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Grandparents are often among the people who are invited to join a social circle and safely expand the number of people with whom they can come into close contact. A social circle is defined as the people you can hug and touch, or those who can become part of your daily and weekly routines. The opportunity to interact in a "normal" way with adult children and grandchildren does come with certain rules as we continue to cope with the threat of COVID-19. The expansion of our close contact circle reduces social isolation, supports mental health and wellbeing and pro- vides additional support with childcare, elder care and other personal needs. Inhabiting a social circle allows for more rapid contact tracing in the event of a case of COVID-19 in a social circle. The following are guidelines from the Government of Ontario on how to create a safe social circle. Step 1: Start with your current circle: anyone you live with or who regularly comes into your household. • Be sure to include anyone that would come into regular close contact with the people you live with. This may be another parent to your child(ren) that lives outside the home or a babysitter or caregiver. • Be sure to include anyone in their households as well, if they don't live with you. You may not see them often, but they would still be considered part of your current circle. Remember that everyone in a household must be part of the same social circle. Step 2: If under 10 people, you can add members to your social circle, including another household, family members or friends. • As you add in additional members, ask yourself whether they live with or come into regular close contact with any- one else. You may never see them, but they would still be considered part of your social circle. • If you live alone, you may want to start with family mem- bers or other close friends. • Also ask yourself what makes most sense for you and your household. That could include another household with similarly-aged children or family members that you want to spend more time with. Friends who live alone or with a few roommates can also form a social circle. • Individuals at higher risk, including those over 70, and individuals with compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical conditions, can participate in a social circle depending on their unique circumstances. Remember that your social circle can start with fewer than 10 people. It's always best to start slow and safely add more members later. Step 3: Get agreement from everyone that they will join the social circle. That means they agree to only join one circle, and physically distance with anyone outside the circle • Essential workers like frontline health care workers, first responders, retail workers and transit operators can still be part of a social circle, so long as the other members are aware of the risks and agree to them. For more information on social circles visit www.ontario.ca/ socialcircles. How to build a safe social circle Health in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, S ep te m be r 3, 20 20 | 16 Interlocking & Concrete Specialists • Pebble Concrete • Stamped Concrete • Interlocking • Flagstone • Walkways • Garage Floors • Patios • Driveways • Curbs (French) Call Mario 905.842.7171 sunmarlandscape.com TM Care that's extra careful V for Vistamere We're very proud of our family of Vistamere staffers during these difficult times. They go above and beyond each and every day to help ensure the safety of our residents. So our residents just want to say, "Thank You." Vistamere Retirement Residence is located in a quiet, residential neighbourhood in west Oakville. You can still come for a virtual tour. Just go to vistamere.ca TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR TODAY vistamere.ca 380 Sherin Drive Oakville, Ontario L6L 4J3 905.847.1413 vistamere.ca Like us onFollow us on DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 2501 Third Line | 905-465-3000 Open 24 hours | 7 Days a Week DE RANGO PHARMACY INC 478 Dundas Street West | 905-257-9737 Canada Post www.shoppersdrugmart.ca Fabio De Rango Pharmacist/Owner Voted Oakville's Favourite Pharmacist & Pharmacy • Patient Counselling • Complete Diabetic Care • Home Visits • Consultations • Free RX Delivery • Patient Counselling • Complete Diabetic Care • Home Visits • Pharmacogenetics • Free RX Delivery An Award Winning Oakville Pharmacy PLATINUMWINNER Pharmacist - Fabio De Rango Drug Store/ Pharmacy Open 24 hours | 7 Days a Week