With 25 new cases of COVID-19 today, the top doc for Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) has declared that the region is reaching a critical threshold.
“We received 48 new cases in addition to the below 25 new cases with hundreds of additional close contacts,” stated Dr. Ian Arra, medical officer of health for GBHU in today's situation report.
“This is a significant situation requiring a Grey Bruce-wide response, otherwise the pandemic locally will potentially spiral out of control. Drastic measures are required and will be implemented imminently.”
The 25 new cases are located in Owen Sound (11), the Blue Mountains (3), Grey Highlands (2), Hanover (2), Meaford (2), Arran-Elderslie (1), Brockton (1), Huron-Kinloss (1), South Bruce Peninsula (1) and West Grey (1).
GBHU is also reporting confirmed outbreaks at the Beaver Valley Community School in Thornbury, which began on April 3 and the Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford, which began on April 11. No bus routes have been impacted by either of these outbreaks.
The health unit has reported a total of 986 cases in the region to date. There are 111 active cases in both counties combined, and the health unit is currently tracking 498 high-risk contacts associated with the active cases.
Active cases in Grey County are currently located in Owen Sound (27), Southgate (5), Grey Highlands (6), the Town of The Blue Mountains (24), Hanover (10), West Grey (6), Meaford (6), and Chatsworth (3).
GBHU is also reporting the region has had a total of 99 cases of variants of concern, 25 of which are active.
There have been five deaths due to COVID-19 in Grey and Bruce combined, and there are currently four Grey-Bruce residents being hospitalized, one in the region and three outside of Grey-Bruce.
Of GBHU’s 986 cumulative cases, 865 cases are resolved.
Resolved COVID-19 cases in Grey County include: Owen Sound (145), Southgate (109), Grey Highlands (75), West Grey (50), Blue Mountains (80), Hanover (51), Meaford (26), Georgian Bluffs (11), Chatsworth (17).
To-date the health unit has administered 41,076 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This week, GBHU has received 6,380 doses, which will be focusing on vaccine distribution to clients 60 years and older, First Nation communities and First Nation clients, and retirement home staff, residents and essential caregivers (second dose).
Those turning 60 this year or older, born 1961 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.
For additional information on the health unit’s vaccine roll out program, visit the GBHU website.
