CKL MAYOR TALKS COVID-19 PREPAREDNESS

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, to date which has seen 34 confirmed cases in Ontario, City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham has the following message:

“I understand this issue is a concern for many of our residents, particularly those who are elderly. In recent days, I’ve met with our local health authorities, along with our own Emergency Management staff, to ensure that we are prepared should the virus appear in our community. We have measures in place at the Ross Memorial Hospital, long term care homes, schools and child care facilities. The Health Unit is providing support to health care partners to ensure active screening protocols are in place. The health and well-being of our residents is our main priority.

Things are changing daily. As of March 2, there were no confirmed cases in our area. We’re in close contact with the Health Unit which is the lead agency for communicating the most up-to-date information about COVID-19. Although the risk of infection remains low, we need to be vigilant with the basics such as washing hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and staying home if you are sick.

The risk is still low. At this time, we’re not at the point where anything needs to change with your daily life - go out for dinner, go shopping and take precautions as you would in flu season.”

Call the local health unit or your health care provider if you become sick with a cough and/or fever AND have returned from an affected area in the past 14 days or have had close contact with an ill person who is either under investigation for COVID-19 or is a confirmed case. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, call 911 and explain both your travel history and symptoms to arrange swift and safe transport.

For more information, call the Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, extension 5020, or visit www.hkpr.on.ca. After hours, call Telehealth Ontario for medical advice toll-free at 1-866-797-0000.