We have been extremely lucky until now to have had very low case numbers in our area, that labeled us a “low risk area”, but as the Grey Bruce Health Unit saw a staggering over 70 new cases in a 36 hour period this week, Dr. Arra has declared a critical threshold and asked that we all step up and do what’s necessary to keep our community safe.
The Health Unit has redeployed staff from other areas, including the vaccine clinics and info line, to keep up with necessary contact tracing that is close to 500 from those 70 new cases. The variant of the original COVID-19 virus we are experiencing is so highly contagious that under this situation we all must consider ourselves to be a potential carrier. Staying home except for essential outings such as groceries and vaccination appointments will certainly help stop the spread. Please limit contact to those in your household, wear a mask and maintain physical distancing anytime you are making that essential trip. This is a critical juncture in our community, and we must take this current situation very seriously to curb further spikes in case numbers, to prevent our healthcare system from being overwhelmed, to avoid further deaths and the long term health issues that could impact our family, friends and neighbours.
Adding further to their stress, many local businesses have closed their doors temporarily following this announcement. A closure means lost revenue for businesses that have already had a difficult year, and shows how much they care about the health and safety of their staff and our community. Similarly, the Municipality has suspended some services, although public parks will stay open to encourage individual exercise and dog walking. Only online library services will be available until Monday, April 19 at The Meaford Public Library. The opening of the Leaf and Yard Waste Depot and the first Household Hazardous Waste Day have been postponed until further direction from the Grey Bruce Health Unit. For the most up-to-date information on our Municipal services, please visit http://www.meaford.ca/openandclosed.
Our community has shown great strength and resolve over the past year, and it is needed now more than ever. We are all plagued with COVID fatigue. It’s been a long road, and we are relying on each other right now to all pull in the same direction to keep our loved ones safe. Please stay the course, follow the directives of the Health Unit, and when your opportunity comes, please get your vaccination. With this, we will make it through this difficult and uncertain time.
With heartfelt gratitude to all those frontline workers, businesses and individuals who do their part, I urge you to stay home, stay safe, and stay well everyone.
Mayor Barb Clumpus
Municipality of Meaford
