Keep your guard up.
That's the message from Niagara's Acting Medical Officer of Health who is watching case numbers rise across Ontario, and a 'tiny' uptick of cases locally.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji tells CKTB he is worried provincial trends will continue, as cases across Ontario are 60 to 70% higher than a week ago. Over 200 cases were reported across Ontario once again Sunday.
He says recent outbreaks are tied to the GTA area, and are due to large dinner parties, BBQ's and weddings where physically distancing and mask use recommendations are not being strictly followed.
Locally Hirji says we may soon see the impact of higher cases in the GTA as travel between the Toronto area and Niagara is frequent and common. He says cases have already increased in the Hamilton and Halton regions.
In Niagara there is a 'tiny' uptick in cases with 0-2 cases reported every day for a few weeks, and now 2-3 cases reported each day this past week.
Hirji says that could be a sign that we are set to see more cases consistently in Niagara.
The Dr. says if Niagara residents need to do a better job of practicing health and safety recommendations, we may avoid the trend other areas are experiencing.
To listen to the full interview with Dr. Hirji click here.