Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) reports COVID-19 is taking its toll as the seventh wave of the pandemic continues in the region.
Public health is reporting five deaths due to COVID-19, as well as three hospitalizations and six outbreaks in highest-risk settings.
The five deaths were connected to two outbreaks in long-term care facilities. HPPH is also reporting an additional eighty confirmed cases of COVID-19 in high-risk individuals in the last week.
Since PCR testing is limited only to high-risk individuals, the number of people in Huron-Perth who have COVID-19 is much higher than confirmed case counts.
“Even though we are in a much better position against COVID-19 now than we were two years ago, COVID-19 remains a serious infection,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “HPPH sends our condolences to the loved ones of the individuals who have passed away. So far in 2022, 43 people in Huron-Perth have passed away due to COVID-19. We are seeing high rates of community transmission in this seventh wave and we ask everyone to make decisions to protect themselves and our community’s vulnerable members.”
How to protect yourself and loved ones at this time
– Stay home when sick, even with mild symptoms, and keep ill children out of childcare
– If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate. Follow the instructions at ontario.ca/exposed or call the
Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line at 1-888-777-0730. This line is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a
week.
– If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19, visit
ontario.ca/exposed or call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line above to learn what to do next.
– There continue to be masking requirements for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been
exposed to COVID-19. Visit ontario.ca/exposed to learn more.
– Know your risk and whether you are eligible for early testing and treatment for COVID-19. Have a plan to access
that testing and treatment; visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-treatments to learn more.
– Even without a known exposure to COVID-19, wear a well-fitted three-layer cloth mask or medical mask in
indoor public settings.
– Maintain good ventilation in indoor spaces (for example by opening windows)
– Wash hands frequently and;
– Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.
Visit www.hpph.ca/GetVaccinated to find out which dose you are eligible for, as well clinic dates and locations.
Read original story from Midwestern Ontario News – BlackburnNews.com