Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/May 12, 2021
Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) has declared a COVID-19 community outbreak in Hastings Highlands. At the time of this release, HPEPH and Renfrew County and District Health Unit have confirmed 11 cases of COVID-19 connected to several households.
While HPEPH does not typically disclose the location of COVID-19 cases in order to protect individuals’ privacy, this information is disclosed when needed in order to meet public health objectives, such as prompt notification of potential contacts and reducing the risk of further transmission.
In an effort to identify and curb the spread of COVID-19, COVID-19 testing will be offered on Thursday, May 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 6 Anaf Rd (Logger’s Field), Maynooth for any residents who believe they may have been in contact with a case of COVID-19 or are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 – even very mild symptoms such as a sore throat or runny nose.
Individuals who chose to seek testing at a COVID-19 assessment centre should reference investigation number 2238-2021-41725.
“It is incredibly important that all community members monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, please isolate right away and only leave isolation to seek testing for COVID-19,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “Our case investigations show that individuals are not always following public health guidance and are ignoring symptoms and delaying testing, which puts everyone in the community at risk. If you feel sick, please make a responsible choice and get tested to protect yourself and others.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever 37.8 degrees Celsius and over
- New onset of cough
- Muscle aches, joint pain and tiredness
- Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea)
All residents are asked to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and others by following all public health precautions such as leaving home only for essential reasons, limiting close contact to those within your household, wearing a face covering when distancing is not possible, and washing your hands frequently.
Those who have tested positive, are symptomatic, or have been identified as high-risk contacts by HPEPH are reminded that self-isolating as directed by public health is a legal requirement. Individuals who fail to comply with the order may be charged a fine of up to $5,000 and/or may be required to abide by a court order issued by a judge from the Superior Court of Justice.
To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca or Ontario’s website.
All residents are also reminded that no one is immune to the virus and some individuals may be exposed despite their best efforts. Be kind to one another as we work together to stop the spread of this virus.
-30-
Media contacts
Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
mhyland@hpeph.ca
Emily Tubbs
etubbs@hpeph.ca
