This week, the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) has reported 22 new COVID-19 cases, including three cases in Meaford and one in the Town of the Blue Mountains.
The cumulative total number of COVID-19 cases in Grey and Bruce counties is now 422, with 29 confirmed-active cases.
Active cases in Grey County are currently located in West Grey (4), Meaford (4), Hanover (3), The Town of the Blue Mountains (1), Southgate (1), Grey Highlands (1), and Owen Sound (1).
GBHU has also identified 200 high-risk contacts associated with the 29 active cases.
The health unit has indicated there are six additional active-probable cases. An active-probable case is considered to be someone that is linked to an active case and is showing symptoms but has not received lab-confirmed test results.
Five of the active-probable cases are located in Saugeen Shores, and one in Grey Highlands.
Of GBHU’s 422 cumulative cases, 370 cases have recovered and 23 cases were referred to other health units.
Currently, four people in the region are being hospitalized due to COVID-19.
Additionally, the health unit reported a COVID-19 outbreak at Lee Manor long-term care facility in Owen Sound.
“Following the direction from Public Health, all residents and staff working on the affected area were tested, and this afternoon I am able to report that all test results have returned negative,” stated Jennifer Cornell, director of LTC for Grey County in a news release.
As of today, Lee Manor remains in outbreak status.
“We must stay vigilant, as the 14 days from the positive case date is Dec. 21. Lee Manor will remain in the outbreak status until we receive notification from public health that the outbreak is declared over,” Cornell added.
Currently, there are no outbreaks in any daycares or schools in GBHU. And, GBHU continues to be one of the only health units in Ontario to have no deaths as a result of COVID-19.
The Public Health Classification Level for the Grey-Bruce region is yellow or protect.
In the yellow category of the framework, restaurants, bars, cinemas, casinos, and performing arts centres will be required to close at midnight and stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. A maximum of six people may be seated together. Workers within two-metres of a customer not wearing a face covering (such as a server) must wear eye protection. Gyms are limited to 10 people per class and 50 people per room (for weights or exercise equipment) and the people in the room or class must be three metres apart.
According to a press release from the provincial government, public health data from each region will be reviewed weekly to determine if health units should stay where they are or be moved into a higher level.
Lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Grey County include - Owen Sound (74); Southgate (65); Grey Highlands (52); West Grey (25); Blue Mountains (21); Meaford (18); Hanover (18); Georgian Bluffs (2); Chatsworth (2).
During this year’s holiday season, the COVID-19 assessment centres across Grey-Bruce will be operating according to the schedule listed below.
To help avoid congestion at the centres and help maintain physical distancing, please do not arrive more than five minutes prior to your appointment.
The Grey Bruce hospitals do not process lab results onsite, and the turnaround time for receiving results depends on the number of tests being done in the South West region. Currently, test results are available in approximately four to five days. The hospitals cannot track, or rush, test results.
To check your test results, visit: https://covid-19.ontario.ca.
As the region prepares for the holiday season next week, Dr. Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health for GBHU is asking the public to remain vigilant with COVID-19 safety protocols and keep holiday celebrations within your own household.
“As we approach the holiday season, a time we traditionally spend with friends and family, I urge you to limit your contact with those outside of your immediate household. By sacrificing this year to stop the spread, we will ensure we are able to celebrate the holidays next year and years to come," said Arra. “Please enjoy a safe seasonal celebration this year, and make next year the best it can be."
Dr. Arra prepared a video message for the season here.
