Public health services in the Quinte area will continue throughout the holiday season.
Hastings and Prince Edward public health says COVID-19 vaccinations, outbreak management and emergency services will continue.
Local health care leaders have indicated that getting flu vaccine and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is important to stay healthy for the holidays.
COVID-19 vaccination clinics will continue, appointments are available. Individuals reporting non-medical emergencies or outbreaks, and health care providers reporting diseases of public health significance can receive after hours assistance by calling 613-966-5500.
Answers to common public health questions and concerns are available online.
Public health officials also advise that you skip the holiday party if you’re not feeling well, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces and when recovering from illness.
And wash your hands often.
- COVID-19 vaccination clinics will continue, appointments are available at hpePublicHealth.ca/vaccine-booking.
- Additional options for vaccination are available at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.
- Individuals reporting non-medical emergencies or outbreaks, and health care providers reporting diseases of public health significance can receive after hours assistance by calling 613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803 and following the prompts.
- Answers to common public health questions and concerns are available at hpePublicHealth.ca.
Please note, the HPEPH COVID-19 Dashboard and the Respiratory Infection Dashboard will not be updated the week of December 26 to December 30. Updates will resume on January 3.
HPEPH holiday office closures
Belleville and Picton offices
Closed at noon on Friday, Dec. 23 until 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 28
Closed at noon on Friday, Dec. 30 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3
Bancroft office
Closed at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3
Trenton office
Closed at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 21 until 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3
Take action to #SpreadJoyNotGerms this holiday season
- Get your flu shot and stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines.
- Skip the holiday party if you’re not feeling well. It is critical to stay home when you are sick, and keep your children home if they are sick. As we all get back to enjoying gatherings again, be respectful of others. Keep your sniffles at home and don’t risk spreading infection to the vulnerable.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and when recovering from illness. If you are attending a busy gathering or interacting with others, wearing a mask will reduce your risk of unknowingly spreading an infection to those you love. If you are recovering from illness, it is especially important to wear a mask for 10 days after your symptoms started.
- Wash your hands often, and clean high touch surfaces. This is especially important to prevent the spread of influenza and RSV, both of which are easily spread on high touch surfaces. If you host or attend a holiday gathering, clean high touch surfaces and encourage guests to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
- Protect our health care services. Doing what you can to limit the spread of illness will help ensure our health care workers are available for those who need them most.
