RENFREW COUNTY (Pembroke) — Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is urging residents to take social distancing measures seriously. During these trying times, everyone needs to do their part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Renfrew County and District. RCDHU is reminding residents to take the necessary precautions to not only protect themselves, but to protect their family, friends, colleagues and community members that may not be able to fight the virus.
In times like these, it is more important than ever that we all do our part to keep our community safe. RCDHU is reminding residents social distancing involves taking steps to limit the number of people you come into close contact with. This includes whenever possible, spend time outside and in settings where people can maintain a two metre distance from each other; avoiding non-essential trips in the community; if you have to go into the community for an essential trip via taxi or ride-share, be sure to keep the windows down; avoid visits to Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, Supportive Housing,
hospitals, Hospices and other congregate care settings unless the visit is absolutely essential; talk to your supervisor, manager, or employer about the possibility of working from home; if you have meetings planned, consider doing them virtually instead of in person; avoid sending children to daycare; and limit or consider cancelling group gatherings of greater than 10 people.
Please note that this is not meant to say you must stay confined in your homes. You can still go outside to take a walk, go to the park, or walk your dog. If you need groceries, go to the store, just be sure to follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette if you do so, and when you are outdoors, avoid crowds and maintain a distance of 2 metre from those around you. RCDHU wants to remind residents that while you may not feel sick, and while we know these measures are an inconvenience, please be mindful of the members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. RCDHU is reminding residents we are all in this together.
We understand that during difficult times, people have different ways to cope. Whether this is through faith, family or friends. However, for the safety of our community, RCDHU is reminding residents to avoid any congregations or gatherings of large groups greater than 10 people. In regards to social gatherings, RCDHU is recommending individuals stay home unless necessary and any social gathering, activity or event that exceeds 10 people be cancelled or postponed including faith or family gatherings.
This is a reminder that according to the Government of Canada, all international travellers must self-isolate for 14 days upon return to Canada, self-isolate for 14 days if you have symptoms like fever or new cough, regardless of travel, and isolate and shelter in place if you are 70 years or older. You must not be at work if you fall under the above criteria.
Businesses and individuals who do not follow orders issued by the province or their local public health unit can be fined or closed. While they understand peoples concerns regarding COVID-19 testing, asymptomatic individuals do not qualify for COVID-19 testing which is based on the case definition from the province of Ontario.
