RENFREW COUNTY — Residents of Renfrew County and District have been recommended to wear masks in public when physical distancing cannot be maintained. An example is wearing a mask in grocery stores or when you must come into close contact with others. According to Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Cushman, “it is particularly important if you cannot observe the two metre rule, it is best to wear a mask”.
This is in response to the easing of mobility restrictions provincially across the province. It is supported by the increasing evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of face masks as a prevention tool in the transmission of COVID-19. With reports showing that 50 per cent to 75 per cent of individuals with COVID-19 infections have no symptoms or mild symptoms, it is important that we continue to act as though anyone could transmit the infection.
Therefore, it is important that we all continue to take the necessary measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Some of these measures include: wearing a mask when maintaining a two metre distance is not possible, cleaning your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub, practicing physical distancing, and staying home if you are ill.
For information on how to make a non-medical mask visit the Government of Canada’s instructions for Non-medical masks and face coverings: Sew and no-sew instructions. Visit Public Health Ontario’s fact sheets for appropriate steps on how to put on a mask, and how to take off a mask. For more information on masks and facial coverings, or all things COVID-19 related, visit RCDHU’s website at www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-2 or call 613-735-8651 extension 516.
