Statement from the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Wasaga Beach Professional Firefighters Association

COVID-19 is a serious public health matter that we continue to deal with on a day-to-day basis.

Throughout the pandemic, town staff have worked diligently to deliver public services to the people of Wasaga Beach.

Earlier this month, the town announced a COVID-19 outbreak.

The town took all the proper steps to deal with the situation, as confirmed by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the Ministry of Labour.  

The town wishes to thank the health unit and the South Georgian Bay Community Health Centre for its assistance.

We also wish to thank the many people in our community who expressed concern and support during the outbreak. Thank you for your telephone calls and e-mails. We appreciate your kind words and thoughtful actions.

Over the last few days, we have received numerous inquiries from firefighters, their families, other town staff, and the public about social media comments that reflect negatively on the fire department and the overall Corporation of the Town of Wasaga Beach.

Many of these negative social media comments have questioned the integrity, dedication, and professionalism of our firefighters, as well as other members of the town organization.

A review of the comments has found wild speculation, defamatory remarks, and lies about the COVID-19 outbreak, which has affected 20 members of the town’s organization.

These public attacks are disgraceful and hurtful to staff and their families.  

While the public has the right to question local government, it does not help when statements are made through social media that contain misleading and inaccurate information, which could erode the public’s trust in the fire department and other departments of the corporation.

Since the outbreak, the town has provided accurate and timely information to its employees and the public. Visit our website to see a news release from Nov.21 and an update issued Nov. 25.

Residents with questions about the outbreak should contact the town directly.

Please keep in mind that due to privacy legislation the town might not be able to discuss specific details about identifiable individuals.

Below you will find examples of some of the concerning comments found on social media. We have provided factual responses.

What led to the COVID-19 outbreak?

In consultation with public health, we have been unable to establish the original source of the virus.

However, we do know that firefighters in the line of duty responded to several COVID-19 positive households during the weeks leading up to the outbreak.

Although firefighters take all precautions during calls – including the wearing of PPE - they must work in close proximity to each other for extended periods, which could increase the risk of transmission.

We also know that firefighters – like all town staff – spend time in the community and with their families and friends, and these interactions serve as possible sources of COVID transmission. 

On social media, local resident Leslie Farkas said: “Two weeks ago there was a Wasaga Beach Firefighters party apparently involving some 50 plus participants, attended by the Mayor of Wasaga Beach. As it turns out this was rapidly followed by the COVID outbreak at the fire dept. and town hall, that included the mayor.”

This claim is not true.

We are aware of an after-hours social gathering in a home that included some members of the corporation as well as private citizens. Through the review of this outbreak, it was determined this event did not violate public health regulations, including gathering limits.

The current COVID-19 restrictions permit private gatherings. Please see provincial regulations to learn more.

Local resident Aaron Armstrong states on social media a “bottle of zambuka (sic) was passed around at the fire hall before the gathering.”

This is false. The town does not allow drinking at the fire halls.

Some on social media have stated the town has not notified the appropriate authorities of the outbreak.

The town advised public health and spoke with the Ministry of Labour. These organizations have indicated their satisfaction with the town’s response.

Local resident Leslie Farkas asked on social media why staff were not required to quarantine and be properly tested after being exposed?

The town did follow proper public health protocols.

As per the town’s COVID-19 safety plan, after the first firefighter tested positive he self-isolated and the town identified close contacts; these individuals self-isolated and went for health unit COVID-19 testing.

As the situation developed, the town identified additional employees as potential close contacts and these individuals were tested.

Out of an abundance of caution, all other municipal employees received rapid antigen testing through the town. Due to the testing, the town identified two additional asymptomatic employees and these individuals went for health unit COVID-19 testing.

All members of the organization that tested positive self-isolated and followed public health protocols.

A second round of town-administered rapid antigen testing confirmed no ongoing transmission.

Some on social media have asked why a CPR course for town staff was held at Fire Hall 1?

The course took place five (5) days before the first firefighter tested positive for COVID-19.

At the time of the course, there were no firefighters displaying symptoms or awaiting test results.

Public health regulations allowed for the course and staff followed all guidelines. This included health screening, masking, and disinfectant.

However, after the outbreak, five individuals who attended the course tested positive for COVID-19.

Individuals have questioned why people did not wear masks in photographs recently shared by the town on social media.

These images reflect brief moments where masks were removed for the purposes of taking a photograph.

There is no evidence that COVID transmission has occurred during these very short moments.

Moving forward, masks will be worn during all indoor photographs.

Final thoughts

COVID-19 numbers are on the rise in Ontario.

While people are doing their best to follow public health protocols to stay safe, transmission of the virus will continue.

Spreading misinformation about members of our organization is not appropriate and is unfair. These people work hard making decisions, responding to emergencies, and delivering services. They and their families are good people and deserve better.

We have seen outbreaks in schools, hospitals, long-term care facilities, sports teams, and various business settings despite best efforts.

People can help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the public health rules and by getting the vaccine.

Our number one priority remains the health and well-being of our staff and the delivery of services to our community.