COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 23, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 16, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 9, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - November 2, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 26, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 19, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 12, 2020
• COVID-19 Surveillance Report Summary - October 5, 2020

What is COVID-19?

On December 31, 2019, Chinese health authorities identified a new (or novel) coronavirus (referred to as COVID-19) through a series of reported cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that circulate both in humans and animals. Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illness, similar to the “common cold” or more severe illnesses, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

How does COVID-19 spread?

Coronaviruses spread through droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Through these virus-laden droplets, it can spread to people who you spend a lot of time with (close contacts) such as household members – similar to how the flu and other respiratory illnesses spread. If someone with a coronavirus coughs on a surface, and you touch the surface and then touch your eyes, mouth or nose with an unwashed hand, the virus could infect you. 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19, which is the disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus, range from mild — like the flu and other common respiratory infections — to severe.

 Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever (temperature of 37.8°C or greater)
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)

Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• New olfactory or taste disorder(s)
• Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Runny nose, or nasal congestion – in absence of underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies, post nasal drip, etc.

Other signs of COVID-19 can include:

• Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia

Please see COVID-19 Reference Document for Symptoms for more information related to symptoms. 

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease.

Please use the new COVID-19 Checkup self-assessment if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear?

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. This is the longest known incubation period for this disease.

Recent evidence indicates that the virus can be transmitted to others from someone who is infected but not showing symptoms. This includes people who:

• have not yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic)

• never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) 

How long can the virus survive on surfaces?

COVID-19 is spread mainly from person-to-person through close contact from respiratory droplets of someone with COVID-19. The respiratory droplets can travel up to two metres/six feet when we cough, sneeze or talk. Although unlikely, it appears possible to get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and touching your mouth, nose or eyes immediately after without washing your hands.

The COVID-19 virus appears to survive on surfaces ranging from several hours to days, but the research continues to evolve. Frequently touched surfaces are more likely to become contaminated with the virus and may include tables, phones, handrails, doorknobs, credit cards, countertops, light switches, faucet handles, steering wheels, cabinet handles, and elevator buttons. Other items that are less likely to cause transmission but can still become contaminated include books, paper, packages, fabric and clothing. The likelihood of transmission through contaminated surfaces may increase if there is a higher viral load on that surface. For example, surfaces in a space where an infected individual has been.

The best way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure from contaminated goods is to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands before and after touching shared objects.

Is there a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19?

Currently, there are no specific treatments for coronaviruses, and there is no vaccine that protects against coronaviruses. Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own.

You should manage symptoms by:

• drinking plenty of fluids
• getting rest and sleep as much as possible
• trying a humidifier or a hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough
• Acetaminophen for management of fever and muscle aches
• Over the counter medication for cough and sore throat

Note: If your symptoms worsen or become unmanageable at home, seek medical attention.

What is the COVID Alert app?

The COVID Alert app is a Bluetooth-based app that will send you phone alerts if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and will inform other people who have the app if you test positive for COVID-19 - all without sharing any personal information. 

Can ibuprofen worsen the disease for people with COVID-19?

Based on the current available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen. Currently WHO is not aware of any reports of negative effects from ibuprofen, beyond the usual know side effects that limit its use in certain populations.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, they only work on bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of COVID-19. They should only be used as directed by a physician to treat a bacterial infection.

​​​​How can I protect myself and my family from contracting COVID-19?

Everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including:

• Limit close contact to only those within your household.  Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household.
• Avoid non-essential travel to high risk areas - particularly Peel region, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick
• Avoid sharing personal items, such as utensils and water bottles.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw the tissue out immediately. Wash your hands afterward.
• Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and shared items using regular household cleaners.
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider

• Wearing a face covering (non-medical masks) when in enclosed public spaces and when physical distancing isn’t possible.
• Download the COVID Alert app
• Get a yearly flu vaccination, available from clinics and pharmacies. This is the best way to prevent influenza infection
• How to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is Physical (Social) Distancing?

Physical (social) distancing is an important measure that each and everyone one of us can do now in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. The Public Health Agency of Canada is recommending that all residents of Canada practice physical distancing. Physical distancing means keeping a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others that are not part of your household at all times. 

• What is physical distancing? (infographic)

How many people can gather together?

On October 2, 2020, the Government of Ontario is advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household. Social circles (groups of up to 10 people that have close contact with each other) are no longer advised.

Gatherings have the potential to result in spread of COVID-19 if they are not planned and managed carefully. Effective Saturday, September 19, 2020, the Ontario government lowered the limits on unmonitored and private social gatherings across the province. The new limits are:

• 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit was 50)
• 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit was 100)

The lowered limits apply to all unmonitored and private social gatherings such as functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs and wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. As was the case with the previous limits, indoor and outdoor gatherings cannot be combined. Gatherings of 35 people in total (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are also not permitted.

How can I safely celebrate festive events?

Please see our Guidance for Festive Events and Gatherings for advice on how upcoming festive events can be held safely.

Limits do not apply to events held in monitored areas

The new limits do not apply to events or gatherings held in locations monitored by staff, because they must already follow specific public health and safety guidelines to minimize risk and limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes:

• Bars
• Restaurants
• Cinemas
• Convention centres
• Banquet halls
• Gyms
• Places of worship
• Recreational sporting events
• Performing art events

The existing rules for these settings continue to be in effect. Indoor gathering limits apply to events that are fully or partially indoors. Indoor events and gatherings cannot be combined with an outdoor event or gathering to increase the applicable gathering size. People at their place of work, including performers and crews, do not count towards gathering limit.

Regardless of location, physical distancing measures must be respected by keeping at least two metres away from those outside of their direct household or family. 

For more information, view our guidance document on gathering limits.

Should I go to that event or activity?

Refer to this guide to help you make important decisions about attending events or activities during COVID-19.

What are the risks and precautions necessary for singing, choirs and performing arts?

The National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health has released two evidence reviews regarding the risks of these activities as well as recommended precautions to reduce the risk.

• NCCEH Risks and Precautions for Performing Arts
• NCCEH Risk and Precautions for Choirs

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through pets and their fur?

The current spread of COVID-19 is a result of human-to-human transmission. There is no evidence to suggest that pets or other animals play a role in transmitting the disease to humans. Scientists are still trying to understand if and how it affects animals.

Pets can contribute to our overall happiness and well-being, especially in times of stress. If you are feeling well (no symptoms of COVID-19) and are not self-isolating because of COVID-19 illness, you can continue to take walks with your dog or spend time with your pet. This can contribute to keeping both you and your pet healthy.

As a precautionary measure, if you have COVID-19 symptoms or are self-isolating due to contact with a COVID-19 case, you should follow similar recommendations around animals as you would around people in these circumstances.

Learn more about how to take care of your pets during COVID-19 and visit Health Canada’s Animals and COVID-19 website for further guidance.

Who is currently being tested for COVID-19?

On September 24, Ontario released new COVID-19 provincial testing guidance to ensure publicly funded testing resources are available for those who need them most. Before you seek testing, be sure to review the information available at www.ontario.ca/covidtest to see if you are eligible and where to get tested.

Individuals that meet the following criteria can book an appointment at an assessment centre to get tested:

• Showing symptoms of COVID-19
• Been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus as directed by public health or the COVID Alert app
• Are part of an outbreak investigation as directed by public health
• Belong to a specific group outlined in guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health
• Are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Long-term Care

Testing at select pharmacies is now also occurring. You can book an appointment at a pharmacy to get tested if you don’t have symptoms of COVID-19 and are eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative as determined by the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Long-term Care or public health. This includes:

• Residents, workers or visitors of long-term care homes
• Residents or workers in homeless shelters or other congregate settings
• International students that have passed their 14-day quarantine period
• Farm workers
• Indigenous communities

The province also currently states that if you are not showing symptoms and need a test to confirm you do not have COVID-19 before travelling internationally, you can currently visit an assessment centre or make an appointment at a select pharmacy. Please note this is an interim measure, and individuals are advised to check the www.ontario.ca/covidtest website to be sure they have the most current information. 

To find an assessment centre near you, please check COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas or find an assessment centre near you. 

Questions about testing? Please send an email to covid19testing@ontariohealth.ca.

I’ve been tested for COVID-19, now what?

You can view your COVID-19 test results online. Lab results will take 24-48 hours to appear. If your test result is positive, you will be given the opportunity to securely enter information about your symptoms and contacts. A staff member from your local public health unit will also contact you to provide further guidance and ask you some questions.

After you have been tested, learn what you should do while waiting for your test results. If you have questions about self-isolating or returning to work, please call and speak to one of our staff at our Call Center as each situation is unique.

1-800-922-0096 ext. 9

Monday to Friday: 8:00am-5:00pm

Saturday to Sunday: 8:30am-4:30pm

How will I know if a case is confirmed in our region?

Cases in Oxford, Elgin and the City of St. Thomas can be found on COVID-19 data dashboard.

Ontario is now providing a more detailed summary of COVID-19 cases in the province that will be updated each day at 10:30 a.m.

Please note: Our region has a Class Order Section 22 in place that requires individuals to self-isolate if asked to by public health – it applies to people who test positive for COVID-19 or had close contact with someone who has it. Those who disobey this Order will be fined. So please, if you are asked to self-isolate by our team, be responsible and stay home.

What is the difference between self-monitor and self-isolate?

• How to self-monitor
• Self isolation: Guide for caregivers, household members, and close contacts
• How to isolate at home when you may have COVID-19

What should you do while self-isolating?

Self-isolating is difficult, but just know that individuals and businesses are rising to the occasion and there is help for you and your family. Here is a quick guide for helping you with the essentials:

How to Get Food:

• Reach out to friends, family and neighbours to pick up groceries that you need if possible
• For food banks, meal delivery programs like ‘Meals on Wheels’, and grocery stores that deliver food to people who are homebound, reach out to Ontario 211—Community and Social Services
• Please see the updated list of food access in Elgin, City of St. Thomas and Oxford
• Help Line:
  • Call 2-1-1* or toll-free: 1-877-330-3213 to talk to someone directly
  • Visit  www.211ontario.ca  to search topics, email* or live chat for help
  • *if your request is urgent, please dial 2-1-1 as email is not monitored 24/7
• There are many for profit services like ‘Skip the Dishes’ or ‘Good Food’ that may deliver to your area
  • Search for these services on-line or reach out to friends, family and neighbours for suggestions.
• To protect yourself and others during any food deliveries, refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19

How to Get Medications:

• Many pharmacies will deliver right to your door.  Check with your pharmacy to see if this is a service that they offer
• If your pharmacy does not offer home delivery, reach out to friends, family and neighbours to pick up your medications and other pharmacy needs
• If you continue to have trouble accessing the medications that you need, reach out to Ontario 211—Community and Social Services Help Line for other possible delivery options.
• Visit  www.211ontario.ca  to search topics, email* or live chat for help
• Call 2-1-1* or toll-free: 1-877-330-3213 to talk to someone directly

*if your request is urgent, please dial 2-1-1 as email is not monitored 24/7

• To protect yourself and others during these deliveries, refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19

How to Get Mental Health Services:

• If you require mental health and/or addictions support, please call REACH OUT at 519-433-2023/1-866-933-2023

Tele visits with Doctors:

• Tia Health – online appointments (can get prescriptions, advice, requisitions). Free in Ontario with a health card
• cover.health – virtual walk-in clinic, covered by OHIP
• Dial-a-Doc - OHIP Covered Phone Appointments Online with Ontario’s Doctors
• covid19checkup.ca – complete assessment and you may be asked to book a televisit with a physician
• Maple – online covid-19 screening to connect with a doctor. Available 7 days a week 8am – 8pm ET (should be covered by OHIP)
• Children’s Hospital Virtual Emergency Clinic 

Other

• If you have an urgent repair e.g., furnace not working or a plumbing leak, be up front when you call to get service so the worker can come prepared to protect yourself and your repair worker refer to how to isolate at home when you have COVID-19
• Guidance for How to Care for Pets and Other Animals (Public Health Ontario)

Please visit our face coverings web page for information, resources and requirements. 

For workplaces and businesses, please refer our Workplaces and Employers page.

Please note: Non-essential travel to high risk areas should be avoided at this time - particularly Peel region, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Have travel related questions?

Please refer to the Government of Canada COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Exemptions.

What are the rules when travelling between Canada’s provinces and territories?

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, interprovincial travel within Canada has come with a requirement in some provinces to self-isolate for 14 days before you can safely move around. This rule is still in place for some provinces, while others ⁠⁠— like the Atlantic provinces are forming a travel bubble to permit residents in eastern Canada to visit other maritime provinces without the need to self-isolate. To check the restrictions and allowances, visit the provincial/territorial websites below:

• British Columbia

• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• New Brunswick
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Yukon
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut

The Government of Canada also has requirements for travellers within Canada so be sure to read up on what is expected if you plan to fly within the country. All air travellers, with some exceptions, are required to wear a non-medical mask or face covering while travelling. Via Rail Canada has also issued a mandatory face mask policy for all passengers.

It is still suggested to avoid ALL non-essential travel – stay home as much as you can and practice physical (social) distancing. You may wish to check the High Risk Areas in Canada for COVID-19 prior to making travel plans.

Travellers returning to Canada:

For information on the latest requirements for travellers returning to Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website.

It is important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched such as door handles, facets, tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.  Cleaning them with detergent or soap and water removes dirt and some germs.  After cleaning, you can disinfect them to kill/remove germs.

Household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) mixed with water, is an inexpensive and effective disinfectant that can be prepared at home.

Please see Cleaning and Disinfecting in Public Settings for more information.

To clean areas such as washrooms, or during outbreaks of respiratory disease or vomiting and diarrhea:

• Prepare a 1: 50 Household Bleach Solution:
  • 20 ml (4 teaspoons) household bleach + 1000 ml (4 cups) water
  • 100ml (7 tablespoons) household bleach + 5000 ml (20 cups) water

To clean toys, dishes, utensils and food contact surfaces:

Prepare a 1: 500 Household Bleach Solution:

• 1ml ( ¼ teaspoons) household bleach to 500ml (2 cups) water
• 20 ml (4 teaspoons) household bleach to 10 L (40 cups or approx. 2 gallons)

Health Canada has created a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective against the coronavirus). Check the label of disinfectants to make sure you are following any safety guidelines.

How do I make sure my child’s toys are clean?

• Don’t share toys beyond your household
• Clean and disinfect hard surface toys using a mild bleach solution (see above for guidance)
• Stuffed animals, fuzzies or soft surface toys made of fabrics are difficult to clean and disinfect. Wash them frequently using soap (or detergent) and water to remove some germs and dirt from soft surfaces.

Using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic:

Learn about safely using shared laundry facilities during a pandemic.

Can I make my own hand sanitizer at home if I can’t find it in the store?

Making hand sanitizer at home is not recommended. When making hand sanitizer, it is important to get the concentration of the required isopropyl alcohol correct to ensure the product is effective. It’s better to use soap and water than to make your own sanitizer.

The World Health Organization has official instructions to make a disinfecting hand sanitizer to use in medical settings (Guide to Local Production), but it is not meant for households to follow (e.g., it requires an alcoholometer to measure the concentration of alcohol in the final product). 

How do I clean my face covering/non-medical mask?

Learn how to clean and safely wear a face covering.

Please refer to Pregnancy and Breastfeeding during COVID-19.

• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Labour Support
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Planning for Birth
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Infant Feeding
• Having a Baby During COVID-19 – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Women with COVID-19 can breastfeed if they wish to do so (WHO)

Do not go shopping if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. Stay home. Get tested.

What steps can you take to minimize risk at the grocery store?

• If you can, use hand sanitizer when entering stores and wash hands/use sanitizer after leaving.
• If you have them, use disinfecting wipes and use on cart and basket handles.
• Maintain physical distancing as much as possible while shopping and give others at least 2 m or 6 feet of space. 
• Wear a non medical face covering 
• Make a list ahead of time so you know what you are looking for. This may help to reduce the time you spend in the grocery store.
• Touch only what you plan to buy.
• Use self-scanning technologies at check outs.
• Avoid touching surfaces or items unnecessarily (e.g., use tap to pay for your groceries, touch and pick-up only what you intend to buy) and avoid touching your mouth, nose or face at all times.  Remember that you’re getting the virus, number one, by touching it with your own hands and then touching your own face.  If you practice careful hygiene and you’re not introducing anything to your mouth, your eyes or your nose, you’re protecting yourself.
• If you use reusable bags, wash them in hot water after each and every use.
• Follow the rules set out by the grocery store you’re visiting (i.e. following directional arrows).

What are grocery stores doing to minimize your risk?

Additional precautions should be taken to stop the spread of COVID-19 within retail and grocery stores. Some actions that have been adapted and/or are recommended can include but are not limited to:

• Increasing cleaning and sanitizing or high touch surfaces.
• Limiting and/or removing bulk counters, self-serve hot entree bars, olive bars, seafood bars, salad bars.
• Providing priority shopping to seniors for the first hour of opening.
• Supplying hand sanitizer and/or disinfecting wipes for carts and baskets.
• Enforcing physical distancing rules by marking spaces at check-out lines with tape and hanging signs reminding customer not to crowd each other in shopping aisles.
• Installing physical barriers at check-outs.
• Encouraging the use of self-scanning technologies at check outs.
• Encouraging customers to pack their own purchases, whenever possible, and discouraging the use of multi-use bags.
• Limiting the number of customers allowed in at one time to ensure physical distancing can be maintained
• Offering home delivery, where possible.

Is delivery a safer choice than going to the store?

Pre-ordering and having groceries delivered to your home is a great choice.  If fewer people are in the store fewer people are touching surfaces.  Fewer people means physical distancing is easier too. Many stores are now offering curb side pick up which may also be a good alternative option for those not wishing to enter the store.

Ordering from home and having it delivered is the best choice for vulnerable people like seniors or people with chronic disease.

How should I handle groceries when I get them home?  Can I Take them Inside the House Right Away?

• According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), “there is currently no evidence that food is a likely source or route of transmission of COVID-19.”
• Usual food safety tips should be followed, including storing your food correctly as soon as you get home. Do not store groceries outside of the home, in cars or garages.
• When using any cleaning product on food surfaces, ensure the cleaner is intended for use directly on food and follow label directions to avoid intoxication as a result of chemical contamination. The use of soap on food is not recommended as ingestion of soap can result in intoxication and gastrointestinal symptoms.
• It is okay to wipe down non-porous cans and boxes with soap and water or disinfectant wipe as an extra precaution. Handling of food packaging should be followed with handwashing. 
• There is no need to wash your coat, change your clothing or disinfect your footwear after grocery shopping.  Proper hand washing and avoiding touching your face is important to prevent the spread of COVID 19.

How should I handle groceries for someone who is in the vulnerable population?

• If shopping for someone else, best practice is to drop off groceries while practicing physical distancing (e.g., drop off the groceries at the door, ring the bell, and step away).
• If entering the home to help with the unpacking, wash hands immediately upon arrival and after putting the groceries away. Wear a cloth mask as physical distancing may be difficult.

Should produce be washed before eating?  Should soap or a disinfectant be used?

Health Canada’s regulations for washing produce and other foods have so far remained the same. Health Canada recommends giving fruits and vegetables a good rub under running water—cool or lukewarm is preferred. It is not recommended to wash produce with dish soap or any detergent. It is not recommended to treat produce with chemical disinfectants at home. It isn’t necessary to use solutions specifically designed for cleaning fruits and vegetables, known as produce cleaners.

Should I only buy food that can be heated?

• No. Handle and prepare all food safely, just as you always have. For example, when you wash produce properly (see above), its perfectly okay to consume it without heating it. For more food safety reminders, go to Food Safety and You.

• Transitioning from CERB to EI

• Find Financial Help During COVID-19
• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• COVID-19: Support for people
• Financial Relief Navigator

Return to school

• For information on school re-opening, please visit our COVID-19 School Support page

General information

• What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy

• COVID-19: What to do in Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas

• COVID-19 and Children

• Practicing physical distancing infographic

• COVID-19 Resources for Parents and Children (includes colouring sheets, activites, etc)

• Caregiver Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• How to be safe and still have fun during COVID-19

• Home Alone and Child Minding Resource for Parents/Guardians

• How to Care for a Child with COVID-19 at Home: Advice for Caregivers

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• Coping with Stress
• Supporting the young people in your life during COVID-19

• “My name is Coronavirus”  a book to support and reassure children
• Talking to Children About the Pandemic

Childcare

• Ontario - Find Child Care

What restrictions are currently in place in our region for businesses and workplaces?

Beginning Monday, November 23rd, the Southwestern Public Health region will enter the Orange (Restrict) level of Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework for Keeping Ontario Safe and Open. Please see the Government of Ontario’s website for information about what restrictions are currently in place for the orange level.

The following businesses closures remain in effect: amusement and water parks, buffet-style food services, dancing at restaurants and bars, overnight camps, private karaoke rooms, saunas, steam rooms, bath houses, oxygen bars and table games at casinos. Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports is also not yet safe.

Businesses and workplaces must comply with public health measures (such as ensuring physical distancing, screening employees, and frequent cleaning and disinfecting) to ensure they are operating safely.

For questions about what businesses can open, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

For more information on opening your workplace during COVID-19, please visit our Workplaces and Employers page.

Can I visit someone at a long-term care or retirement home?

On November 23rd, the province updated the visiting policy for long term care homes to put further restrictions in place to protect the safety of residents in areas where there is higher community spread of COVID-19. These restrictions effect regions in the orange, red and grey levels of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework. As Southwestern Public Health is currently in the orange level, general visitors are not allowed in long-term care homes in Oxford County, Elgin County or the City of St. Thomas.  Only essential visitors, including up to one caregiver per resident, may visit homes in our region. To further protect the health and safety of those in Long-Term Care Homes, staff, essential caregivers and support workers who provide direct care to residents in those regions will be tested more frequently for COVID-19, moving from bi-weekly tests to weekly as of November 23, 2020. In addition, support workers who provide direct care, and caregivers in those regions will be asked to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in the past week and verbally attest that they have not subsequently tested positive.

Please review the long term care home visiting policy for more information, or reach out to the home you wish to visit for additional guidance. You may also find this frequently asked question document on visiting long term care homes helpful. 

For information on visiting retirement homes, please see the visiting policy for retirement homes.

What is the guidance regarding funerals?

The maximum number of people allowed to attend an indoor funeral ceremony is 30 per cent capacity of the ceremony venue. Outdoor funeral ceremonies may have a maximum of 100 people. For both indoor and outdoor ceremonies, those attending must follow proper health and safety advice, including practicing physical distancing from people who are not from the same household.

For advice regarding the number of people allowed for funeral receptions, please see our gathering limit guidance. 

Please see Staying Safe at Funerals for additional guidance.

How can my workplace safely re-open?

For more information on workplaces, visit our Workplace and Employers page.

A public health emergency, like COVID-19, can be stressful and cause increased anxiety and fear.  It is normal to feel some stress and anxiety in times like these. During a crisis, it is also common for people to show great resiliency.  It is important to stay connected to friends and family and reach out if you need support. Below is a list of resources available to you.

See this Ministry of Health COVID-19 fact sheet for Ontarians experiencing mental health and addictions issues during the pandemic.

At Ontario.ca/coronavirus, people can find information about the different virtual mental health and wellness options that meet their unique needs, including online therapy.
 

Mental Health services:

• For Caregiver and Youth resources visit Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies or Caregiver Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• List of local mental health services
• Government of Ontario: Find mental help and addictions support in your community

Help for Substance Use:

• Addiction Services of Thames Valley
• Government of Canada: Get help with substance use
• Alcohol
• Illegal drugs
• Harm reduction
• Tobacco and vaping

Domestic Violence

• Avoiding public spaces and working remotely can help reduce the spread of COVID-19, however for people who experience violence in the home, being home may not be the safest option.

• Other factors such as stress and financial burden can impact families, creating situations that may compromise safety while at home.

• If you are concerned for your safety, there are supports in the community that can help.

Get help:

Emergency Services
In an emergency call 911

Police Services

Aylmer Police: 519-773-3144

OPP: 1-888-310-1122

St. Thomas Police: 519-631-1224

Woodstock Police: 519-537-2323

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford

Phone: 519-539-7488

Text:519-788-9993 

Violence Against Women Elgin County

Phone: 519-633-0155

Victim Services Elgin County

Phone: 519-631-3182

Victim Assistance Services Oxford County

Contact local police who will contact victim assistance services for client.

211 Ontario

Dial 2-1-1

Reach Out

Phone: 519-433-2023

myPlan Canada App

Free app to help you with developing a personalized safety plan

To our partners and residents in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas: One of the most important steps we can all take to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus is to put distance between ourselves and others.

With that in mind, we’re doing our part by closing most of our clinics and classes. Until further notice, we will not hold prenatal, breastfeeding, food handling or dental services and TB testing. Sexual Health Clinics will continue with very careful safety measures in place, with the exception of our Tillsonburg clinic which will be canceled until further notice. Our Needle Exchange Program will also remain in service with additional infection control measures in place. If your doctor has asked you to obtain a TB test, please call your doctor’s office and advise them that this service is not available currently from public health.

Our staff are on site and our phone lines are open. If you have a general question about a program or service you use, please call us. If your questions are specific to COVID-19, call us at 1-800-922-0096 #9,

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community as healthy as possible.

How can communities help?

Physical (social) distancing is the most important thing you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19.  Isolating at home can leave us feeling helpless, making us feel disconnected from our communities when we need each other the most.  There are ways we can still work together as a community while practicing physical (social) distancing though. 

Here are a few ideas on how help your community:

1. Stay up to date with credible information Spreading myths and false information can make things worse.  Be kind to your community by sharing information from credible sources.  Let’s bust the myths out there.
2. Think of your community while shopping for necessities. If you can, go to stores when they are less busy. Practice keeping 2m/6.5 feet (about the width of a car) away from others at all times, and only shop for what your family needs. Taking more than what you need means it’s not there for your friends and neighbours. Our supply chain is strong.
3. Make donations where they’re needed.  Contact your local services and agencies to see where you might donate money or supplies, they need most. The Red Cross is also urging blood donors to donate now since the need for blood never goes away. Check out this resource on making safe food donations along with this infographic for tips on giving and receiving donations during COVID-19.
4. Be a good neighbour. Reach out to friends, family and neighbours, mostly those who do not have access to internet, transportation, language barriers, seniors living alone, and those who are at higher health risk from existing conditions. Make sure they have the supplies they need to get through, share Public Health advice and news (i.e.; what to look for re: symptoms and what to do), help them come up with a plan to have care in case of illness.  Something as small as picking up some milk for a neighbour in need could make all the difference.  Leave that milk on the doorstep and call your neighbour to let them know it’s ready to pick-up. Ensure to always practice physical (social) distancing.
5. Think of ways to support small local businesses.  Buy from local small businesses that are still offering services as much as you can (e.g., small restaurants that are offering take-out or delivery).

Looking for Support?

Are you feeling overwhelmed, lonely or anxious about COVID-19? Are you experiencing financial pressure because of self-isolation measures? Do you have questions about applying for Employment Insurance? Do you need help getting groceries or running errands while you are at home sick or self-isolating? You are not alone. 211 Ontario is ready and waiting to connect you to services that can help.  Reach out in whatever way you feel comfortable:

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in 150 languages for help. Just dial 2-1-1.

Live Chat, Monday to Friday from 7am to 9pm. Get started.

Try the Search Help Tool at 211ontario.ca.