Holiday gatherings will look and feel different this year, says Durham Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle.
While many of us usually gather with our loved ones over the upcoming holiday weekend, the safest way to celebrate with family and friends outside of your household this year is to gather virtually, he advised.
As we aim to control the spread of Covid-19 in our community, it is important that we all continue to do our part and take public health preventive measures during the holiday season, Dr.Kyle emphasized.
“Social gatherings increase the risk of illness for all attendees and those they have close contact with. If you choose to host or attend an in-person gathering, please remember that gatherings are currently limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors across the province. These limits cannot be combined; gatherings of 35 people are not permitted.
“Residents that host or attend social gatherings are asked to follow the public health advice on Covid-19 and social gatherings. Keep your party or gathering as small as possible and use outdoor spaces whenever you can; if indoors, determine how many people can easily maintain two metres (six feet) physical distance in your space. Remind guests of public health advice to follow during the event, including physical distancing and wearing a non-medical mask or face covering indoors, and wearing one outdoors if physical distancing is not possible,” he said.
“If you are experiencing any symptoms, even mild symptoms, protect the ones you care about and stay home. Please remember that limiting your close contacts to those in your household (i.e., the people you live with) will help to limit the spread of Covid-19,” Dr. Kyle said.
Stay vigilant over the holiday
Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell and town council members are also urging residents to stay vigilant over the holiday.
“Although case numbers in Whitby and Durham Region are lower than some of our neighbours, we must all remain vigilant and continue to do our part to stop the spread of the virus,” said Mayor Mitchell.
Respect the provincial gathering limits and physically distance from those living outside of your household. Wearing a mask does not mean it is safe to have direct contact with those outside of your household. Please stay 6 feet apart, wash your hands, use sanitizer and stay home if you are feeling unwell, he said.
“We are doing well in Whitby because of the efforts of our residents and businesses. The best way to thank our frontline health care providers, emergency responders and essential workers is to reduce their risk by doing your part,” he added.
Another holiday amid the pandemic
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster said: “As we approach the Thanksgiving long weekend, we are faced with celebrating yet another holiday amid the pandemic. I urge all of you to take heed of the provincial warnings and plan a celebration with only your immediate family. With our daily Covid-19 numbers growing steadily, it is clear that the second wave of the pandemic has arrived.”
He said Premier Ford has asked us to pause our social circles. “This Thanksgiving, I urge you to only celebrate with members of your immediate household. By limiting your exposure to others, you are protecting your own family and other members of your social bubble who may not reside in your home. We need to be extra vigilant and embrace the same cautious approach we had throughout March at the start of the pandemic emergency in Ontario.
“I am also asking our community to support our communications campaign and “think twice.” Think twice before you leave your home for an unnecessary errand. Ask yourself these simple questions: can you call instead; can you order locally online; is there another way to obtain the service you want? If we think twice and eliminate our contact with others, we are actively working to stop the spread of the virus,” said Mayor Foster.
Lastly, please wear your mask and go back to the basics by keeping a two-metre distance between people and practising good hand hygiene. These simple measures helped us in March as we forged ahead as a community to flatten the curve, he said.
“Most importantly, I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for, and thankful we are. Stay safe. Stay healthy,” he added.
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