Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

On December 31, 2019, a cluster of cases of pneumonia was reported in Wuhan, China, and the cause has been confirmed as a new coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans. This virus is now known as the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• fever
• cough
• difficulty breathing
• muscle aches
• fatigue
• headache
• sore throat
• runny nose

As we learn more about the virus, this list of symptoms may change; visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website for the latest list of symptoms.

Those who are medically at the highest risk for severe illness due to COVID-19 for HPPH

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• Other high-risk conditions could include:
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People who have serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised** including cancer treatment
  • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
  • People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown increased risk
  • People with diabetes

**Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including

• cancer treatment,
• bone marrow or solid organ transplantation,
• immune deficiencies including congenital and primary immunodeficiency
• HIV or AIDS
• rheumatological disease
• gastrointestinal disease
• severe burns
• And those who are:
  • taking selective immunomodulators (i.e. anti-TNF agents, azathioprine, MMF and all immunosuppressive agents).
  • taking long-term steroid therapy
  • prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
  • in a severely malnourished state

Public health risk is continually reassessed as new information becomes available.

There are everyday actions you can take to stay healthy and help prevent the spread of germs.

Local public health response

• Current Huron Perth Public Health activities include:
  • surveillance
  • performing case management (such as assisting with self-isolation) and contact tracing
  • communications
  • leading local collaboration
  • acting as liaison with the Ontario Health Regional Planning Table, and
  • facilitating regional plans.
• Huron Perth Public Health has a strong partnership with local hospitals and healthcare providers and are working together to respond to the situation.
• COVID-19 is now a reportable disease in Ontario. This means healthcare providers and organizations are required to report any suspect or confirmed case of COVID-19 to local public health authorities, so that public health can take measures to contain spread of infection.
• For a suspected or confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Huron or Perth, HPPH works with the Ministry of Health, Public Health Ontario Laboratory, and local hospitals in the management of the case and any contacts.
• Learn about the public health response in Ontario.

• News release: HPPH issues class order: employers of migrant workers | June 30, 2020
• News release: Actions you can take during the "New Normal" | June 17, 2020
• News release: COVID-19 Updates for Huron and Perth | June 15, 2020
• News release: COVID-19 Testing and Updates for Huron and Perth | June 4, 2020
• News release: COVID-19 Testing and Guidance Updates for Huron and Perth | May 26, 2020
• News release: COVID-19 Update as Province begins reopening | May 22, 2020
• News release: HPPH Provides Update on COVID-19 Response | April 27, 2020
• News release: First positive COVID-19 case in Listowel | April 12, 2020
• News release: Huron Perth Public Health Learns of Death in Resident at Greenwood Court | April 11, 2020
• News release: Huron Perth Public Health Reminds People Importance of Physical Distancing as City of Stratford Transit Driver Tests Positive for COVID-19 | April 10, 2020
• News release: Have a different celebration this year: stay safe and stop the spread | April 9, 2020
• News release: Two new confirmed COVID-19 cases at local long-term care home | April 1, 2020
• News release: Huron Perth Public Health notified of first COVID-19 death  | March 30, 2020
• News release: New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Huron Perth | March 28, 2020
• News release: Act now to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in Huron Perth | March 24, 2020 1600h
• News release: COVID-19 Assessment Services Available for Huron Perth Residents | March 24, 2020 0845h
• Advisory - Tuesday, March 24, 2020: 
  • As reported by Waterloo Region Public Health, an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 attended an event at the Seaforth Agricultural Society on Saturday, March 14, from 9pm to March 15, 1am. Anyone who attended this event is asked to self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days from the date of the event. If you develop symptoms you should self-isolate right away (stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including others in the same household) and take the online assessment tool for further direction.
• News release: Second case of COVID-19 confirmed in Huron Perth | March 18, 2020 1630h 
• News release: Updated recommendations to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario | March 16, 2020 1900h
• News release: HPPH provides update regarding community concerns related to COVID-19 in Huron and Perth | March 16, 2020 1545h
• News release: Huron Perth Public Health confirms first positive case of COVID-19 | March 14, 2020

For COVID-19 testing data in Huron and Perth, please visit COVID-19 in Huron and Perth. 

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. Close physical contact means:

• being less than 2 metres away in the same room, workspace, or area for over 15 minutes
• living in the same home

There is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19, but there are actions you can take to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Every day actions to protect yourself

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• when coughing or sneezing:
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
  • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• stay home if you are sick
• practice safe food handling: shopping, cooking and preparation

If you are an essential worker, review COVID-19: Don't Take It Home! A Guide for Essential Workers.

How long does the virus survive on surfaces?

• It is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses.
• Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days.
• This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment).

Cleaning

Health Canada has published a list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against coronavirus (COVID-19).

Although they do not claim to kill viruses such as COVID-19, cleaners can play a role in helping limit the transfer of microorganisms.

Health Canada recommends cleaning often, using either regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) the following high-touch surfaces:

• toys
• toilets
• phones
• electronics
• door handles
• bedside tables
• television remotes

Is it safe to receive a package from any area where COVID-19 has been reported?

Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low.

Masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE)

Masks

The province of Ontario now recommends that you use a face covering (non-medical mask such as a cloth mask) to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 when physical distancing and keeping two-metres’ distance from others may be challenging or not possible. Please see the province of Ontario's latest instructions on masks as well as this factsheet on non-medical masks and face coverings.

All face coverings that cannot be cleaned should be thrown out and replaced as soon as they get slightly wet, dirty or crumpled. Remember to dispose of masks properly in a lined garbage bin. Do not leave discarded masks or gloves in shopping carts, on the ground, etc.

Wearing masks in the heat 

• Wearing a mask is important to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 in any indoor setting where it may be difficult to maintain at least a two-metre or six feet distance.
• Wearing a mask outdoors is necessary in situations when proper physical distancing cannot be maintained.
• Bring spares: Although wearing masks may become more uncomfortable in hot temperatures, they will still work. You may need to change your mask more frequently in hot and humid temperatures as it may become damp more quickly.
• Consider choosing a breathable material.
• Plan outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day and take breaks in the shade or cool environment if you find wearing a face mask uncomfortable in the heat.
• Outdoor workers: For people undertaking physical exertion in heat, a mask can make the effort more difficult. Decreasing intensity and volume of work, taking more frequent rests and taking more cooling breaks may be necessary. Discuss with your employer.

Masks and exercise

• Wearing a mask when exercising may not be possible because of higher heart and breathing rates. Exercising without a mask is safer outdoors if there are people around who are not from your own household. If you are exercising outdoors, briefly passing someone on the sidewalk or road is not considered a significant risk for exposure to COVID-19. When exercising outdoors (such as jogging, cycling or skateboarding) here are some ways to stay safe:
  • Maintain at least a two-metre (six feet) distance from others
  • When in single file, spacing needs to increase with speed of movement
  • Step-aside or pass others quickly and courteously on sidewalks
  • If you are with others, travel in single file to allow others to pass safely
  • If possible, consider using shared paths and sidewalks when it’s less busy

Gloves

Gloves cannot replace hand washing and as such are not recommended for well people to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Hand washing is best.

PPE Donations

If you are looking to donate new, manufactured PPE contact your local hospital, long term care home, retirement home, primary care provider or emergency service.

Innovative Medical Supply Ideas

If your business, research institution, or organization can provide emergency products and innovative solutions to support the response to COVID-19, please visit www.ontario.ca/ontariotogether

• Many people are being asked to self isolate. Self-isolation instructions vary for each person's situation. Find the latest information for different self-isolation situations on our self-isolation information page.
• Follow these instructions on How to Self Monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
• If you develop novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, use this self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care.
• If you are having difficulty breathing or experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. Advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
• Visit our resources on self-monitoring and self-isolation

What if I see someone not practicing self-isolation?

As of March 26, an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. There are a few exceptions, please see Public Health Agency of Canada's latest instructions for travellers.

If you have a concern about people who are not self-isolating when returning from affected areas, and your local police force is Huron County OPP or Perth County OPP, call 1-888-310-1122.    

If you are concerned about a person's actions, we encourage you to have a respectful conversation with that person and remind them about the current recommendations for stopping the spread of COVID-19 in our community. You can direct them to our website for the latest recommendations.

Testing, tracing and results for COVID-19

For the latest information, please visit our Testing, tracing and results for COVID-19 page.

Physical distancing is a public health measure that can delay and decrease the number of cases of COVID-19 over time so as not to overwhelm our healthcare system. 

Through emergency orders, the province of Ontario has placed restrictions on gatherings in order to ensure physical distancing. As of June 12, gatherings of up to 10 people are permitted.

When you are out in public you must adhere to physical distancing by reducing your exposure to other people outside of your social circle by keeping 2 metres from other people.

Social circles

The province encourages those Ontarians to establish a social "circle" of no more than 10 people who can interact and come into close contact with one another without physical distancing. Learn more about the difference between gatherings and social circles as well as how to form a social circle. 

Social circles, physical distancing and social gatherings

There are considerations before you create or add people to a social circle.

People may, or may not, choose to participate in a social circle depending on their unique circumstance, and risk of developing complications from COVID-19, for example people:

• over 70
• with compromised immune systems
• with underlying medical conditions

Remember that your social circle can include fewer than 10 people. It’s always best to start slow and safely add more members later.

Huron Perth Public Health asks everyone to be mindful of their choices with people outside their social circle. The more people with which you interact, the greater the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We all want to protect our social circles so we need to be careful with our other choices. 

Think about the basic principles:

• You have an inner social group with whom you can hug, eat, car pool, etc.  
• You want to protect everyone within that group and be careful about not putting these people at risk with choices you make outside of the social circle.  

When home isn't safe

For many survivors of domestic violence and seniors who experience abuse, staying home may not be the safest option. If home is not safe for you, please contact Optimism Place (24hr service women's shelter): 1.800.265.8598/519.271.5550, Emily Murphy Centre 1.888.826.8117/519.273.7350, or Huron County Women’s Shelter and Second Stage Housing and Counseling Services at 1.800.265.5506/ 519.524.6245. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

Through emergency orders, the province of Ontario has placed restrictions on events and gatherings limiting the size of gatherings to 10 people or less. Please note that as of June 12, Ontario has eased restrictions on wedding and funeral ceremonies.

Police are responsible for enforcing emergency orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Please note that some public health directions are strong recommendations, but may not be part of an emergency order.

Local police:

• Stratford Police Services
• OPP Perth County
• OPP Huron County

With warmer weather upon us and outdoor recreation areas opening up, these are HPPH recommendations for people regarding gatherings:

• Stay home if you are ill.
• It’s still important that people from different households do not gather inside one household, and do not share food and drinks, unless you are all part of the same social circle.
• Remember that there are provincial emergency orders limiting the size of gatherings to 10 people or less. If you have questions about whether you are contravening the emergency order, please contact your local police force for clarification.

Demonstrations

Public Health recognizes that people may be drawn out in peaceful demonstration at this time and that this could put them at risk of exposure to COVID-19. We encourage anyone exercising their rights to demonstrate peacefully do so COVID-safely and take precautions to protect your health, and the health of families, friends and communities during the pandemic. Learn more about COVID-19 precautions and peaceful demonstrations.

Spring and summer activities

The Government of Canada has put an official global travel advisory into effect: Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice. View the latest travel advisories related to COVID-19.

To slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in the country, the Government of Canada has put in place an emergency order under the Quarantine Act. This order applies to all travellers arriving in Canada.

Under this order, if you have recently returned to Canada you must self-isolate (quarantine) and stay home whether you have symptoms or not. Even if you do not have symptoms right away, you are at risk of developing them and infecting others.

If you need it, you will get immediate medical attention when you arrive in Canada.

For more information, see the Government of Canada's latest COVID-19 travel restrictions, exemptions and advice.

If you have a concern about people who are not self-isolating when returning from affected areas, contact your local police services.

Through emergency orders, the province has placed restrictions on businesses and workplaces. Please see the province’s latest instructions on their emergency information page, including the province's list of essential workplaces.

Please visit our COVID-19 Information: Workplaces, Employers and Employees page for further general information for:

• Employers and employees
• Workplaces
• Healthcare workers

We also provide sector-specific information for:

• Food premises operators
• Personal Service Settings
• Recreational Water Operators

The province has released guidance for summer day camps. Please check with your local day camps to see if they are planning to offer camps this summer. 

The province has also allowed child care centres to re-open. For operators, the Ministry of Education has released Operational Guidance During COVID-19 Outbreak.

Visit our COVID-19 - Health Professionals page to view the latest COVID-19 novel coronavirus information for healthcare providers, long-term care and retirement homes.

It is normal to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Visit our COVID-19 and mental health page to learn more about help available.