A COVID-19 community outbreak has officially been declared today in Hastings Highlands.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says in an update this morning, that at this time they have confirmed 11 cases of the virus connected to several households.
Health officials note that due to privacy reasons, they will not be disclosing specific locations.
“It is incredibly important that all community members monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, please isolate right away and only leave isolation to seek testing for COVID-19. Our case investigations show that individuals are not always following public health guidance and are ignoring symptoms and delaying testing, which puts everyone in the community at risk. If you feel sick, please make a responsible choice and get tested to protect yourself and others,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH.
The health unit has announced that COVID-19 testing will be available tomorrow from 10 am to 2 pm at Logger’s Field (6 Anaf Rd).
Residents in Hastings Highlands are encouraged to get tested if they believe they made have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or even if they have mild COVID-19 symptoms like a runny nose or soar throat.
Here is more information from the HPEPH today:
- Fever 37.8 degrees Celsius and over
- New onset of cough
- Muscle aches, joint pain and tiredness
- Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Runny nose
- New loss of taste or smell
- Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea)
All residents are asked to take all necessary precautions to protect themselves and others by following all public health precautions such as leaving home only for essential reasons, limiting close contact to those within your household, wearing a face covering when distancing is not possible, and washing your hands frequently.
Those who have tested positive, are symptomatic, or have been identified as high-risk contacts by HPEPH are reminded that self-isolating as directed by public health is a legal requirement. Individuals who fail to comply with the order may be charged a fine of up to $5,000 and/or may be required to abide by a court order issued by a judge from the Superior Court of Justice.
To learn more about COVID-19, how you can protect yourself and what to do if you suspect you may be at risk, please visit hpePublicHealth.ca or Ontario’s website.
All residents are also reminded that no one is immune to the virus and some individuals may be exposed despite their best efforts. Be kind to one another as we work together to stop the spread of this virus.
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