Stephen Vance, Staff
While the number of COVID-19 cases in the Grey-Bruce region is low, health officials are reminding residents to continue practising social distancing, and to stay home except for essential outings such as buying groceries.
On Friday, April 10, the Grey-Bruce Heath Unit published a list of COVID-19 cases by municipality for the first time. As of Monday, April 13, there were 39 confirmed cases in Grey-Bruce, with just one in Meaford thus far.
The Health Unit reports that of the 39 cases confirmed, ten have recovered, while one patient is currently hospitalized. Twelve cases have been reported among healthcare workers. According to the Health Unit, currently test results take approximately three days.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has been calling for increased testing, and on Monday, April 13, he announced plans to extend the provincial state of emergency to May 12, potentially extending stay-home and social distancing orders, and delaying a return to work for millions of Ontarians. On Monday, Ford could not say when schools, which have been closed since March 23, might reopen. There had been hopes for a return to the classroom on May 4, but Ford told reporters during his daily COVID-19 press briefing on Monday that it is too early to suggest when classes might resume, but he said, “We’re seeing a glimmer, a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel here, but still we’re going to take the advice of the chief medical officer and our health team.”
Last week the premier announced a revised list of essential businesses resulting in the shut-down of new sectors, including non-essential construction sites. As a result, the construction of Meaford’s new library at the corner of Sykes and Trowbridge Streets has come to a halt, as has the construction of Meaford’s new school.
“Following the update to the list of essential services over the weekend from the Government of Ontario, construction on the New Meaford Public Library is now on hold. We appreciate all the community has done to support this project so far, and hope you will continue to show the Library and its staff some love,” the municipality announced regarding the new library on social media on April 6. “We look forward to work starting back up when restrictions are lifted, and moving to the new accessible space once it’s complete.”
Heading into the Easter long weekend Meaford Mayor Barb Clumpus issued a message in written and video formats thanking Meaford residents for following the stay-at-home and social distancing orders.
“Thank you to everyone who has been following the directives of the Minister of Health, practising social distancing, washing your hands, and staying home,” said the mayor, adding that this year’s Easter weekend would be very different as a result of the restrictions. “As we head in to the first long weekend of spring, our celebrations will be looking very different this year. Instead of the traditional religious celebrations, big family dinners, and the fun of Easter egg hunts, we’ll be staying home and connecting with our loved ones and extended family through phone calls and video chats. While the empty streets and playgrounds may seem extra quiet on this long weekend, in the silence there is an expression of caring. We are all doing what we can to keep our family, friends, and neighbours safe. Our efforts are an act of solidarity against a threat we cannot see, and we’re all working together for the sake of not just ourselves, but our whole community.”
With parks, beaches, and most trails closed, those wishing to enjoy the outdoors over the long weekend were largely limited to sidewalks or their own backyards. A fire ban along with the closure of the municipal leaf and yard waste depot further limited the weekend activities of many residents.
On social media some residents expressed concern about part-time residents leaving larger urban areas for their cottages and summer homes, potentially bringing the virus with them, or negatively impacting supplies at local stores already struggling to keep key supplies in stock. Premier Ford has asked all Ontarians to remain at their primary residences, and not to travel to cottage country during the state of emergency.
For current information about COVID-19 visit the public health unit’s website: www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca
Photo: Construction is now on hold for Meaford’s new library after revision to list of essential businesses last week shut down all but essential construction sites across the province.
