Today, the Government of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by making an order declaring an emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
In a March 17 Public Health Grey Bruce media release, although the likelihood of cases in Grey Bruce remains lower than other areas of the province, where these actions are currently most needed, the Medical Officer of Health, Grey Bruce Health Unit strongly recommends the adoption and implementation of these measures. Early implementation of these measures adds benefit and ensures consistency with the rest of the public health sector.
The following establishments are required to close immediately:
•All facilities providing indoor recreational programs;
•All public libraries;
•All private schools as defined in the Education Act;
•All licensed child care centres;
•All churches and other faith settings;
•All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery;
•All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies;
•Concert venues; and
•Personal Service Settings
Additionally, the Grey Bruce Health Unit is asking individuals to limit congregating in groups while maintaining safe social distancing (the lower the number of people, the less the risk of transmission).
"These facilities and businesses are among the locations where there is the highest risk for infection to spread," said Dr Ian Arra, Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health. "Any steps that we all can take to reduce social contact have the potential to help decrease the spread of the virus. While the risk in Grey Bruce remains lower than other areas, we are taking these enhanced measures to better help protect the health of our residents."
Should these businesses not close, the Medical Officer of Health can order locations closed, under the authority of Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
We continue to encourage people to connect with trusted sources for information, including canada.ca/coronavirus, publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/COVID-19 and ontario.ca/coronavirus.
