With Covid-19 cases in Bruce County coming down and vaccinations plateauing, county councillor and Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau is thinking about withdrawing the municipal states of emergency as the situation stabilizes.
However, Charbonneau says there’s a caveat and that is to have what he calls “gas in tank” to reinstate the emergency declaration in the fall should another wave roll through the region.
He says a renewed declaration, if necessary, will remind people that we aren’t through with Covid and if you don’t have a vaccination or the second shot, then you should get them.
Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Arra, speaking to Bruce County councillors on August 5th, says chances are “pretty slim” that they will reach 90% of the population being vaccinated before September and achieve what has been called “herd immunity.”
Arra suggests “the practical way to do it is to have policy-based approach where it’s mandated.”
Current number stands at about 78% vaccinated.
He says whatever municipal councils decide to do, he will support.
Yesterday, the Grey Bruce Health Unit dropped all of its “modified Step 3” recommendations as the region has seen its infection rates dwindle after a surge in July.
