As public health and workplace safety measures continue to ease across the province, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health (SMDHU) urges residents to continue practicing basic public health preventive measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19.
“Although capacity limits have been lifted in most public settings and the provincial proof of vaccination system has ended, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. We are still seeing community transmission and caution is essential,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health.
“We must remain vigilant in our daily lives to protect ourselves and others from infection. Along with vaccination, personal protective health behaviours such as staying home when ill, practicing good hand hygiene, maintaining physical distance and mask wearing are simple yet crucial measures to help stop the spread of disease,” added Dr. Gardner.
The health unit strongly encourages those who are eligible to get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as they can, particularly a booster dose which helps to reduce the risk for severe illness and chance of being hospitalized if infected with COVID-19. Youth aged 12 to 17 are eligible for a booster shot at least six months (168 days) after they received their second dose, while adults 18 years and older can receive a booster 3 months (84 days) after their second dose.
As part of Ontario’s three-phase pandemic reopening plan, effective March 1, the province removed capacity limits in all remaining indoor public settings and lifted proof of vaccination requirements. However, individual businesses and organizations may choose to continue to require proof of vaccination. Masking in indoor public settings, including schools, will remain in effect until further notice from the province. Updated guidance and information for local businesses and organizations about these changes has been posted to the health unit’s website.
To learn more about COVID-19, vaccines and current public health safety measures and requirements, visit www.smdhu.org/COVID19.
