COVID-19 Safety During the Holidays

Thu, Dec 17, 2020

(Joint release with the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service)

Sault Ste. Marie Police and Algoma Public Health want you to be safe this holiday season and consider how your plans can be modified to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

 

“The safest way to celebrate in-person is with only the people you live with. Celebrate virtually with everyone else,” said Dr. Jennifer Loo, Associate Medical Officer of Health for Algoma Public Health.  “When dropping off gifts or holiday treats, keep it brief, and stay 2 metres apart.”  People who live alone may consider celebrating with one single other household. 

 

The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, is extending all orders currently in force under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act, 2020 (ROA) until January 20, 2021. By law, indoor private gatherings with more than 10 people and private outdoor gatherings with more than 25 people are not permitted.

“The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is committed to following the legislation and laying charges, where appropriate, to keep this community safe,” said Chief Hugh Stevenson, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service. “Two members of our community have already been issued tickets under the Act. Those tickets carry fines of $880 and failure to pay could result in your driver’s licence being suspended. We will continue to attend calls regarding compliance with the Act and tickets will be issued if necessary.”

 

To minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, you should:

• stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild, and call for testing
• keep 2 metres of physical distance from everyone you don’t live with, including family and friends
• avoid all non-essential travel
• not host or attend gatherings
• wear a face covering inside public spaces and outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained
• wash your hands thoroughly and regularly

It is important to acknowledge and accept that our favorite traditions might be different this year. Old traditions can make way for new ones. Continue to follow public health advice and find new and exciting alternatives that can keep your family and friends safe this holiday season: www.algomapublichealth.com/holidays.

 

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