COVID-19 Community Information Bulletin

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INFORMATION BULLETIN

For Immediate Release

July 16, 2021

South Bruce COVID-19 Update: Step 3 Roadmap to Reopening Ontario

The Province of Ontario entered Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening Ontario on July 16, 2021. Step 3 focuses on the resumption of additional indoor services with larger numbers of people and restrictions in place. Public health and workplace safety measures, and Orders under the Reopening Ontario Act still remain in effect. Face coverings in indoor public settings and physical distancing requirements remain in place throughout Step 3. More information on the step 3 can be found on the provincial website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario

However, given the current designation of a Delta Variant Hotspot, the Grey Bruce Health Unit issued a Media Release on July 15, 2021 advising that Grey Bruce will enter a modified Step 3, with strong recommendations instead of regulatory orders to contain the spread of COVID-19 including:

Limits on private gatherings – 25 people for outdoor gatherings and 5 people for indoor gatherings
Strongly encouraged to dine outdoors
Workplaces and patrons follow public health measures, especially gyms, cinemas, and fast food locations.
Church services and attendees, specifically wedding receptions, follow public health measures.
Personal service settings and salons continue to require masks be worn, as in Step 2

Grey Bruce continues to see a significant number of COVID-19 cases with 99% being the Delta variant. It is noteworthy that a large number of current cases are in individuals that were not vaccinated or became infected as the result of gatherings where COVID-19 precautions were not followed. Residents are encouraged to receive vaccinations. The Health Unit has advised that until we reach a level of vaccination that protects the entire population, everyone must continue to be prudent in following COVID-19 precautions.

Many of the Municipality of South Bruce services and programs have resumed within Step 2 of the reopening plans with restricted participant numbers. The municipal servicing changes from Step 2 to Step 3 will be minimal at this time, based on the Health Unit’s Strong Recommendations. We will continue to review the situation and adjust programs and number of participants when and where appropriate and advise the community of these changes.

The Municipality of South Bruce will continue to obtain information and updates from the County of Bruce, The Grey Bruce Health Unit, the Province of Ontario and other health agencies and will provide new information to residents when available. The Municipality of South Bruce will continue to take all steps necessary to maintain essential services for our residents and local businesses. Pandemic related information can be found at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca and the Ministry of Health website at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ . Municipal Updates can be found on the municipal website at www.southbruce.ca

For more information:

Leanne Martin,

Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk

Municipality of South Bruce

519-392-6623

lmartin@southbruce.ca