The March 29 Town of Saugeen Shores and Saugeen Shores Police Service are notifying the public of a new provincial mandate now in effect, which bans gatherings of more than five people. Local authorities stress that this new restriction, along with other provincial and federal orders to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, is enforceable by law.

In a Town of Saugeen Shores media release, the new emergency order, issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, prohibits organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people. The latest measure does not apply to essential workers, childcare facilities and families. Funerals will be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time.

“Being in a large group is not acceptable during this time,” said Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau. “Residents must comply with orders set by the Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, as well as the provincial and federal governments.”

In addition to the latest news from the province, local officials also wish to address concerns of people socializing in large groups, panic shopping and disrespecting frontline workers in essential roles throughout the community.

“I ask every resident to act with kindness, compassion and respect toward one another during these unprecedented times,” said Mayor Charbonneau. “We need to show united support for each and every one of our essential frontline workers, because we cannot get through this emergency without them.”

The Town of Saugeen Shores has also asked residents to hold onto their blue box materials for the next week or two, as Bruce Area Solid Waste Recycling is very close to having a solution in place to get those materials to another facility.

"Please do not put recycling out with your regular garbage in the meantime, as it would need to have a bag tag to be picked up. If you can’t store recyclables, you can put them out on your normal recycling day for disposal in the landfill," read a March 27 Town of Saugeen Shores media release.

Residents are also asked to consider people collecting garbage and keep garbage in tied bags, even if in a pail, so there is no loose material. "Do your best to ensure garbage doesn’t blow around your neighbourhood; and keep sharp objects separate," read the release.

In a Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) update March 28, an eighth presumed case of COVID-19 was reported.

The new case reported at 5:10 p.m. March 28 was reported in the previous 24 hours.

The number of recovered cases remains at one and zero cases continue to be reported in Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities and among health care providers.

A shipment of Personal Protective Equipment PPE was received from a Bruce Power donation to support the need in LTC facilities, EMS, Fire and Police services.

"Our thanks to Bruce Power for this donation, and for their efforts on several other fronts to support public health response to COVID19 to protect the health of the communities in Grey and Bruce," read the GBHU update.

Communications launched in the previous 24 hours include a mass mail out, guidelines for receipt of postal and courier delivery, childcare recommendations, resources for municipalities regarding playgrounds and community messaging videos.