Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
A State of Emergency is currently in effect for Ontario. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-at-Home Order has been issued requiring all individuals to remain at home with trips outside of the home limited to essential purposes only. This includes: going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise, or for essential work.
Learn more about the public health measures and restrictions during the state of emergency. We are currently updating our pages to reflect the new restrictions and public health measures.
The COVID-19 Response Framework (colour-coded zones of public health measures) is paused during this time.
Class Order Section 22 - Issued by the Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health, November 29, 2020
The Order is a legal measure that authorizes the health unit to enforce individual compliance with public health instructions. The key focus of this Order is to ensure people who have been told to self-isolate by public health or a health care provider are doing so. For more information, view our Fact Sheet: What you need to know: HPPH Class Order, Section 22: Self-Isolation (PDF) or go to our self-isolation page.
Quick links:
- COVID-19 cases in Huron-Perth
- Community and social services
- Masks
- Mental health
- News releases
- Resources (fact sheets, posters, signs)
- Schools
- Self-isolation and self-monitoring
- Testing, tracing and receiving results
Partners and professionals:
- Agriculture
- Health Professionals (healthcare providers, long-term care and retirement homes)
- Workplaces, employers, employees
HPPH buildings are closed to the public so that we can focus our efforts on the COVID-19 response in our community. Please view our COVID-19 Response Service Interruptions page for a list of programs and services interruptions and modifications.
State of Emergency and Stay-At-Home Order |
State of Emergency In response to the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario, a declaration of emergency was made on January 12, 2021 for all of Ontario. The declaration of emergency allows the government to:
The purpose is to help:
The results of the enhanced public health measures will be evaluated throughout the provincial emergency to determine when it is safe to lift any restrictions, or if they need to be extended. Read the detail framework. This means that the COVID-19 Response Framework (colour-coded zones of public health measures) is paused during this time. The Provincewide Shutdown that was previously in place will continue with stronger public health and workplace safety measures. Everyone must follow the rules (orders) under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the Reopening Ontario Act. Stay-at-Home Order As of January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., a stay at home order is in effect for all of Ontario. This means that you MUST stay at home. You should only go out for necessities, such as:
Businesses must ensure that all employees work from home if they can. Do not travel outside your region or the province unless absolutely necessary. Learn more about the new public health measures and the full list of reasons you can go out during the stay at home order by visiting the province’s website. |
COVID-19 Level: Provincewide Shutdown |
Effective Saturday, December 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. Huron-Perth will begin the time-limited province-wide shutdown to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please note that these measures will continue with stronger public health and workplace safety measures during the current State of Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order that came into effect on January 12, 2021. |
Daycare and childcare |
For parents whose child/ren are attending a childcare centre or home daycare:
For staff who work in a childcare centre or home daycare:
For childcare operators:
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Events and gatherings |
The Province of Ontario has placed restrictions on events and gatherings. A Provincial State of Emergency is currently in effect for the Province of Ontario. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., a Stay-at-Home Order has been issued requiring all individuals to remain at home with trips outside of the home limited to essential purposes only. This includes: going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise, or for essential work. The COVID-19 Response Framework (colour-coded zones of public health measures) is paused during this time. Indoor organized public events and social gatherings are not permitted except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Limit close contact to your household:
Maintain two metres of physical distancing from everyone outside of your household (who you do not live with). Wear a face covering indoors; outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained; or if wearing one is required. Limits for outdoor organized public events and social gatherings, where physical distancing can take place, must comply with requirements on physical distancing and face coverings:
Limits for certain organized public events and gatherings such weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies, where physical distancing can be maintained and in compliance with rules on face coverings:
Limits for organized events and social gatherings associated with weddings, funerals and other religious services, rites or ceremonies (such as a wedding reception), where physical distancing can be maintained:
Learn more about the public health measures and restrictions during the state of emergency. Police are responsible for enforcing gathering limits. Please note that some public health directions are strong recommendations, but may not be part of a provincial order. Local police: If you have questions about whether you are in conflict with provincial requirements, please contact your local police force for clarification. |
How to protect against COVID-19 |
Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact. Close physical contact means:
There is currently 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:
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
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:
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. |
Physical distancing and social circles |
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. The province of Ontario has set indoor and outdoor gathering limits. In all cases, individuals are required to maintain physical distancing of at least 2 metres with people from outside their households or social circles. Social circles The province is pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two metres physical distancing from everyone else. 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. |
Places of worship |
All services, rites and ceremonies must adhere to the limits set out during the provincewide shutdown. |
Role of local public health |
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Travel |
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. The Government of Canada has also 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. |
Vaccines |
For information, visit our COVID-19 vaccine information page. |
For more information
Be sure to read credible information regarding the novel coronavirus, including:
- Public Health Agency of Canada | About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- Canadian Medical Association - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON COVID‑19
- Ministry of Health
- Ministry of Health Information Sheet (available in multiple languages)
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Outbreak Update
- Public Health Agency of Canada - Travel Health Notices (Check before you travel)
- Call Huron Perth Public Health at 1-888-221-2133
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to care for pets and other animals (Public Health Ontario)
- FAQ on coronavirus infection, traveller advice and government response (Public Health Agency of Canada)
- Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) advice for the public: Myth busters (World Health Organization)