For the second year in a row, the pandemic is having an impact on family gatherings and parties over the Christmas holidays.
Lambton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sudit Ranade said we have to start to integrate COVID-19 into our daily lives, and told Sue Storr on CHOK (103.9FM/1070AM) Tuesday morning, that there is no reason why we can't see a few people as we need to.
"I don't think that what we're talking about here is social abstinence, even if that's what is required to shutdown the disease," said Dr. Ranade. "I think that we're talking about a social diet, you are limiting the people that you are in contact with. And don't use a magic number of 10 or anything like that, the smaller the better, the fewer the better, the shorter the visit the better."
Dr. Ranade said he is not suggesting we cancel Christmas altogether.
"I would hate for people to take away from this message that they need to isolate themselves completely, and have zero mental wellness over the holidays, that is not what this is for," he said. "But, you need to understand what the risks are, and you need to use the tools that are at your disposal, and limit the interactions that you have, to those that are essential to you."
Dr. Ranade said if you're not feeling well, stay home.
Lambton Public Health reported 20 new cases of COVID-19, 30 resolved cases and one more death on Tuesday, resulting in 149 active infections.
Last week, Premier Doug Ford announced public health guidelines limiting indoor social gatherings to 10 people and outdoor gatherings to 25 people.
