GREY-BRUCE – As of the beginning of the week, Grey Bruce Health Unit was reporting 67 new cases of COVID-19 in the previous 24 hours, spread fairly evenly across the area.
This brings the total number of active cases reported by the health unit to 414. However, public health states the number of new cases is not an accurate representation of actual cases in the community due to recent changes in testing in Ontario.
At present, seven people in Grey-Bruce are hospitalized with COVID. Two people from Grey-Bruce are hospitalized outside the area.
Outbreaks continue to be reported in local long-term care homes including Maple Court Villa in Walkerton, Rockwood Terrace in Durham, Pinecrest Manor in Lucknow, Errinrung Residence in Thornbury, McVean Lodge in Hanover, Rosewood Villa in Ripley, Parkview Manor in Chesley, and Maple View in Owen Sound. The hospital in Owen Sound also reports an outbreak. The outbreak reported at Vicki’s Sandbox Daycare in Hanover is now over.
Efforts to vaccinate as many people as possible in Grey-Bruce continue, with mass vaccination “Hockey Hub” clinics in Chesley, Port Elgin and Owen Sound, as well as other clinics.
The mass vaccination clinics close Jan. 21 – people are urged to book appointments as soon as possible. While people over 60 may be accommodated at these clinics on a walk-in basis for first, second or booster doses, others are urged to book appointments through the provincial booking system – 1-833-943-3900 or click on “how to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment” on the health unit website.
To get your enhanced proof of vaccination (certificate with QR code), go to the provincial vaccine portal. You’ll need your green health card – both sides. Enhanced proof of vaccination must be presented at businesses and organizations requiring such proof, where it will be scanned. Vaccine receipts without the QR code will no longer be accepted.
Those seeking additional information about the COVID-19 situation should visit the Grey Bruce Public Health website.
It should be noted that on Thursday, Jan. 13, Dr. Ian Arra, medical officer of health for Grey-Bruce, will be presenting his regular update to Bruce County council.
