Local data suggests that the rate of COVID-19 is trending upward in the area and as a result the Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is advising residents to take measures to help slow the spread and to protect themselves and others.

In a recent media release from GBHU, Grey-Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr Ian Arra said all key indicators are increasing locally, compared to previous weeks, which, in general, mirrors provincial trends. This includes the number of outbreaks in long-term care, retirement homes, and hospitals as well as the number of hospital admissions related to COVID-19, test positivity rates, and new case counts.

“The COVID-19 indicators in Grey-Bruce are changing again as we move further into the fall respiratory illness season and as residents spend more time indoors,” said Arra.

“Although these trends are expected due to seasonality and we have local capacity to manage, they remain concerning because we know an increase in transmission on the population level will translate into more people getting sick and some of them experiencing severe outcomes, particularly residents aged 65 and older, those living in congregate care settings, and with underlying medical conditions," Arra added.

As of Friday, October 28, there were 17 active COVID-19 outbreaks at facilities in Grey-Bruce.

Public Health has the capacity to address the increase in outbreaks and is closely monitoring local data and all key indicators related to COVID-19.

Provincially, the number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 has been increasing for the past several weeks, while the weekly case count is at its highest level since August.