COVID-19 doesn’t take a holiday.
That’s the message from the Dryden Regional Health Centre as they recommend avoiding travel and to limit in person gatherings this holiday season to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
While the holidays are usually a time to gather with family and friends, Chief of staff Dr. Bruce Cook explains if a COVID-19 outbreak were to occur, it could overwhelm our hospital.
“Our hospital is a small hospital, we have limited capacity for people with respiratory illnesses. The areas that guests may be be coming from, could have much higher rates of COVID-19 infection then we do.”
Ontario is still seeing 18-19 hundred cases a day, while Manitoba is still a red zone with around 300 cases a day.
Cook goes over other recommendations.
“We do recommend that people stay in their social bubble, socialize within their households or within their families that live here. If you do travel somewhere else for the holidays, when you return we do have a reminder that when you come back to our community you should be self isolating for 14 days.”
Cook stresses out of town guests coming into our community, could be bringing the virus with them.
“We ask that if people are visiting from out of town for the holidays, they need to remember the recommendations for isolation for two weeks. We ask that they try not to be out in the community, not going to our restaurants, our stores or anywhere the virus could be spread in our community.”
Chief Executive Officer of DRHC, Doreen Armstrong Ross is quoted as saying
“We’re asking the community to limit in-person celebrations to those living in your household, and make plans to connect with other family and friends digitally this year. The holidays are going to be different this year, but it’s important we all do our part to keep everyone safe.”
The Ontario government has set limits for private social gatherings, allowing for up to 10 people indoors or 25 outdoors.
Residents are encouraged to keep this in mind, and plan for smaller get-togethers this holiday season.
