Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) is strongly recommending the public start wearing masks again in public settings where you will be inside with others, less than six feet apart.
"The rates of community transmission of COVID-19 [in Huron-Perth] have been increasing over the last month," said Dr. Lauren Hayward, physician consultant at HPPH.
Hayward outlined how the transmission rates are monitored. Public Health analyzes remnants of COVID-19 in wastewater, percent positivity of tests, and outbreaks in tracked facilities. Numbers for all are increasing.
"Where we're at in terms of the level of transmission right now for COVID-19 is moderate," she said. "Meaning it's 10 to 20 per cent test positivity rate. Right now, percent positivity for influenza remains low."
But, Hayward guessed it won't be long, as Grey Bruce has its first lab-confirmed influenza case of the season.
She added that masks are strongly recommended right now, especially for those who will be inside, less than six feet apart.
"If someone has respiratory symptoms or they test positive for COVID-19, it's a good idea to wear a well-fitted mask in all indoor public settings for ten days from the time symptoms started to help reduce transmission," said Hayward.
According to the latest guidelines, if you test positive or develop flu-like symptoms, stay home until: your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours, 48 hours if you had nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, you don't have a fever, and you don't develop anymore symptoms.
After symptoms improve, avoid non-essential activities where you need to take off your well-fitting mask, avoid non-essential visits to those who are higher risk or immunocompromised, and avoid non-essential visits to the highest risk settings, like hospitals and long-term care homes.
Vaccine clinics for high-risk individuals are being offered for protection against the COVID XBB variant and influenza. Both vaccines can be received at the same time.
To see if you qualify as a high-risk individual, visit HPPH's website.
The clinics will be at HPPH's West Gore site on Tuesday, October 17 and Thursday, October 26 and at its Clinton site on Thursday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 24.
