Brant County Health Unit Urges Caution When Viewing Upcoming Solar Eclipse
The Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) is reminding Brantford-Brant residents to take steps to view the upcoming solar eclipse safely.
The solar eclipse will take place on April 8 and is expected between 2 pm and 4:30 pm, completely covering the sun for about two minutes at approximately 3:18 pm. Parts of Brantford and the County of Brant lie in the eclipse’s path of totality, where the moon will be completely blocking the sun for a brief period of time.
While this is an exciting event to witness, BCHU urges residents to take the necessary safety precautions in preparation for viewing the solar eclipse.
- It is not safe to view the solar eclipse without proper protection. A short duration of exposure, as little as a few seconds, can cause serious damage to your eyes.
- If you choose to view the solar eclipse directly, ensure your eyes are protected. Residents should ensure they are wearing solar eclipse viewers that meet the international standard for safe viewing. The international standard should be printed on the viewer.
- Sunglasses, no matter how dark, do not provide protection as they do not block out sufficient UV light.
Please note that due to overwhelming demand, all County of Brant library branches and customer service offices have run out of solar eclipse glasses. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Residents planning to take in the solar eclipse outside their homes should plan their viewing spot ahead of time to avoid possible traffic congestion and leave plenty of time to get to their destination, well in advance of the eclipse. Do not operate equipment or drive while attempting to view the eclipse.
BCHU encourages residents to visit our website or view a video message from Dr. Rebecca Comley, BCHU Medical Officer of Health, for more information on preparing and staying safe during the solar eclipse.