Health Unit Urges Residents to Be Proactive Amidst Spike in Local Cases
Monday the Province of Ontario announced a wide reaching shutdown that will begin on December 26 at 12:01 am and last for at least 28 days in the southern part of Ontario. Today Southwestern Public Health reported a record single day high of more than 45 cases.
“While the provincial shutdown officially starts on December 26, I urge everyone to limit their contact with others effective immediately. We have cases in every community and in people of every age. Transmission happens at social events, in workplaces, through travel, and within institutions. What is most worrisome is that we have many cases we cannot trace to a source. This evidence of community spread means urgent action is required from each of us.” says Dr. Joyce Lock Medical Office of Health.
The health unit asks community members to check for their own test results online at https://covid19results.ehealthontario.ca:4443/agree. If the result is positive, the individual must stay isolated at home and follow the instructions of public health.
“Our case management and contact tracing teams are working at maximum capacity due to the large number of cases in our region. It may take them longer to reach out to positive cases and to begin the contact tracing process. You can assist by informing family, friends, coworkers, or teammates you have been in close contact with of your results and asking them to get tested and self-isolate.” adds Lock. The health unit also encourages members of the public to use the COVID-19 App so that they are notified of their own proximity to someone confirmed positive with the virus.
The Province of Ontario announced a record high number of cases in the hospitals and Intensive Care Units of Ontario’s hospitals yesterday, a situation local health leaders are trying to avoid.
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contacts
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
519-631-9900 x 1259 | 1-800-922-0096