Dr. Charles Gardner, Medical Officer of Health for the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is strongly recommending that dine-in restaurants and bars close or stop in-person delivery to limit potential spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Gardner’s recommendations align with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, who today (March 16) urged restaurants close, or switch to a take out, delivery or drive through service method. Those recommendations also include limiting gatherings to under 50.
“I recognize that these are difficult measures for our local businesses, but these are difficult times and avoiding close interactions with others helps reduce the spread of illness. We need to work together to slow the spread and impact of this disease,” said Dr. Gardner. “We are asking people to practice social distancing, which means staying at least two metres distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing – that’s difficult to do in restaurants and bars, social places where people are physically in close proximity.”
Dr. Gardner also supports Dr. Williams’ recommendations that all private schools and daycares should also close, along with churches, other places of worship, theatres, concert venues, and nightclubs.
For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 or visit www.smdhu.org.