As Ontario announced a record number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on Friday, the local Medical Officer of Health says she is concerned by the rise in cases and may pursue additional public health measures if the numbers continue to climb.
On Friday, the Ontario government announced targeted public health measures in the Ottawa, Peel and Toronto public health unit regions due to a spike in cases in those areas. They will return to modified Stage 2 restrictions — including closure of indoor dining and casinos, among others — for a minimum of 28 days.
Although those restrictions don't currently affect Guelph and surrounding area, more restrictions could be coming if cases continue to rise.
With the Thanksgiving weekend looming, a letter by Dr. Nichola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said everyone needs to make a change in their behaviours to prevent further spread.
“This is a critical time for our region and our province in the fight against this deadly virus,” said Mercer. “All residents must take individual steps to do their part to reduce the spread of this virus to protect all of us and keep our economy secure.”
Currently, cases are present across all age groups within the health unit, which Mercer said suggests evidence of community transmission.
“I am watching cases closely and working directly with our health partners locally, regionally and provincially,” said Mercer. “The health and wellbeing of our community is of the utmost importance. If cases continue to rise, we will not hesitate to pursue additional public health measures to protect our region from COVID-19.”
For Thanksgiving weekend, WDG Public Health recommends:
- Restrict indoor meals to only those you live with.
- For anyone you don’t live with, maintain physical distancing, use a face covering, practice good hand hygiene and consider outdoor and online options to connect with friends and families
Mercer said each person must make an immediate change in behaviours to reduce the spread and that those choices will determine the severity of the second wave.
“This is a critical inflection point for our region,” she said.
