A Mother’s Day Message from Dr. Ian Arra, Medical Officer of Health Grey Bruce

It is May, warmer weather is on the horizon, I hope, and the flowers are starting to bloom. It is a perfect time to celebrate the most important women in our lives, our mothers. During this uncertain time, of great success, but uncertain future, it is critical that we do not let our guard down when it comes to COVID-19.

We have been successful to date, in Grey and Bruce, to limiting the spread and reducing the negative impact that this virus can cause. I want to congratulate everyone on this!  It is the result of significant collaboration between all sectors and the public.  It will be some time before we can go back to normal, and until then, it means celebrating our mothers differently!

I am asking you to keep practicing, as we have been – do not visit people in other households, practice personal distancing of 2 Metres or more, and wear a face-covering when out and about to prevent your germs and viruses, if you have them, from spreading to others. Most important, wash hands frequently for 20 seconds or more. I do believe nothing flattened the curve more than hand washing, which is what our mothers have been teaching us all along.

So please, celebrate your mothers, but do so in line with recommendations.  The perfect gift for your mom this year is to keep her safe from COVID-19! Consider a window visit, a nice phone call, or try a video call if you have the technology.  Send gifts electronically, or if you must drop off a physical gift or flowers, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly without coming face to face. Trust me; she has known you all your life; she can remember your face.

Stay home, and say I love you – no other gift can replace caring for our mothers!