Stephen Vance, Staff
As everywhere else, over the past two weeks Meaford residents have been adhering to increasingly strict guidelines to practise social distancing and self-isolation. As a result, many local businesses are hurting from being shuttered, and those businesses that have been deemed essential and continue to operate do so with increasing restrictions aimed at keeping residents safe from the spread of COVID-19.
As of Monday, March 30, a total of ten cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Grey-Bruce, with the most recent case providing evidence of community transmission. To date there have been 305 negative tests in Grey-Bruce, with an estimated wait time for results averaging four to five days. Provincially, there have been more than 1,700 cases with 23 deaths as of March 29, with nearly 50,000 Ontarians having been tested for the virus. According to the World Health Organization, as of Monday globally there have been more than 635,000 cases, and over 30,000 deaths as a result of the virus.
The province has given direction that Ontarians not gather in groups of five or more (family units excepted), and they have become increasingly concerned with citizens gathering in outdoor spaces like parks and walking trails. Over the weekend some Meaford residents were sharing photos of youths gathered at the skate park seemingly oblivious to social distancing orders, while others sought advice for reporting neighbours returning from out-of-country vacations not adhering to the provincial order for self-isolation.
Meaford’s council had cancelled all meetings until after April 14, however on Monday a special meeting was announced for Thursday, April 2, in which councillors will consider revising council’s procedural bylaw to allow for electronic participation in council meetings during an emergency.
While residents can still access food stores and pharmacies with relative ease, many businesses are currently closed or are operating under revised circumstances. Restaurants, for example, can only provide take-out, and those that are unable to do so have closed under direction from the province.
Many businesses are not accepting cash during this time, and they are asking shoppers to use credit or debit cards for payments.
The local LCBO has been restricting the number of customers allowed into the store, at times resulting in long lines outside.
Meaford’s Service Ontario outlet has also remained open thus far while observing distancing practices and mandatory use of hand sanitizer. To contact Service Ontario, call 226-662-6600 or email serviceontariomeaford@gmail.com to inquire about which services are available in store, or to ensure that your paperwork is in order before you make the trip.
In spite of the general anxiety and fear regarding the continued spread of COVID-19 in the province, some have attempted to lighten the mood in the community.
The ‘caremongering’ movement has found its way to Meaford, and a Facebook page has been created to promote the option for neighbours looking out for and helping neighbours. Offers to deliver groceries and other supplies are in abundance, as are opportunities for people to gather together online, whether for yoga instruction or to watch movies with others. Some in the community have been creating posters supporting medical workers and first responders, displaying them in their windows, while others have coordinated events to make noises like the clanging of pots at specified times to express their gratitude for those on the front lines.
The Meaford Hospital Foundation will have lawn signs available by the end of this week for anyone wishing to show their support for front-line healthcare workers. For a contribution of $20 or more, the Foundation will have a volunteer deliver and stake a sign in your lawn with no contact needed between yourself and the volunteer. To donate, go to http://weblink.donorperfect.com/COVID19MHF or send an etransfer to mhfoundation@gbhs.on.ca subject line COVID19.
Local child care facility Bobi’s Play School lightened spirits with a colourful parade of vehicles making their way through town over the weekend bringing smiles to many watching through their windows staying safely away from others.
All residents are advised to follow the directions coming from the province and other levels of government, as the situation is fluid and new information is provided daily.
All of us must respect social distancing and physical isolation requirements. Community-wide efforts are at the forefront of curbing the transmission of COVID-19:
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Maintain social and physical distancing, at least two metres or six feet away from others.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
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Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
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Avoid touching your face and clean hands before touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
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Clean and disinfect surfaces, especially those that are high-touch areas.
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If you are ill, stay at home and keep away from others.
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Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
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Avoid all non-essential activity as recommended and declared by the province of Ontario.
