Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 20, 2020 – 12:10 pm
Ontario Public Health Laboratory tests have confirmed a second case of COVID-19 in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, unrelated to the case announced yesterday or those in quarantine at CFB Trenton. The individual recently returned from travel outside of Canada, developed symptoms of COVID-19, sought medical care, and remains in self-isolation at home.
Given the understanding that COVID-19 is now present in our community, effective immediately, Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) will report new local lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the hpePublicHealth.ca website, rather than issuing individual media releases. The information will be located on the main COVID-19 page and updated daily at 2 pm.
In response to the increased need for community screening and information, the HPEPH COVID-19 information line is operating 8:30 am to 8:30 pm Monday to Friday, and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekends. Callers are assessed for risk of COVID-19 based on their travel history, symptoms, and the Ministry of Health case definitions.
“The best method for us to combat COVID-19 in our community is to stay home if possible, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, and remain diligent with handwashing and infection control practices” says Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for HPEPH. “The responsibility lies with each of us to do everything we can to keep ourselves, our families and our neighbours healthy”.
The HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca is continuously updated with current information and answers for many questions about COVID-19, infection control, and outbreak preparedness. 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.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
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Media Contact:
Karen La Rose, Communications Coordinator
613-966-5500 ext. 369
klarose@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.
