EOC Advisory Committee warns of critical COVID-19 breaking point locally

Based on current case numbers and rates of rapid transmission of COVID-19 variants of concern in our community, our region’s Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee implores residents of our communities to follow the current provincial Stay-at-Home order to protect public health and safety.

“We are facing a very serious situation at the most critical stage our community has faced”, says Dr. David McNeil, President and CEO of the Brant Community Healthcare System. “We have more patients being treated for COVID-19 in hospital now than we have seen since the onset of the pandemic. BCHS is opening additional critical care capacity but it is essential that we work together to preserve this life-saving resource both locally and provincially.”

Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Elizabeth Urbantke echoes those sentiments saying, “We as a community must realize that we face an even longer road ahead if we do not make significant changes to our behaviour. We understand that COVID-19 fatigue is real. But our primary responsibility is to protect the health and safety of members of our community and we need the public’s help to reduce local case counts. The trends we are seeing as of late are very concerning.”

Planned protest this weekend

The EOC Advisory Committee is aware of the planned protest to be held on Henry Street this weekend and want to remind those who are thinking of participating of the serious health risk attending will pose to themselves and others they will come in contact with.

The Brantford Police Service recognizes the Charter protected right of any group to assemble peacefully to draw public attention to a specific cause so long as such a gathering does not breach any applicable statutes or municipal by-laws. Any gathering, regardless of its intended purpose, which is over the current legal gathering limit, will merit an appropriate police response in order to enhance community safety concerns. Officers will continue to actively monitor public protest areas, as the safety of our community as a whole is paramount.

Under the current stay-at-home order

You are not allowed to gather indoors with anyone you do not live with.
Outside gatherings: 5 people limit and all COVID-19 public health measures must be followed including physical distancing and face coverings in public.
Limit close contact to only members of your household (the people you live with). If you live alone, you can have close contact with only one other household.
Stay two metres apart from everyone else and wear a mask or face covering.
Do not travel outside your region or the province unless absolutely necessary.
The fine under the Re-Opening Ontario Act for a 1^st time offence is $750 plus court costs. Fines increase on repeat offences.

While vaccination efforts in our communities are well underway, it is still NECESSARY to continue following all COVID-19 public health guidelines until a larger percentage of people in our communities receive their vaccine.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee, made up of organizations within The City of Brantford, The County of Brant and Six Nations of the Grand River, fully supports the MOH’s statements to underscore that residents and businesses play a very vital role in slowing the spread of virus transmission in our communities. More than a year into the pandemic, with future waves still a possibility, we also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of all of our local public health officials and essential frontline healthcare workers, who have cared for us and give us tremendous hope that once a larger percentage of people are vaccinated, this crisis will be behind us. Until then, however, we must be patient and remain vigilant.

Let’s protect each other

The EOC Advisory Committee stresses that all residents and businesses play a very significant role in keeping our community safe, especially at this very critical time in our local battle against COVID-19. Please continue to follow these important COVID-19 guidelines:

Stay home to avoid close contact with others outside of your household
Only go out for essential reasons
Wear a face covering
Wash your hands frequently
Download the COVID alert app
Get vaccinated for COVID-19 as soon as you are eligible to do so

Report a COVID-19 Violation in the City of Brantford

To report a violation of a provincial order implemented to reduce the spread of Covid-19 in Brantford, citizens can visit brantford.ca/Covid-19violations and use the online reporting form or call the City’s Customer Contact Centre at 519-759-4150. Please note that the Brant County Health Unit is responsible for enforcing Ontario Ministry of Health directives, such as non-compliance related to self-isolation or quarantine. To report a Covid-19 violation to the BCHU, please call 519-753-4937 and press ‘5’. The public is reminded that 9-1-1 is to be used for emergencies only and not for reporting COVID-19 violations.

Report a COVID-19 violation in the County of Brant

To ask a question or lodge a complaint regarding COVID-19 restrictions, please contact the Joint Enforcement Team which includes collaboration from County of Brant By-law, OPP and the Brant County Health Unit. To report a violation of a provincial order in the County of Brant, please email COVID-19@brant.ca or call the COVID-19 dedicated phone line at 519.761.8391. For issues that occur on weekends, after hours and on statutory/public holidays that require immediate response, please contact the County of Brant 519.442.2241 (after hours number) or the OPP at *OPP or 1.888.310.1122.

About the EOC Advisory Committee

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Advisory Committee is made up of the organizations outlined below, working together to prevent and control community spread of Coronavirus COVID-19 in our region.

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Media Contact

Maria Visocchi – Emergency Information Officer
519.751.9900 ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca