Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/May 14, 2020 – 5:30pm
With Victoria Day weekend around the corner, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is urging residents to make every possible effort to continue physical distancing, which is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19. While the province has recently lifted restrictions in certain settings, it is important to remember that the pandemic is not over yet, and there is still the possibility of COVID-19 being spread in the community.
“Physical distancing efforts have helped slow the spread of COVID-19 across the province, but we can’t let up yet,” says Dr. Alexa Caturay, Public Health Physician at HPEPH. “As businesses and other settings are permitted to re-open, the safety of employees, clients, and customers is dependent on residents being respectful of physical distancing requirements as well as any infection control measures that are in place.”
Residents are reminded to practise physical distancing whenever leaving home, including when outside. The Province of Ontario also recommends that individuals should wear a face covering when physical distancing is difficult or not possible. In addition, all residents are advised to stay home when ill and seek assessment if they develop symptoms of COVID-19.
Gatherings of more than five (5) people continue to be prohibited by the provincial government. HPEPH recommends that even in gatherings of five people or less, every effort should be made to keep two metres of distance between yourself and others, unless they live in your household, or are providing a critical service and have been appropriately trained in infection prevention and the use of personal protective equipment.
Visit the HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca for current information and answers to many questions about COVID-19. Individuals who still have questions after reviewing web content can call the COVID-19 information line at 613-966-5500.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Media Contact:
Veronica Montgomery, Foundational Standards Manager
vmontgomery@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.
