Yesterday the Grey Bruce Health Unit announced it has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases in our area resulting from some of these individuals failing to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. https://www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/About-Us/News-Releases/ArticleID/664/COVID-19-Community-Clusters

“In this case, we are confident we have reached the close contacts of this cluster and we're managing them and it's not beyond our capacity. So, there is no need to post a business or post the name or location.” said Dr. Ian Arra, Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. “While the outbreak is in several communities, the one thing in common is that people lowered their guards. It is mainly related to people over-extending social gatherings and having too many contacts.”

“With the increase in cases throughout Ontario, it is not surprising that we have a few cases pop-up in our Town”, stated Mayor Alar Soever. “What is disturbing is the fact that the Grey Bruce Health Unit contact tracing had to follow up with approximately 100 contacts, including 32 known high-risk close contacts, within this one cluster. I have also received reports of people having dinner parties and other gatherings in contravention of provincial orders and the guideline to maintain a social bubble of no more than 10 people.”

“I am disappointed that the small number of residents who are contravening Provincial Orders and Public Health Guidelines are putting our community at risk. They are being completely irresponsible and showing complete disregard for the health of their family, friends, and neighbours, as well as a lack of respect for our community. As they seem incapable of understanding the potential consequences of their actions, I will spell it out clearly for them.”

· If we have people like you, who continue to ignore provincial orders and guidelines, it will only be a matter of time before COVID-19 takes hold in our community, businesses have to close, and people get sick and die.

· As you appear to be selfish and not care about the health of your family, friends, and neighbours, and your community, I ask you to consider the impact on yourself.

· We are a small tight-knit community and your family, friends, neighbours, and other community members will know that it is you that behaved irresponsibly.

· Even if you don’t get sick and die, consider how you will be looked upon for the rest of your life when it is your actions that lead to the spread of COVID in our community, and the death of a family member, friend, neighbour, or community member.

“To the vast majority of our residents who are doing their best to keep our community safe, I want to thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. Working together and supporting one another, we can get through this safely.”

Public Health reminds everyone that to break the spread of COVID-19, it is important to continue to follow current public health guidance, including:

· Maintaining your social bubble

· Watching your distance and maintain physical distancing of 2 metres between yourself and others

· Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer

· Wearing face coverings correctly in indoor public spaces

To learn more, please visit the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit website: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

source: media release, Grey Bruce Health Unit