WELLINGTON COUNTY – It may seem insignificant, but public health officials say loud music in restaurants and bars can inadvertently increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
So they’re encouraging local establishments to “turn down the noise [and] turn up our ability to reduce the spread” of the virus.
“Higher volumes of ambient noise such as music force patrons and staff to raise their voices or lean closer to hear,” states an Oct. 2 joint press release from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) and the Region of Waterloo Public Health and Emergency Services (PHES).
“Raising your voice may send more of the COVID-19 virus into the air, infecting those around you.”
WDGPH Medical Officer of Health Dr. Nicola Mercer said “it will take all of us getting creative” to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
She recently also asked residents to “get creative” with Thanksgiving celebrations and avoid traditional large gatherings.
“With cases rising in our region and across the province, we need to pull out all the stops to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Dr. Mercer.
“The priority is to keep our region as safe as possible during this pandemic. That includes maintaining our economic wellbeing – a determinant of good health.”
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, commissioner of PHES, said officials are “asking for everyone’s awareness and understanding that the volume of music or sound in the establishments they frequent needs to be low, to help protect us all.”
Mercer added, “We all have a role in keeping our region open, healthy and thriving – whether that’s schools, offices, or commercial establishments.”
