says over the past weeks, there has been an increase in the number of cases and a significant increase in the average number of close contacts for each case in the second wave compared to the first.
Arra says if the trend continues, the case and contact management capacity that is needed to maintain control over the situation, will be challenged.
He attributes the increase in numbers to people lowering their guards due to fatigue in maintaining essential public health prevention measures. Arra says, “It is important, as we enter the winter months that we re-focus our energy on the basic measures that we can control, and that are most effective at keeping us, and people around us safe –the same ones that got us through the first wave.”
Arra recommends the following measures:
-Wash your hands frequently
-Watch your distance (ideally 2 m)
-Wear your face covering correctly
-Avoid Crowds
-Arrange for outdoor activities instead of indoors whenever possible
-Stay home if you are sick
-Avoid close contact (unprotected contact within 6ft of each other) with those from outside your household
-Avoid travel to areas with higher transmission and minimize non-essential travel
-Be kind, be calm, be safe