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.

Common symptoms of novel coronavirus include:

• fever
• cough and respiratory symptoms
• difficulty breathing

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.

• 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.
Advisory - Saturday, March 21, 2020:
• Huron Perth Public Health is recommending the closure of playgrounds and other such structures that encourage interaction (i.e. skate parks), due to evidence of transmission of COVID-19 in surrounding communities. 
• 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

Please note we are expecting a rise in cases in Huron and Perth, similar to the rest of the province. Cases appearing now are based on exposure to cases that happened two to three weeks ago.

There is local spread in Huron and Perth counties – please follow public health recommendations, limit contact with others and handwash frequently.

COVID-19 Testing Data in Huron and Perth as of April 2, 2020 as of 1:00 p.m.: 

This information is updated Monday to Friday. Please note, these numbers may change as more information becomes available.

• You can view the Ministry of Health's status of cases in Ontario. 

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

There is further study into whether it can be spread to others if someone is not showing symptoms. While experts believe that it may be possible, it would be rare.

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

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)

Should I wear a mask and/or gloves?

The Public Health Agency of Canada does not generally recommend the use of masks in well people to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, the province has recommendations about masks if you are self-isolating OR masks if you are taking care of someone with COVID-19.

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.

Physical distancing, including self-monitoring and self-isolation, are public health measures 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. Please see the province’s latest instructions on their emergency information page.

Even if you have not been instructed to self-isolate, we strongly encourage you to stay home except for essential reasons, such as to:

• Access health care services
• Shop for groceries
• Pick-up medication at the pharmacy
• Walk pets when required
• Support vulnerable community members with meeting the above needs.

To the fullest extent possible, you should also limit the number of these essential trips. However, when you are out in public you must adhere to physical distancing by reducing your exposure to other people outside of your household by keeping two metres from other people.

Avoid heading to your cottage or seasonal residence. These communities have more limited healthcare services than the city, and local essential businesses may have longer waits to restock grocery and other supplies needed for their permanent residents. See the County of Huron's message for Huron County cottagers.

These measures help protect yourself and others in our community. We are all in this together.

If someone is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as cough or fever:

1. Complete the Ontario government’s Online Assessment tool
2. If the online tool tells you to seek clinical assessment contact the office of your family doctor for a phone assessment. It is important that you do not visit your doctor’s office without calling first. If you do not have a family doctor, contact Huron Perth Public Health. Please have your Ontario Health Card number ready. 
3. If further action is needed, you will be given directions by the assessor.

For those without access to a computer, contact the office of your family doctor for a phone assessment. If you do not have a family doctor, contact Huron Perth Public Health. Please have your Ontario Health Card number ready. 

Given the evolving situation and the need to ensure that those who may need more elevated levels of care are able to receive the assessment and care that they need, Ontario updated its recommendations for testing. In general, testing will be prioritized for people who need hospital care or certain groups of people, such as health care workers or those in long-term care homes or retirement homes.

• Current Huron Perth Public Health activities include:
  • surveillance
  • preparing for 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 monitor 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.

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.

Residents of Huron and Perth who have returned from travelling in Italy, Iran or Hubei province, including Wuhan City, should:

• contact Huron Perth Public Health within 24 hours of arriving in Canada
• stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home, for a total of 14 days from the date you left Hubei province, Italy or Iran. 
• contact Huron Perth Public Health if you experience symptoms of COVID-19.
  
  

Residents of Huron and Perth who have returned from any other country, including the United States:

• 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.
• For more details on self isolation instructions, see Public Health Agency of Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
• If you think you have 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this online self-assessment to help determine if you need to seek further care.

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.  

Through emergency orders, the province of Ontario has placed restrictions on events and mass gatherings. Please see the province’s latest instructions on their emergency information page. 

Does the emergency order prohibiting public gatherings of more than 5 people apply to funerals?

• Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time.

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 for Workplaces and Employers page for further information for:

• Employers and employees
• Workplaces
• Healthcare workers
• Food premises operators
• Personal Service Settings

Through emergency orders, the province of Ontario has placed restrictions on the operation of schools and daycares. Please see the province’s latest instructions on their emergency information page. 

Visit our COVID-19 - Health Professionals page to view the latest COVID-19 novel coronavirus information for healthcare providers.

It is normal to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, scared or angry during a crisis. Learn more about:

• coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak 
• helping children cope with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak.
• Remember you can reach out to local mental health supports or call 211.

Operating hours of food banks and community meal programs

Due to COVID-19, food banks and community meal programs may have implemented different hours of operation or are closed.  Public Health has been working with our local food banks and community meal programs to ensure they can operate safely and prevent the spread of illness. 

Food banks and organizations that provide community meal programs understand that families may be under additional stress. They are trying their best to meet the needs of the communities they serve without jeopardizing the health of their staff, volunteers and clients.

Food banks have been supported to operate with appropriate precautions put in place.  Please call your local food bank to make an appointment. To find a food bank in your community, please go to 211 Ontario.

Guidance for food bank and community meal program operators

If you offer a community meal to the public, dine-in options are not permitted under any circumstances. Your community meal can only be offered if you can provide a take-out option and limit social interactions between people. If you provide a take-out option, the following must be considered:

• To protect staff, volunteers and patrons, do not allow patrons to wait inside the premises for food orders to be ready. As an alternative, you could:
  • Deliver the take-out order to their car
  • Have them wait in their car until you text or call them that their meal(s) are ready
  • Provide a door-to-door service if you have the capacity to do so and appropriate containers for transporting food safely
• Continue to follow good hygiene practices and infection control practices to ensure:
  • Staff and volunteers are not working if they are sick
  • Staff and volunteers are washing hands frequently to minimize the chance of getting infected.
  • That regular and routine cleaning and disinfecting of the facility is continuing, especially high touch surfaces and objects.

If you have questions about how to safely operate your specific food bank or community meal program,  please email inspections@hpph.ca or refer to our COVID-19 factsheet Food Premises Operators/business owners.