Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Dec. 10, 2021
Today, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) reported its highest single-day case count since the beginning of the pandemic with 38 new cases in one day and a total of 203 active cases. While there has not yet been a confirmed case of the Omicron variant of concern in HPEC, HPEPH is identifying and isolating multiple individuals who have had high risk exposure to COVID-19 cases who have tested positive for the Omicron variant in other regions.
“It is just a matter of time before we see a local case with the Omicron variant, and while we are continuing to learn more about this variant, evidence suggests it is much more transmissible than previous variants,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “While HPEPH is prepared to respond to new cases that emerge, the public can help slow the spread by stepping back and re-evaluating whether gatherings, social visits, and close contact could be postponed until case rates stabilize.”
HPEPH has updated contact tracing protocols and isolation requirements in response to the Omicron variant. All residents should be aware that enhanced precautions are in place to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant. Individuals who are identified as close contacts of a COVID-19 case with the Omicron variant will be required to isolate – even if vaccinated and/or not symptomatic. A negative test will be required for close contacts to leave isolation. If close contacts choose not to seek testing, they will be required to isolate for 20 days.
Protect yourself, and those around you, by re-considering your choices and activities. Please redouble your efforts to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
We urge everyone to:
- Change your social habits. Avoid social gatherings and limit visiting others or having visitors.
- Take physical distancing seriously. Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with and wear a mask in indoor spaces.
- If you are not vaccinated – get vaccinated right away. Get your third dose or booster dose as soon as you are eligible. Making this choice will help protect the most vulnerable and keep your neighbours, friends, and family members out of the hospital.
- If you can not get an appointment at an HPEPH clinic, contact participating pharmacies – many have doses available and offer evening/weekend appointments.
- If you have a child age 5-11, get them vaccinated as soon as possible. Getting them vaccinated right away will help ensure they have some protection against COVID-19 over the holiday season.
- Stay home if you have ANY symptoms of COVID-19. Isolate, and get tested if you have any symptoms, even mild symptoms.
- If you suspect you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 but have not yet been contacted by public health, please self-isolate and get tested.
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Media Contacts:
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist,
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is a public health agency that serves the counties of Hastings and Prince Edward from four local offices. We monitor the health of our local population, deliver programs and services within our communities, and help develop healthy public policies. We provide information and support in many areas to help improve the health and well-being of our residents. Together with our communities, we help people become as healthy as they can be. For more information, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
We invite community partners and residents to share this Media Release with their respective networks.
