Peel's top doctor discourages private social gatherings as restrictions lift

Peel’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lawrence Loh is recommending residents refrain from holding gatherings in households that include people from other addresses to reduce contact.

This recommendation follows Premier Doug Ford’s announcement that York, Peel and Ottawa regions would be set to reopen on November 7, with Toronto following suit one week later on November 14.

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“It is clear that now is not the time to let down our guard. We must take strong and immediate action now,” said Loh, speaking at Mississauga’s COVID-19 press conference on November 4.

LIVE: Tune in to my weekly #COVID19 press conference. https://t.co/NlsM6ltmdu

— Bonnie Crombie 🇨🇦 (@BonnieCrombie) November 4, 2020

In the region, 190 new coronavirus cases were recently recorded on November 3. There have been 15,701 total cases with 13,860 of those cases resolved.

The average age of those testing positive is 38-years-old.

“COVID-19 spreads from person to person, and it cannot spread if we do not meet,” said Loh. “To keep everyone safe, I am recommending that you stop all non-essential in-person interactions and limit close contact to your household and essential supports.”

Loh urged Peel residents to prioritize staying home and limiting contact outside of their households, despite the region reopening amenities such as gyms and indoor dining this upcoming Saturday.

“Your household is now your bubble, it’s that simple,” he said. “The only way we can drive cases down is if we stop mixing between households. The more we mix, the more likely it is for COVID to spread.”

To date, there are 336 deaths in Peel that have been attributed to coronavirus. The average age of those who have died due to complications with the virus is 84-years-old.