Public health has reported that test results have confirmed the first COVID-19 variant in Grey Bruce.
A media release issued Wednesday said the individual with the new variant is from another health unit but is self-isolating locally and said potential risk to the public during the trip to the location of isolation was mitigated.
Medical Officer of health Dr. Ian Arra said the current reporting indicates that the incubation period for these variant strains can be shorter, resulting in rapid transmission; therefore, early containment is essential.
He added that to address the higher transmission rate seen with the new strains of COVID-19, Ontario has adopted a six-point strategy to stop the spread of the new variants. he said the plan includes mandatory on-arrival testing of international travelers, enhanced screening and sequencing to identify the new variants, maintaining public health measures to keep people safe, strengthening case and contact management to track the spread of new cases, enhanced protections for vulnerable populations, and leveraging the latest data to inform public health decisions. The release reported that those changes include a revised definition of high-risk contacts to reflect the increased risk of transmission. Additionally, high-risk contacts and their household will be asked to follow more rigorous protocols.
Public Health stressed it is the lead in all outbreaks and case management, and they will get in touch with anyone who is a close contact with someone who has COVID-19, based on a thorough risk assessment completed only by Public Health.
Dr. Arra said the new variants are a reminder to everyone to follow the 3 W’s to reduce transmission of COVID-19: Wash your hands frequently, Watch your distance (ideally 6ft), and Wear a face covering correctly.
Four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the Grey Bruce health Unit Today, two in Saugeen Shores, one in Owen Sound and one in Hanover. One person is in hospital. There are 21 active cases.
