Grey and Bruce counties are moving to Provincial Shutdown, effective Saturday, April 3 and lasting at least four weeks.

The provincial government announced Thursday that the province was implementing an emergency brake that will put in place key public health safety measures to help to stop the rapid transmission of COVID-19.

In an April 1 media release from the Grey Bruce Health Unit, measures include:

• Prohibiting indoor organized public events and social gatherings and limiting the capacity for outdoor organized public events or social gatherings;
• Restricting in-person shopping in all retail settings, with a 50 per cent capacity limit for supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, indoor farmers' markets, other stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies, and 25 per cent for all other retail;
• Prohibiting personal care services;
• Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining; take-out, drive-through, and delivery only;
• Prohibiting the use of facilities for indoor or outdoor sports and recreational fitness (for example, gyms);
• Requiring day camps to close; and,
• Limiting capacity at weddings, funerals, and religious services, rites or ceremonies.

Full details can be viewed at COVID-19 shutdown: enhanced public health and workplace safety measures.

“Moving to a shutdown will assist our effort to limit the transmission of COVID-19," said Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr Ian Arra. “In particular, the shutdown helps to address concerns we’ve have with bars and recreation classes that have been a source of transmission," Arra added.

To stay safe and reduce transmission of COVID-19 follow these basics:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Watch your distance (ideally 2 metres)
• Wear your face covering correctly
• Avoid crowds
• Arrange for outdoor activities instead of indoors whenever possible