On this National Day of Observance to recognize the impacts of COVID-19, the Hastings Prince Edward Medical Officer of Health asks people not to forget the tremendous losses experienced by so many.
With the COVID-19 pandemic now officially two years old, Dr. Ethan Toumishey offers condolences to all those who have lost loved ones throughout the pandemic.
He adds innumerable sacrifices have been made by individuals, families, and organizations in order to keep one another safe and, while public health restrictions are lifting and we are learning to live with COVID, everyone must continue to work to prevent and respond to the impacts of the virus.
Dr. Toumishey notes public health measures and vaccinations have played a key role in limiting the spread of the virus and reducing serious impacts of COVID-19 and while the pandemic is not over, progress is being made.
Read the full statement below.
Statement from the HPEPH Medical Officer of Health on National Day of Observance for COVID-19
Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/March 11, 2022
Two years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared by the World Health Organization. Last year, the Federal Government designated March 11 as a National Day of Observance to recognize the impacts of the pandemic and commemorate the many lives lost due to COVID-19. Over the past two years, the pandemic has impacted all of us, in particular those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19.
While the province is gradually lifting public health restrictions and we are learning to live with COVID-19, it is essential that we do not forget the tremendous losses experienced by so many over the past two years. Innumerable sacrifices have been made by individuals, families, and organizations in order to keep one another safe. Sadly, these efforts did not prevent all losses, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost loved ones throughout the pandemic. We also express our steadfast appreciation for all those who have and continue to work to prevent and respond to the impacts of the virus. Your work is invaluable.
Public health measures and vaccination have played a key role in limiting the spread of the virus and reducing serious impacts of COVID-19. Vaccination remains critical to keep yourself, and those around you, protected and reduce further loss of life due to COVID-19. While we learn to live with COVID-19, the risk of the virus is not eliminated. Collective efforts will help keep our community as safe as possible. As public health measures are gradually lifted, please – do what you can to protect our progress and prevent further loss.
- Stay home when you are sick to prevent the spread of illness.
- Get vaccinated and boosted, to reduce your risk of serious illness related to COVID-19.
- Follow any public health measures that remain in place – including masking when and where directed.
- Remain kind, courteous, and respectful to one another. The past two years have been difficult for all of us.
Thank you, residents of Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, for working together to keep one another safe. While the pandemic is not over, we are making progress. With your ongoing commitment and selflessness, we will overcome the challenges presented by this pandemic, as a strong and healthy community.
Dr. Ethan Toumishey
Medical Officer of Health and CEO
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
