Following a cluster of 12 new COVID-19 cases in the local boating community, CK Public Health and Dr. David Colby are reminding residents to follow suggested COVID protocol on the water and in the community.
An investigation by CK Public Health revealed the 12 connected cases are linked to a boating trip involving multiple local households. The trip was outside of Chatham-Kent and was several days in duration. CK Public Health is isolating these cases and tracing their contacts, of which there is a “very large number.”
There has been recent online discussion of large gatherings on Lake St. Clair, but. Dr. Colby says this cluster is not traced to that situation.
“This was a floatilla that took place a long way away from here but a number of boating families participated. We currently have 12 active cases and a large, large number of contacts,” says Colby.
Dr. Colby adds that the boating community is very social and the need to follow protocol should be followed on the water and throughout the community.
“Boaters tend to be very socially connected people,” he says. “The message here is that we’ve got rational rules in place and they just need to be followed.”
Public Health reminds C-K residents that although outdoor gatherings are capped at 100 people that is absolutely contingent upon physical distancing.
Dr. Colby is also concerned about social circles or bubbles growing a little out of control.
“In areas where physical distancing is not maintained, your social circle HAS to be a maximum of 10 people,” he says. “And nobody in that circle should be having close interactions with anyone else outside of that. That includes your household members and the people that you’re close to. Social circles are a maximum of 10 people for good reason; with everyone else we must physically distance.”
In the case of this recent boating trip, Colby says there were multiple social circles involved and we’re now seeing a cluster of cases as a result.
“While we are in Stage 3, members of the community need to be reminded that we are still in a pandemic, and the potential for rapid spread of COVID-19 is very real,” adds Dr. Colby.
Public Health is issuing additional reminders online in relation to the boating community, stating:
Boating is a fun activity, but please be reminded that we are still in a pandemic. When having fun out on the water, please ensure that you physically distance (2 metres) from others, stay home when you are unwell, not exceed the gathering limits (50 indoors and 100 outdoors WITH distancing) and use 70% alcohol hand sanitizer frequently. Please be mindful and respect the space of other social circles.
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