The region’s chief medical officer of health is still looking forward to an expanded social bubble, something he said will be key in learning to live with COVID-19.
Dr. Charles Gardner has said in the past he’d like to see the province allowing people to expand their social bubbles to outside their households, so long as the bubble was exclusive and people didn’t have more than one bubble.
“It’s not just about 10 people gathered publicly,” said the medical officer of health for Simcoe-Muskoka region, “It’s about how many and which people in your life that you can hug. I think that’s a critical need we all have.”
But hugging time has not yet come.
Gardner clarified the advice from the province is to only have physical contact with members of your household, everyone else needs to stay two metres away.
However, the doctor has maintained from the start of the pandemic people need to keep spending time outside. And with more public spaces opening up for phase two of the Ontario reopening plan, there’s more opportunity to do so.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health has created guidelines for municipalities to manage beaches and other public spaces.
“It’s to strike a balance between enjoying them and doing so safely,” said Gardner. “Part of learning to live with the virus is learning how to use public spaces for the public good.”
Even a large gathering like the ones the county has seen with Black Lives Matter protests can be done with safety measures in place.
Gardner suggested organizers of the gatherings need to promote physical distancing and he recommended attendees wear masks or homemade face coverings.
“Shouting and singing can lead to much more in the way of droplet production,” said Gardner, noting he recommends using a sign instead of shouting.
At best, the measures will reduce the harm, not eliminate it. So his advice is those who are vulnerable or high-risk not attend the gatherings.
“Racism is a public health matter, it is very harmful,” said Gardner. “Certainly people have the right to demonstrate.”
Gardner has said several times he expects the coronavirus to be around for about two years until a vaccine is developed and distributed.
“As we go forward and learn to live with this virus, we have to – collectively and individually – gain a clear understanding of what’s lower risk and what’s higher risk,” he said. “You need to get out and have some fresh air .. see some green space. You just need to do it safely.”
He said people must continue to keep a two-metre distance from those not in their household, wash their hands, and wear a mask where distancing might not be easy.
“We need to strike a balance between that and meeting our social needs,” said Gardner. “Connecting with family and friends is critical to our mental wellbeing.”
To read more about the advice the health unit is providing to municipalities for spaces such as community gardens, anti-racism rallies, outdoor public spaces and beaches, visit the health unit website.
