From Halton Region Medical Officer of Health Dr Hamidah Meghani
With cases across the province, and in Halton, continuing to increase, we are clearly heading in the wrong direction. The region’s weekly incidence rate has gone from three confirmed cases per 100,000 people in early September to hovering around 55 per 100,000 by early November.
If we continue along this path, we could see more than a hundred cases per day in Halton before the holidays. This week, based on the thresholds outlined in the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework, Halton entered the province’s Red Control Level. In this level, there are additional measures that we all must follow.
In addition to the measures for business and workplaces, we all have to take personal responsibility and individual actions to get the virus under control. We know that social gatherings and non-essential group activities are a significant source of COVID-19 cases. We know that the virus spreads when people are in close contact and we know that it can be passed on by people without visible symptoms.
As a community, we need to act on this knowledge. Our individual actions can either stop the spread of COVID-19, or lead to some devastating consequences. We have a choice right now Halton.
Please: – Stay home, except for essential purposes such as going to work or school, buying groceries, and attending medical appointments. And, please only send one person from your household out for errands. – Stick with our household only. Maintain a physical distance of two metres or six feet from those outside your household. For those who live alone, you may include essential supports or join a designated household. – Stop all in-person social gatherings such as play dates, birthday parties, and dinner and holiday parties with friends or family.
Have the courage to politely decline if you are invited to such a gathering The past months of isolation, worry, and lifestyle changes have taken a toll on all of us. I realize that these recommended measures are difficult. Know that the actions of each and every individual matter a great deal. By taking these actions now so we can prevent a worse scenario. To learn more about actions you can take, the situation in Halton, and what it means to be in the Red Control zone, visit halton.ca/COVID19. If you have specific questions about the Red Control zone, contact the provincial Stop the Spread Business Information Line (at 1-888-444-3659). Thank you for doing your part.