COVID-19 Community Updates
BELLEVILLE – City officials continue to meet with representatives of Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Quinte Health Care, neighbouring municipalities and other community partners on an ongoing basis to receive updates on the COVID-19 situation locally and beyond. Updates since the last meeting include:
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There have been 334 confirmed cases to date in the Hastings Prince Edward Counties catchment area. There are currently 23 active lab-confirmed cases in the region, with three individuals hospitalized – one individual is in ICU and none are on ventilators. In-depth case details are available on Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s COVID-19 dashboard. Every effort is being made to update the dashboard daily by 2 p.m. (with the exception of statutory holidays) with the latest information.
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There have been 69,455 total swab tests completed by Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Paramedics COVID-19 Response Team and COVID-19 Assessment Centres in Belleville, North Hastings Prince Edward County and Quinte West.
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The Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit’s face covering mandate remains in effect.
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Quinte Health Care has created a resource page for COVID-19 testing which includes assessment centre information and online registration forms. Pre-registration is required for testing.
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On Tuesday, Jan. 12 Premier Doug Ford announced that Ontario will enter a second provincial emergency effective immediately. Beginning Thursday (January 14) at 12:01 a.m., the government will implement a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for work where the work cannot be done remotely.
In alignment with provincial regulations, as of Thursday, January 14, 2021 all city facilities will be closed to the public until February 16 and no events will be held. Services such as garbage tags, transit passes and parking passes are available on the city website and are necessary. For the few services which cannot be accessed online (e.g. marriage licences and building permits), residents are encouraged to call City Hall at 613-968-6481 to book an appointment.
Residents are assured that city services will continue including transit, garbage removal and the clearing of streets. Winter parking restrictions remain in place and will be enforced to allow city crews to plow roadways, keeping them safely accessible for residents and emergency vehicles. The warming centre will continue to be activated when temperature thresholds are met.
Under the emergency order, residents are permitted to use outdoor facilities such as parks, trails and outdoor rinks. However, restrictions for social distancing, group sizes (not to exceed five) and the wearing of masks are in effect. City bylaw officers will be ensuring these restrictions are adhered to and can be contacted at 613-967-3200, ext. 3332 or bylawenforcement@belleville.ca.
“I know this news is disappointing for all of us, particularly in our region where we have worked so hard,” said Mayor Mitch Panciuk. “We need to take care of ourselves and others as we continue to make our way through this challenging time. We ask that you check in on those that you know are alone and please be kind to one another.”
Download the COVID Alert app for free in the App Store and Google Play.
For impacts to City of Belleville services, visit the COVID-19 information page at: https://www.belleville.ca/en/city-of-belleville-covid-19-information.aspx
For ongoing COVID-19 updates and ways to protect yourself and your family, please visit: hpepublichealth.ca
(PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF BELLEVILLE)
