Windsor Essex County Health Unit Statement on Holiday Gatherings

Posted: December 21, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, December 21, 2020 | 11:30 a.m. | Windsor-Essex County

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The holidays are here, and we know some of you are making plans to celebrate in person with family and friends. With the recent approval and first administration of a COVID-19 vaccine, we can understand how it may feel like things are coming to an end and that holiday celebrations may be “okay”. While this is great news and a light at the end of the tunnel, we cannot let our guards down.

We want to be clear. No matter where you live the upcoming holidays are not the time to hold social gatherings in person, inside or outside, with anyone outside your household.

Continue to show your commitment as individuals and as a community by following key guidance from the Province and your local public health unit:

• Do not hold social gatherings indoors or outdoors. Avoid all social gatherings under all circumstances, including holiday celebrations, play dates, birthday or dinner parties—even with close family, friends or people you trust.
• For those who live alone and require supports. Only as necessary, people living on their own may join with one other household that they keep consistent.
• Wear a mask and maintain a two metre (six foot) distance from anyone who does not live with you.
• Stay home, except for essential purposes such as going to work or school, getting essential items like groceries, take out or medicine or attending medical appointments.

Our collective actions will make a difference in what we experience in January and into the New Year. Together, we can minimize the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, protect our healthcare system, and save lives.

We know it has been a stressful and difficult year with the COVID-19 pandemic causing uncertainty and losses in our communities and in all aspects of our lives. We thank you for your resilience and support for each other during these difficult times.

In the true spirit of the season, please keep supporting each other, be kind and stay in this together. As always, please continue to consult your local public health unit for the latest COVID-19 information and guidance.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, Peel Region
Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Medical Officer of Health, Halton Region
Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Medical Officer of Health, City of Hamilton
Dr. M. Mustafa Hirji, Medical Officer of Health (Acting), Niagara Region
Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Waterloo