Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is encouraging local businesses to turn down the music to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Higher volumes of noise such as music forces patrons and staff to raise their voices or lean in closer to hear. When we raise our voices, this may send more of the COVID-19 virus in to the air infecting those around you.

Danny Williamson, communication specialist with WDG Public Health, tells us why Dr. Mercer issued the memo.

“We’ve seen in the province cases are going up and that’s a concern, but we also know economic well-being is an important part of your health," he said. "So, it’s really about, not should we close down businesses or should we keep them open, it’s how do we keep our economy moving, but also keep people safe.”

Williamson says turning down the music is a piece of advice businesses can follow, along with all of the other recommendations public health have put out over the last six months.

“These things are advice we’re trying to give people, so they can make good choices to help reduce the spread," he said.

Williamson says turning down the music will not by itself stop COVID-19 in its tracks.

“But each of these incremental things that we can all do whether we’re a business or an individual are things that can help minimize the spread,” he said.

Williamson adds ultimately as we battle COVID-19, it’s thousands of decisions and small actions that help build up our safety around this fight.

Danny Williamson Communication Specialist with WDG Public Health: