Whatever you plan to do on the Canada Day national holiday, we want you to stay as safe as possible.

The Province of Ontario has moved to Step 2 of the reopening plan, but COVID-19 continues to mutate and infect new victims. Until we reach herd immunity provincially and locally there exists the possibility of a dangerous outbreak. Newer strains of the virus that have more negative qualities than the parent strain are known as “variants of concern”. One of those is the delta variant, and it poses a significantly greater threat to local residents than “regular” COVID-19. The delta variant is far more transmissible than earlier strains of COVID-19, incubates faster, seems to cause higher levels of serious illness, and causes serious illness in children more often.

As you plan your Canada Day activities, be aware that the COVID-19 delta variant is present in Grey Bruce, including our sister community of Saugeen First Nation. At the latest report, SFN has identified 37 cases of COVID-19 in their community, with more likely to come. Due to the speed of transmission and relatively sudden onset of symptoms, the medical community believes the COVID-19 delta variant is responsible. We all want to visit and comfort our friends and relations, especially as the province begins to reopen, but we must remain vigilant. You are advised to avoid unnecessary travel to SFN and other hotspots, and to avoid gathering with people you don’t live with.

Protect yourself, your family, and your community, by strictly observing simple pandemic safety protocols – even if you have been partially or fully vaccinated:

• Wear a mask outside your home.
• Remain at least two meters from people you do not live with.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most effective way of protecting your community and helping to bring the pandemic to an end. The COVID-19 vaccines available are safe and effective and we ask that every community member who is 12 years or older and can tolerate the vaccine, schedule an appointment to be vaccinated. We are holding our next vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 17. Register online today, or call the Nawash Health Centre at 519-534-0373 to book an appointment.

It cannot be stressed enough that the delta variant is extremely infectious. One lapse of your safety protocol may be all it takes to bring COVID-19 into your home. Enjoy the holiday, but whatever you do, we urge you to take every precaution to keep yourself and your household healthy and free of COVID-19.