Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health, in a news release this morning says there are still no positive tests for the coronavirus locally.
“The risk to Canadians and those within our district still remains low. Within the Health Unit district, there are no positive COVID-19 cases and no known community spread. By taking such measures we are helping to ensure that we protect ourselves and the ones we love from COVID-19,” said Chirico.
He has also recommended that gatherings remain less than 50 people and that people practice social distancing. Social distancing will help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19 from person-to-person.
"This is important so a large number of people do not get sick at the same time."
Social distancing does not mean that you are required to stay at home, rather:
- Talk to your supervisor, manager, or employer about the possibility of working from home where possible.
- If you have meetings planned, consider doing them virtually instead of in person.
- Whenever possible, spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a 1-2 metre (3-6 feet) distance from each other.
- Change how you greet one another – greet with a friendly wave or an elbow bump.
- If possible, limit or consider cancelling group gatherings especially those larger than 50 people or in places that you cannot distance yourself (1-2 metres, 3-6 feet).
- Avoid non-essential trips in the community.
Use simple hygiene practices such as, regular handwashing or using alcohol-based sanitizers, not touching your face, and covering your cough or sneeze. If you are sick, stay home.
Four out of five people who become ill with COVID-19 will have no symptoms or mild symptoms and recover within a week or two.
Employers are encouraged to support employees to work from home and to visit the Health Unit’s website for information on preparing and responding to the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.
