Don't enter anyone else's home, says Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

Don't go into anyone's home that isn't your own and don't invite anyone over for a social visit, say health officials in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.

"Birthday parties, sleepovers, playdates, coffee dates, game nights and dinner parties are spreading the virus," said the community's medical officer of health, Dr. Nicola Mercer, in a public letter to the community dated Tuesday.

"Your friends, children's friends and family you do not live with can bring the virus into your home."

Mercer said cases of COVID-19 are on the rise and statistics show peoplebeing admitted to hospital now are younger in agethan those admittedin the spring.

People are catching COVID-19 from their friends and family at home and are then bringing it into their schools, workplaces, long-term care homes and hospitals, Mercer said.

"The reality of this disease is then seen in classroom closures, loss of income for many and, sadly, death for some," she said in the letter.

Ontarioreported another 1,249 cases of COVID-19and 12 more deaths linked to the illness on Tuesday.

What to do for urgent visits

If a friend or family member absolutely has to enter your home, Mercer said everyoneshould wear masks, stay apart as much as possible, wash their hands and get tested if symptoms develop.

Similarly, if a maintenance or repair person has to enter your home, she said to wear a mask and keep six feet apart. Ideally, in this situation everyone should stay in separate rooms, she said.

"You can still go to work or school, volunteer, get groceries and essentials, walk your pets and be outside with a friend," said Mercer.

Mercer said this won't last forever and noted there has been public information about progress made in vaccines, but for the time being it's crucial that people don't socialize in one another's homes to help stop the spread of COVID-19.