Media Release
March 20, 2021 – 6 new case(s) reported in past 24 hours in Grey Bruce: 2-Chatsworth; 1- Owen Sound; 1- Blue Mountains; 1- Northern Bruce Peninsula; 1- Arran Elderslie
GBHU Confirms Fourth Death Related to COVID-19
March 26, 2021 – The Grey Bruce Health Unit has been notified of a death related to COVID-19. The individual, a male in his 70’s with an address in Grey Bruce, died today. He had been in isolation in hospital.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the gentleman who passed away. Unfortunately, the news of this death is a reminder of the need for everyone to take this virus very seriously. It requires our collective actions to stem the spread of this virus. Please, stay at home and stay safe.” Stated Dr. Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health.
Current Situation
March 28, 2021 – Grey Bruce is in the Green- Prevent Zone in the Ontario COVID-19 response framework.
Follow the 3 W’s:
• Wash hands frequently,
• Watch distance (ideally 6ft), and
• Wear face covering correctly, and
the 2 A’s:
• Avoid Crowds and
• Arrange for outdoor activities instead of indoors whenever possible.
Testing and case counts reported as of 23:59 hrs, March 27, 2021:
· 8 new case(s) reported in past 24 hours in Grey Bruce: 3 – Owen Sound, 1 – Chatsworth, 1 – Georgian Bluffs, 1 – Huron-Kinloss, 1 – Kincardine, 1 – Southgate
· 805 confirmed cases
-Includes 34 cases of Variants of Concern (VOC), 16 active
-One case referred from another health unit – The Blue Mountains
· 62 active case(s)
· 300 active high-risk contacts (“it takes a tremendous amount of effort to manage this number of high risk contacts. This number will keep increasing, unless we limit, starting today, our unprotected encounters with all people outside of our own households” Dr. Arra)
· 739 resolved cases
· 2 confirmed case(s) hospitalized in Grey and Bruce due to COVID-19
-2 Grey-Bruce residents hospitalized outside of Grey and Bruce
· 4 deaths
· 83 cases reported in health care workers; reports health care workers living in Grey Bruce and working both in and outside Grey Bruce
Vaccine Update
24,777 doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered in Grey and Bruce.
Future Vaccination Planning
Vaccine rollout – Weekly Vaccine Schedule for March 29:
For week of March 29, vaccinations will focus on: clients 75+, First Nation Communities and First Nation Clients not living in First Nation Communities, Long-Term Care Home staff, residents and essential caregivers (2nd dose). Stage 2 anticipated to begin booking on April 1. Further updates to be provided as details on process emerge. Stage 2 Priority included here: Vaccine 3 Phase Plan (publichealthgreybruce.on.ca)
• Those turning 75 this year or older, born 1946 or earlier, can make appointments through the provincial on-line booking system for COVID-19 vaccinations at https://ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Those without access to the internet can call the toll-free number 1-888-999-6488.
• Clients without a Health Care Provider, or whose Health Care Provider is outside Grey Bruce, should call the toll-free number 1-888-999-6488.
Third Wave is Possible: One Last Push
March 23, 2021 – The Grey Bruce Health Unit is reminding individuals that the third wave of COVID-19 is likely. We cannot afford to let up on efforts to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 as we move toward the vaccine‘s widespread distribution.
Despite being in a favourable position with active cases, new cases, and case numbers, we cannot afford to be complacent. As we near the end, doubling-down on our efforts will continue to help ensure that the residents of Grey Bruce remain as safe as possible as we await widespread distribution of the vaccine.
We call on the public to put forward as much effort as possible to prevent this third wave. The initial message that kept us in a favourable position remains relevant – Watch your Distance, Wear a Mask, Wash Your Hands.
General Advice
Even if there is no longer a stay-at-home order in your area, staying home is still the best way to protect yourself and others. You are strongly advised to:
• stay home as much as possible
• avoid social gatherings
• limit close contacts to your household
• work from home if possible, and allow your employees to work from home if they can
• avoid travel except for essential reasons
Follow public health advice:
• stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
• wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
• cover your cough
• download the COVID Alert mobile app
• get tested if you have symptoms compatible with COVID-19, or if you’ve been advised of exposure by your local public health unit or through the COVID Alert mobile app
Close contact, face coverings, gatherings and events
• Limit close contact to your household (the people you live with).
• Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with another household to help reduce the negative impacts of social isolation.
• Maintain two metres of physical distancing from everyone else.
• Wear a face covering or mask:
-indoors, any time you are within two metres of someone outside your household
-if physical distancing cannot be maintained
-if wearing one is required
-It is also recommended you wear a face covering outdoors whenever face-to-face with someone outside of your household, especially if you are within two metres.
-when meeting for permitted organized public events or social gatherings with individuals outside of your household.
• Follow provincial and local restrictions on public and private gatherings.
