Health official says more COVID-19 cases being seen at Brampton hospital
Published October 14, 2020 at 7:12 pm
At an October 14 conference, Mayor Patrick Brown and Peel’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lawrence Loh, discussed additional measures to help cope with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in Brampton.
As of yesterday evening (October 13), Peel Public Health investigated 6,633 cases of COVID-19 in the City of Brampton; 520 of which are active, 6,016 have recovered and 97 have passed away, announced Loh during the conference.
“Today I want to offer my perspective on the province’s decision to return Peel to a modified Stage 2,” said Loh.
“I know that the timing was difficult and it was also difficult to hear, given all the sacrifices that our community has made to date.”
Loh went on to explain that while Peel Public Health continues to track transmission, Brampton’s local hospital has started to see more COVID-19 cases arrive.
“While I know that not everyone will agree with the change, I’m sure we all agree with one thing; we want to stop the spread of COVID-19,” he said.
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“For that reason, I specifically supported new restrictions around consistent social gathering limits and the closure of event venues which were in response to recommendations that we made here in Peel, based on where we were seeing transmission.”
Loh further emphasized that while Peel continues to see high rates of transmission of COVID-19, they are currently linked to known sources such as large households, large workplaces and social events.
“We know this can change rapidly as the virus continues to circulate in our community. One wrong move could result in the exponential growth of cases,” he warned, emphasizing the importance of reducing in-person contact.
Loh stated that reducing in-person contact can be done by shrinking close contacts to immediate households and essential supports, such as caregivers, that are relied on for day-to-day help.
“For all other interactions, and I mean all, I encourage you to cancel, postpone or meet virtually if you can and otherwise meet in person for only the most essential reasons,” said Loh.
“In every encounter, stick to the core four; keep your distance, wear a mask, wash your hands, self-isolate if you get sick and get tested if your symptoms are consistent with COVID-19,” he said.
Loh also advised the public to get a flu shot to “rule it out of the equation” this season.
“Our small sacrifices today will deliver bigger rewards tomorrow; so I encourage you to work with us, work together to keep this under control, drive cases further down and let’s keep each other safe,” concluded Loh.
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