The Grey Bruce Health Unit (GBHU) is reporting a dozen new cases of COVID-19 in the region today.
The 12 new cases are located in the Blue Mountains (3), Grey Highlands (1), Meaford (1), Owen Sound (1), Southgate (2), Huron-Kinloss (2), Northern Bruce Peninsula (1) and Saugeen Shores (1).
The GBHU is also working with the Bluewater District School Board to address five confirmed cases COVID-19 that are associated with Georgian Bay Community School in Meaford.
“There is evidence transmission was the result of social gatherings among the high-school-aged youth and not related to in-school activities. Additional testing may identify other individuals also associated with this cluster,” stated Dr. Ian Arra, medical officer of health for GBHU in a press release.
Arra added that no bus routes are involved with the confirmed cases.
The health unit has been in direct contact with all individuals who may have been exposed. Any cohorts that have been identified as contacts to the case have been excluded from school at this time. The health unit is asking anyone that has not been contacted by public health to avoid unnecessary testing.
GBHU has reported a total of 959 cases in the region to date. There are 90 active cases in both counties combined, and the health unit is currently tracking 497 high-risk contacts associated with the active cases.
Active cases in Grey County are currently located in Owen Sound (16), Southgate (5), Grey Highlands (4), the Town of The Blue Mountains (22), Hanover (8), West Grey (6), Meaford (4), and Chatsworth (3).
GBHU is also reporting the region has had a total of 94 cases of Variants of Concern (VOC), 22 of which are active.
There have been four deaths due to COVID-19 in Grey and Bruce combined, and there are currently two Grey-Bruce residents being hospitalized, one in the region and one outside of Grey-Bruce.
Last week the health unit announced a “suspect” outbreak at Beaver Valley School in Thornbury. This situation remains under investigation.
Of GBHU’s 959 cumulative cases, 865 cases are resolved.
Resolved COVID-19 cases in Grey County include: Owen Sound (145), Southgate (108), Grey Highlands (75), West Grey (49); Blue Mountains (78); Hanover (51); Meaford (26); Georgian Bluffs (11); Chatsworth (17).
To-date the health unit has administered 37,742 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
This week, GBHU has received 6,380 doses, which will be focusing on vaccine distribution to clients 60 years and older, First Nation communities and First Nation clients, and retirement home staff, residents and essential caregivers (second dose).
Those turning 60 this year or older, born 1961 or earlier, can make appointments through the provincial on-line booking system for COVID-19 vaccinations at https://ontario.ca/bookvaccine. Those without access to the internet can call the toll-free number 1-888-999-6488.
For additional information on the health unit’s vaccine roll out program, visit the GBHU website.
