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Media Release: HPEPH will continue to provide priority services throughout holiday period

Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/Dec. 20, 2022

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will continue to provide priority services throughout the holiday period to protect the health of the public. COVID-19 vaccinations, outbreak management and emergency services will continue. As indicated in the recent joint statement from local health care leaders, getting your flu vaccine and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is important to stay #HealthyForTheHolidays.

Throughout the holiday period, the following services will continue to be provided:

  • COVID-19 vaccination clinics will continue, appointments are available at  hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking.
  • Individuals reporting non-medical emergencies or outbreaks, and health care providers reporting diseases of public health significance can receive after hours assistance by calling 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803 and following the prompts.
  • Answers to common public health questions and concerns are available at hpePublicHealth.ca.

Please note, the HPEPH COVID-19 Dashboard and the Respiratory Infection Dashboard will not be updated the week of December 26 to December 30. Updates will resume on January 3.

HPEPH holiday office closures

Belleville and Picton offices
Closed at noon on Friday, Dec. 23 until 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28
Closed at noon on Friday, Dec. 30 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3

Bancroft office
Closed at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3

Trenton office
Closed at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3

Take action to #SpreadJoyNotGerms this holiday season

  • Get your flu shot and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Skip the holiday party if you’re not feeling well. It is critical to stay home when you are sick, and keep your children home if they are sick. As we all get back to enjoying gatherings again, be respectful of others. Keep your sniffles at home and don’t risk spreading infection to the vulnerable.
  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and when recovering from illness. If you are attending a busy gathering or interacting with others, wearing a mask will reduce your risk of unknowingly spreading an infection to those you love. If you are recovering from illness, it is especially important to wear a mask for 10 days after your symptoms started.
  • Wash your hands often, and clean high touch surfaces. This is especially important to prevent the spread of influenza and RSV, both of which are easily spread on high touch surfaces. If you host or attend a holiday gathering, clean high touch surfaces and encourage guests to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
  • Protect our health care services. Doing what you can to limit the spread of illness will help ensure our health care workers are available for those who need them most.

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Media contacts

Emily Tubbs, Communications Specialist
etubbs@hpeph.ca

Maureen Hyland, Communications Specialist
hyland.maureen@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. HPEPH is situated and provides services on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people. 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.

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South East Health Unit

As of Jan. 1, 2025 Hastings Prince Edward Public Health; Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health and the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit will merge to form the South East Health Unit.

Partners and members of the public should continue to engage with their local public health offices as usual until otherwise directed.

Efforts are underway to develop branding for the South East Health Unit, which will take several months. In the meantime, you will see logos and other advertising material with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health branding. You may also see some documents using the legal name South East Health Unit.