The Health Unit says there are also probable cases of COVID-19 in our community.
Staff at HPE Public Health are reinforcing the need for all individuals to engage in social distancing, remain home if sick, and implement regular infection control practices.
In response to the increased need for community screening and information, the HPEPH COVID-19 information line will be extending its hours. Effective today, the call line will operate 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends.
Probable cases are advised to self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. A probable case is defined as a person with a fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) and/or a cough and any of the following within 14 days prior to onset of illness:
- travel to an impacted area, or
- close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19, or
- close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has been to an impacted area.
“Testing is being prioritized based on Ontario Ministry of Health criteria and our local surveillance needs,” says Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH, “all cases are instructed to remain in self-isolation until they are no longer infectious as determined by public health”. Travellers returning from anywhere outside Canada have been directed to self-isolate for 14 days following their return and to contact HPEPH if they develop symptoms.
The HPEPH website, hpePublicHealth.ca is continuously updated and contains 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.
