Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/April 9, 2021 –Since the launch of HPEPH community COVID-19 vaccine clinics, we continue to emphasize the extensive infection control precautions and protocols that are in place on site to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, or any infectious illness. As cases continue to increase, widespread vaccination continues to be critical to increase immunity in our region. After many months of distancing from others, we recognize that some individuals may be concerned about visiting a location experiencing a high volume of pedestrian traffic. Please be reassured that the screening, distancing, cleaning, sanitizing, PPE, and mandatory face covering protocols continue to be effective at minimizing risk to clinic visitors.
The effectiveness of these measures and the prompt responsiveness of the HPEPH case and contact management team was proven this week, as an investigation showed that an individual was at one of HPEPH’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (Belleville – Loyalist College Site) during their period of communicability (contagious period) for COVID-19. Public Health defines the period of communicability as 48 hours before an individual’s symptom onset, or 48 hours before a positive test result, if no symptoms were present.
As we continue to reiterate, HPEPH does not typically share the location of positive cases in order to protect the privacy of the individual who tested positive, as well as their close contacts. However, as this individual was on site at an HPEPH operated clinic, where approximately 500 individuals were in attendance, we are disclosing the location of this case information in the interest of transparency. In a small, close-knit community, we understand that information may spread quickly about the location of positive cases. We are recognizing and confirming that an individual who later tested positive for COVID-19 was at our clinic in order to mitigate any rumours, as well as to offer reassurance that current infection control measures are effective.
All clinic visitors can be reassured that close contacts of the individual who tested positive for COVID-19 have already been notified. Any other individuals who visited the clinic have no greater risk of exposure to COVID-19 than they would experience while conducting essential activities in the community.
That being said, the local increase in cases is concerning, and with increasing local rates, comes increasing risk of community transmission (transmission without a known source). Local data shows that if we were not under a provincial Stay at Home Order, our region would be in the “Red – Control” zone of the Provincial Framework. Our region is experiencing an unprecedented amount of COVID-19 activity. The incidence rate in HPEC for the 7 days ending March 7, is 80.7 per 100,000. This is 2.6 times higher than our previous peak weekly rate, which occurred in November-December (31.5 per 100,000). To reduce your risk and the risk to others, it is critical that everyone continue to follow public health guidance to keep our community as safe as possible.
- Get vaccinated if you are eligible. Take advantage of the earliest possible opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine but remember that precautions must continue until two doses of vaccine are available to all people.
- Stay home if you are sick. If you have a sniffle, runny nose, headache, stomach ache, cough, sore throat, chills, fever, headache, or any of the other symptoms of COVID-19, just stay home. There is no such thing as “just a cold” during the pandemic.
- Get tested for COVID-19. If you have symptoms, even mild ones, you must stay home until a negative test result or alternative diagnosis is received.
- Avoid non-essential contact with others. School, work, groceries, and medical appointments are essential reasons to have (distanced) contact with others. Wear your face covering, keep your distance and wash your hands. Avoid any unnecessary contact with those outside of your household.
- Please be kind and patient. During these unprecedented times, it is easy to place blame on those around us. Please remember local health care workers, public health representatives, essential workers, educators, support staff, families, and students, are your neighbours, friends, and loved ones. Please help support those who are doing their best to keep our community safe by recognizing and respecting these efforts.
On behalf of the team at HPEPH, thank you for your ongoing efforts to protect one another and the health of our community.
Dr. Piotr Oglaza
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
