Back to SearchHeath care partners from across the region all working with public health to prevent local outbreak.
March 12, 2020
Southwestern Public Health is working closely with community partners including hospitals, municipalities and long-term care homes to assist health partners and our community to respond to COVID-19, declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization yesterday.
Under Ontario’s Public Health Standards, each of the province’s 34 public health units are charged with effectively detecting, identifying and managing diseases of public health significance, their risk factors and emerging trends. This work is informed by provincial partners such as Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Health and federal partners such as the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“At the local level we have strong partnerships with our health service organizations and highly engaged staff and clinicians who share our concern, passion and commitment to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas,” says Dr. Joyce Lock, the agency’s Medical Officer of Health.
The illness is spread from person to person through moisture droplets produced by coughs and sneezes. Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Eight in ten infected have mild symptoms.
As of writing, there have been no cases diagnosed in the region. While the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the risk to Canadians as low, the situation can change at any moment. Local health system partners are firming up shared plans for the assessment and care of suspected or diagnosed cases in order to be prepared in any scenario.
In the meantime, there are steps that all residents can do to stay healthy during what is also flu season. “The best defense is thorough and frequent handwashing. Keep at least a meter away from people who are coughing or sneezing. Stay home when you are sick, and finally clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces – doorknobs, cell phones, keyboards, faucets, railings, light switches, etc,” adds Lock.
Purchasing and wearing of masks is not recommended for people who are well. “Families may want to have important medications, non-perishable food, hygiene products, diapers, formula, and pet food on hand to cover a 14 day period in the event that they need to self-isolate,” says Hilaire Hudson, Manager of Emergency response for the organization, “but we don’t recommend stockpiling months worth of items that may be needed by a fellow community member.”
The health unit updates information for both community members and health care providers almost daily on its website. Starting immediately, information will also be rolled out on social media. A dedicated line related to COVID-19 will up and running next week: 1-800-922-0096 #9.
About Southwestern Public Health
Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Formed in 2018 by the merger of Elgin St. Thomas Public Health and Oxford County Public Health, Southwestern Public Health serves a population of approximately 205,000 across Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Promotion and Protection Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.
Contacts
Megan Cornwell Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health 519.631.9900, ext. 1259 communications@swpublichealth.ca
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