SWPH Medical Officer of Health Issues Class Order to ensure compliance with public health orders
The Order is geared to any residents failing to comply with self-isolation instructions
Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health has issued a second Class Order under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act. This Order applies to all residents of Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.
The order comes into effect at 11:59 pm today, July 23, 2020.
The Order is a legal measure that authorizes the health unit to enforce individual compliance with public health instructions. The key issue addressed by the Order is the self-isolation or quarantine of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19; those who have the signs and symptoms and are awaiting their test results; those who otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have symptoms of COVID-19 or those who are a close contact or any of the above.
Instructions included within the Order include isolating yourself in accordance with instructions provided by Southwestern Public Health, keeping those around you safe from infection, staying away from vulnerable persons, and seeking prompt medical attention should you need it.
“Largely, the residents of this region have been doing what they can and should do. Most of us want to keep our friends, family and neighbours safe. But occasionally public health needs the legal means to enforce best practices related to infection prevention and control. This Order gives us the authority to do that should it be required,” says Dr. Lock.
All residents are required to follow the requirements under this Order, and those who do not can be charged and fined up to $5,000 per day for every day the offence occurs or continues. The Order is in place until further notice.
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 Promotion and Protection 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 mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca