COVID 19 Update August 14, 2020

COVID-19 Update from Mayor Wade Mills August 14, 2020

The daily number of new COVID-19 cases in Ontario remains relatively moderate. 92 new cases were added today but this also includes two days’ worth of new cases from Toronto Public Heath that were not available for reporting yesterday.  Province-wide, our cumulative reported totals now sit at 40,459 cases and 36,772 resolved cases which is about 91% of all cases reported.

Within the Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health region, we have had a total of 539, with 196 of those coming from within Dufferin County.  Dufferin County has only reported two new cases since July 31.

It was announced today that the current Canada-US border restrictions will be extended yet again, this time to September 21^st. The restrictions were first implemented on March 21^st, and currently prohibit all non-essential, and non-family related travel across the border.

I will end this week’s update with a cautionary tale. Over the August long-weekend, a group of 30 individuals attended the Deerhurst Resort in Muskoka. They spent time in and around the resort as well as at a local restaurant. None of these individuals had symptoms while they were at the resort but it has now been discovered that 11 of them have subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Williams has concluded that these individuals were ignoring physical distancing protocols and “social bubbling” rules. Even though our provincial numbers have been holding fairly steady, Dr. Williams points out that, “we’re not out of the woods at all.” He reminds all residents to remain vigilant and keep following the public health guidelines that are in place. As a reminder, these include, proper and regular hand-washing and use of sanitizer, appropriate physical distancing of 6 feet/2 metres, and the wearing of masks when you are inside public spaces or where distancing becomes difficult (even outdoors).

Locally, we have done a great job of limiting the number of cases. This is in part due to the commitment displayed by each and every resident. As time goes on though, the temptation exists to get more casual and lackadaisical. We have to remain strongly committed until the threat has sufficiently diminished. Please continue to do your part and encourage others to do the same.

Be safe and enjoy you weekend!

Mayor Wade Mills