Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/July 31, 2020
Ontario Public Health Laboratory tests have confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties (HPEC), the first positive case in HPEC since May 18. A resident of Quinte West has tested positive for the virus after returning from travel. The individual is in self-isolation at home and all close contacts have been identified and assessed.
It is important to note that this is a case related to travel and that local spread of COVID-19 has not been identified. Additionally, this case is not associated with Canadian Forces Base Trenton. To protect the privacy of the affected individual, no further details about the case will be shared; however, the recommendations to prevent the spread of infection remain unchanged.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) recommends five fundamentals to combat the spread of COVID-19:
- Stay home when ill;
- Maintain physical distancing of 2 metres from others;
- Wear a mask or face covering when physical distancing is difficult, or not possible;
- Practice hand hygiene and environmental cleaning;
- Screen and test anyone who is concerned about potential transmission.
“This coming long weekend, many people will be getting outside to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of our region. A new case in our community is a reminder that we all still have a job to do,” says Dr. Alexa Caturay, Acting Medical Office of Health at HPEPH. “This pandemic has been part of our lives for a long time and we understand that everyone is looking for a return to what feels normal. To keep up with our fight against COVID-19, we have to persevere, even though many of us are tired. Our community has done an exemplary job of using the public health tools that work to keep us safe – physical distancing, hand hygiene and face mask strategies that have been effective so far. This demonstration of kindness and respect for each other, of working hard together to stay safe and healthy is what makes our community resilient and will continue to keep us all safe.”
The HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca is continuously updated with current information and answers for many questions about COVID-19. Residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties who still have questions about COVID-19 after reviewing the online content can call the COVID-19 information line at 613-966-5500, Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm (excluding statutory holidays).
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Recorded Statement from Dr. Alexa Caturay, Acting Medical Officer of Health
Media Contacts:
Karen La Rose, Communications Coordinator
klarose@hpeph.ca
Veronica Montgomery, Foundational Standards Manager
vmontgomery@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.
