September 30, 2020 – COVID-19 cases are rising in our region and across the province at increasing rates. We now have strong evidence of a second wave of COVID-19. Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is urging all citizens of the region to aggressively do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
“The rise in cases is deeply troubling,” said Dr. Mercer. “We are slipping as a community in our infection controls and it is outstripping our efforts to try and control this virus.”
As Thanksgiving weekend approaches, our thoughts turn to celebrating with the people important to us. Thanksgiving will look different this year because of COVID-19 so Public Health strongly encourages every member of the community to get creative so they can celebrate safely. Activities like outdoor gatherings, family walks, or connecting with loved ones online are all ways to stay connected while keeping COVID-19 at bay.
“We know now that COVID-19 is more likely to spread from person to person than from things (or surfaces) to person,” said Dr. Mercer. “This isn’t about the things in our lives, it’s about the people in our lives.”
The actions we can all take to reduce the spread COVID-19 are clear and have not changed: practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distancing, wearing a face covering or a mask, keeping groups and gatherings small and using the COVID-19 Alert mobile app.
“The severity of the second wave is within our control,” said Dr. Mercer. “I’m asking every single person in Wellington, Dufferin and Guelph to take this virus seriously and do everything they can as individuals and families in this fight.”
Media Contact
Danny Williamson
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 ext. 4376
danny.williamson@wdgpublichealth.ca