By Kaitlyn Clark

The Haldimand Press

HALDIMAND—Both Haldimand and Norfolk counties activated their Emergency Operations Centres to prepare for COVID-19 and the Province ordered all “at-risk” businesses to shut down for at least 14 days.

On March 20, 2020 The Toronto Star reported it received a leaked email from Haldimand Norfolk’s Medical Officer of Health, Shanker Nesathurai, describing the Province’s “efforts to battle COVID-19 as piecemeal and ineffective”, said the article. Nesathurai reportedly called on his colleagues to use their legal authority to force businesses to close and people to stay home on a local level instead. He then released three new orders under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

First, all personal services settings and esthetic services were ordered to close until further notice. This includes tattoo parlours, barbershops, hair and nail salons, spas, tanning bed services, and banquet halls in either county.

The following day, residents returning to Haldimand or Norfolk from abroad were ordered to self isolate for 14 days upon arrival. The only exception for leaving their home is medical treatment.

“Go directly home upon arrival in Canada,” said Nesathurai in a release. “Order groceries for delivery or call upon friends or family for assistance – do not make any stops before going home.”

The third notice declared that no resident of either county is allowed to congregate in groups larger than 10 in public spaces, including playgrounds, parks, piers, and beaches. Additionally, no person is to use playground equipment.

The three orders have been put in place to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 among residents. Failure to comply with any of the orders can result in a fine of up to $5,000 for each day that the offence occurs on or continues.

“At this point, the health unit is focused on working to contain the COVID-19 virus. As part of this strategy, the health unit works to identify every potential case, and facilitate testing. The health unit has set up a hotline for community members which is staffed on a 24-hour basis. Working with community partners, we have also organized a testing site, which is located in the community,” said Norfolk Mayor and Chair of the Board of Health, Kristal Chopp, in a press release.

Both Haldimand and Norfolk counties announced March 24 that they were also declaring emergencies in their respective communities, which allows them to take swift action on any activities violating the orders in place and gives them access to provincial emergency funding and resources.

“Declaring an emergency will allow both Haldimand and Norfolk counties to make quicker decisions, support our health team in a more expeditious manner, and implement additional measures to protect the health and well-being of our communities,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt in a release. “We’ll continue to do everything in our power to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I ask that residents do their part as well. Stay home, stay safe, and look out for one another.”

The Province increased its efforts to contain the virus with the announcement on March 23 that “at-risk workplaces” are ordered to close unless they can continue operations remotely. Essential services are exempt but are encouraged to practise physical distancing and increased handwashing and sanitization.

The list of exemptions includes 74 types of businesses under 19 categories. Stores that cover basic needs, such as food and cleaning supplies, pet/livestock supplies, gas, and repair equipment are considered essential. Restaurants are allowed to continue with takeout, drive thru, and delivery. Other areas that include exemptions are maintenance workers, telecommunications/IT, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, finance, natural resources, environmental services, utilities, communications, research, health care/social services, justice sector, inspectors, and “other” business, such as shipping services, laundromats, and home child care services of less than six children.

“While this was a difficult decision, we trust that Ontario’s business leaders will be able to promote safety while carrying out business and protecting jobs,” said Premier Doug Ford in a release. He gave an address on March 24 to discuss further measures being taken by the Province, including changing electricity to off-peak rates for all times of the day and inspecting ongoing construction sites for COVID-19 regulations.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at his daily address to the nation on March 24 that COVID-19 is “the biggest public health crisis our country has ever seen” and pleaded with people to stay home­­ to reduce the spread of the disease. He added, “Because here’s the hard truth: if our nurses and doctors have COVID-19, they can’t help you.”

There was mention of the Federal Emergencies Act, which would allow the federal government to override provincial governments if needed to better coordinate a response on a national level. Trudeau said this is a last resort, but “nothing is off the table” and the government “will put much more stringent measures in place” if needed.

While there was no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Haldimand or Norfolk as of press time, Chopp noted, “Preparations are being made not only for the first case that will undoubtedly eventually arrive our way, but equally, should we face a worst case scenario similar to what is being faced by our friends in Italy. Both Haldimand County and Norfolk County have activated their emergencies planning groups, which facilitate the coordination of the multiple agencies working to keep you safe.”

Additionally, both counties are taking action to support local hospitals should patient volumes increase, such as preparing for interim care centres that would be staffed by local health care professionals. Haldimand’s centre would be at the Dunn-ville Memorial Arena, and Norfolk’s at the Port Dover Arena.

“I fully support and appreciate the coordinated, proactive efforts of County staff, the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit, and local hospitals to ensure our community is prepared for COVID-19,” said Hewitt. “Residents should be assured that we are taking all steps and precautions necessary to minimize the negative impacts of this virus in Haldimand.”

Both counties are recruiting volunteers for a variety of tasks to address community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, including delivering food, medications, and other supplies to seniors in self isolation. Those with relevant skills and experience are asked to register by phone at 905-774-1530 or online at hnhu.org/covidvolunteers. This includes nursing staff (registered or not), dietitians, personal support workers, food handlers, chefs, respiratory therapists, health care aides, communications, firefighters, social work, waste disposal, counselling, law enforcement/security, etc.

Everyone is asked to practice social distancing by remaining home as much as possible. If you are not self isolating and need to leave your home, stay at least six feet away from others, wipe down public surfaces such as shopping cart handles before use, and avoid repeat trips. Those who are vulnerable to COVID-19, including seniors and those with pre-existing health conditions, are encouraged to self isolate for their own safety and get family or friends to deliver required supplies.

For up-to-date public health information, including frequently asked questions and daily updates from the Medical Officer of Health, visit hnhu.org/health-topic/coronavirus-covid-19.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updates

March 25 – HALDIMAND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES WORKER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

HALDIMAND – A Haldimand County emergency services staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member, who is not a resident of Haldimand, was tested outside of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s district. The patient is recovering at home in self-isolation, and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is following up with anyone who may have been in close contact.

Haldimand County, working in partnership with public health, hospitals, community health centers & physicians has mobilized the necessary resources to respond to COVID-19. Haldimand-Norfolk’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai has emphasized that the health unit is well equipped to employ public health management protocols for a case of this nature.

“This news may be unsettling, but it isn’t a shock. Like so many other communities, we’ve been preparing for this scenario. The Health Unit has initiated its case management protocol and are in constant contact with our Emergency Operations team,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We’re leveraging all possible resources to combat this virus and protect the health and safety of frontline workers, our staff and our community,” he added.

Mayor Hewitt is encouraging residents to follow directions from local and provincial healthcare authorities, including practicing social distancing and avoiding non-essential trips into the community.

Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

On Monday, the province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.

A complete list of essential services is available on the Government of Ontario’s website.