The Grey Bruce Public Health Unit. (Matt Hermiz/Bayshore Broadcasting)
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra has issued a statement encouraging the community, which is a COVID-19 Delta Variant hotspot to take a modified approach to the Province’s Step 3 of reopening.
Arra says in a release, “Based on our trust that the public will comply, Grey Bruce is moving to a modified Step 3, with strong recommendations instead of regulatory orders to contain the spread of COVID-19. However, that may change to orders if control over the current surge is lost.”
Arra also notes, staying in Step 2 would deprive businesses and the community of the additional opportunities available in Step 3, “Especially as current epidemiology shows the risk of transmission remains unchanged in organized activities and regulated settings,” says Arra.
He says a modified Step 3 includes the recommendation, not order, that people keep their gathering number restrictions to those of Step Two. (Max outdoor 25, max indoor 5)
-Additional recommendations for modified Step 3 in Grey Bruce include:
-The public is strongly encouraged to only dine outdoors.
-Workplaces and patrons follow public health measures, especially gyms, cinemas, and fast food locations.
-Church services and attendees, specifically wedding receptions, follow public health measures.
-Personal service settings and salons continue to require masks be worn, as in Step 2.
None of these recommendations by Public Health are mandated.
Arra notes, “Grey Bruce continues to see a significant number of COVID-19 cases with 99 per cent being the Delta variant.”
He notes many of those people were not vaccinated or went to gatherings where COVID-19 precautions weren’t followed.
Arra explains due to the nature of the Delta variant, a high percentage of high-risk contacts will become cases, resulting in more hospitalizations, especially in vulnerable populations. “A high number of hospitalizations may present a challenge to our hospital capacity resulting in the potential of a loved one being re-located to a hospital outside their local area as well as long waiting times for beds,” says Arra.
Arra says the decision to develop the modified reopening recommendations, was made with the approval of the office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and after consultation with hospital sector CEOs, and with the endorsement of other invested local, regional, and provincial partners.
Arra says it’s important to continue to follow the COVID-19 prevention measures and to get vaccinated.