GREY-BRUCE – The Grey-Bruce area still has low numbers of new COVID cases – seven reported as of Dec. 6 – with 44 active cases, 221 active high-risk contacts and two people hospitalized in Grey-Bruce.
However, people still have to use common sense and caution.
The local health unit is working with the Bluewater District School Board regarding an outbreak at Holland Chatsworth Central school that impacts one cohort and one bus route.
There’s also a community outbreak under investigation involving three cases linked to a field party near Holstein in Grey County on Nov. 27. Some of the approximately 100 people who attended the party are from Grey-Bruce while others are from nearby counties. The health unit warns that anyone who attended the party is considered a high-risk contact and should isolate and be tested.
For the safety of the community, the public is urged to avoid attending events or social/family gatherings either indoors or outdoors if you (or someone in your household) have symptoms, are awaiting test results, or have been advised by public health to isolate after exposure.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent infection from COVID-19, and severe complications that lead to hospitalization. Herd immunity protects everyone and breaks the chain of virus transmission.
The first week of vaccination clinics for children aged five to 11 has been deemed a success. As of the morning of Dec. 2, the first doses of vaccine were administered to this age group. As of press time, approximately nine per cent of this age group had been vaccinated, according to health unit data.
For a list of clinics, please view the clinic schedule on the Grey Bruce Health Unit website. Many appointments remain available for these clinics. To book, call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900, or go online at covid-19.ontario.ca. Appointments can also be made at participating primary care providers and pharmacies in Grey Bruce.
All Grey Bruce Health Unit vaccine clinics accommodate those five to 11 years of age with an appointment. Additionally, pediatric clinics have been specifically designed to provide a welcoming and safe environment for families to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Those administering the vaccine have experience in giving vaccines to children, and are able to provide practical ways to keep the children and their family at ease.
As the community works together to stop the spread of COVID-19, some public health partners deserve special mention.
Chapman’s thanked
The board of health for Grey-Bruce would like to extend its sincere thanks to Chapman’s Ice Cream for its strong corporate support. From the start of the pandemic, Chapman’s has taken a leadership role, demonstrating continuing commitment to the local community and economy. As a member of the Grey Bruce Vaccine Task Force, Ashley Chapman, vice president of Chapman’s Ice Cream has provided ongoing support.
Chapman’s supported the early acquisition and distribution of personal protective equipment, at a time when low supply levels created a real challenge in this community. Chapmen shared his company’s expertise in freezer technology when the need for deep freezers became apparent. This intervention led the way to the early donation of ultra-low temperature cryogenic freezers to store vaccine for the Grey-Bruce clinics. One of these freezers later was donated to The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. Chapman’s also assisted in storing and transporting equipment related to the ‘Hockey Hub’ mass immunization clinics, helping to create a model now being used internationally.
“Grey Bruce has been well served by the support we’ve received for the COVID vaccination effort from Chapman’s,” said the chair of the Grey Bruce board of health, Sue Paterson.
“Chapman’s has been a community-driven company, and Mr. Ashley Chapman is an inspiring business leader who has demonstrated readiness to spare no effort or resource to support the community,” said Grey Bruce’s medical officer of health, Dr. Ian Arra. “I am a firsthand witness that, without hesitation, Ashley offered his entire fleet of 40 refrigeration vehicles and air distribution system, potentially shutting down his entire business, to support the cause for as long as it is needed.”
