Malls, medical services and more: Where you can catch COVID-19 in York Region

York Region's top doctor warns large social gatherings aren't only places coronavirus spreads

Yorkregion.com
November 17, 2020
Kim Zarzour

You may be tired of worrying about COVID-19, but forget returning to your "everyday activities" just yet.

Those mundane errands may be what is to blame for the spiking cases in York Region, according to York Region’s medical officer of health.

The region is reporting a record number of COVID-19 infections -- along with a high number of outbreaks in institutional settings, workplaces and schools -- many of which are linked to large social gatherings and events, such as weddings.

Dr. Karim Kurji said many people catch COVID-19 in less obvious ways, through close prolonged contact with an infectious person, and through "everyday activities".

On the list of places and activities where the virus is being shared: hairdressers and barbers, shopping malls and retail stores and visits to the doctor, dentist, chiropractor or optometrist, he said.

As well, he said, there are cases that have been linked to having contractors or other personal services providers enter private homes.

In his weekly public statement, the medical officer of health said the region is entering a particularly risky period.

Cold weather draws people together into less-ventilated indoor spaces and flu season is looming.

Kurji said people who catch the flu may be more likely to catch COVID-19, too, and he urged everyone to get their flu vaccine.

As well, with Black Friday and the gift-giving season ahead, Kurji warned of dangers in busy retail stores.

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Kurji appealed to businesses to ensure stores are not crowded.

Shoppers are advised to leave retail outlets that are too busy to allow them to distance from others, and to shop online instead.

Neighbouring jurisdictions -- such as Peel, and northwestern sections of Toronto -- are seeing increasing cases, and that poses additional risk, he added.

"We are not an island unto ourselves."

For advice on how to protect yourself from COVID-19, visit York.ca/covid19.