CHATHAM-KENT COVID-19 UPDATES

 

CHATHAM-KENT INFORMATION AND UPDATES FROM C-K PUBLIC HEALTH CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE!

FOR A FULL LIST OF LOCAL 99.1 NEWS STORIES PERTAINING TO COVID-19, CLICK HERE!

PROVINCIAL INFORMATION ON THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK AND UPDATES CAN BE FOUND BY CLICKING HERE!

Symptoms of  2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Those with COVID-19 may have little to no symptoms. You may not know you have symptoms of COVID-19 because they are similar to the common cold or flu. Symptoms may take anywhere from 2-14 days to appear and can include:

  • fever
  • cough
  • difficulty breathing

In severe cases, infection can lead to death, but that is most common when the infected individual already has a weakened immune system. This may be the case for older people, and anyone with chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease.

Risk to Chatham-Kent Residents

ALL CANADIANS ARE TO AVOID ALL NON-ESSENTIAL TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF CANADA

As of March 18th, 2020, there has been 2 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Chatham-Kent.

CK Public Health is actively managing the developing situation and proactively working with local, provincial and federal partners to manage and respond effectively as part of the routine public health follow-up in the case of any infectious disease.

What Can You Do?

Chatham-Kent residents are encouraged to play their part in preventing the spread of any respiratory illness by taking the following steps:

EXERCISE SOCIAL DISTANCING 

    • avoid non-essential trips in the community
    • limit, postpone or cancel group gatherings
    • conduct meetings virtually wherever possible
    • keep children away from group settings
    • Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue or into your elbow, not into your hand.
    • Now and in any cold and flu season, stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

PRACTICE PERSONAL HYGIENE

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If you are unable to access soap and water, use 70% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

For more information on how to manage the spread of disease, as well as how to ensure you are making risk-informed decisions when planning for large events and gatherings:

ADVICE FOR TRAVELLERS RETURNING TO CHATHAM-KENT

As of March 17th, anyone returning to Canada from outside of the country in the last  14 days, which would make for a return date of March 3rd or later, must self isolate for 14 days from the day they arrived back into Canada. Anyone who has returned to Canada since March 17th and anyone still trying to get back to Canada must also self isolate for 14 days from the day of their arrival back into Canada. 

If during self-isolation, you develop respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or CK Public Health’s COVID-19 intake line at 519-355-1071 X 1900.

ALL travellers with symptoms should notify their healthcare provider prior to visiting any healthcare facility.

CKHA COVID-19 Assessment Centre

CKHA has received direction from Ontario Health, West Region, to open a COVID-19 Assessment Centre at 47 Emma Street in Chatham in partnership with the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit.  Hours of operation will be between 9 a.m to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Please note the last appointment takes place at 4:30 p.m.

The goal of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre is to build capacity to respond to individuals experiencing symptoms which could be caused by COVID-19 in the municipality of Chatham-Kent, and to separate testing away from the hospital.  The community is advised that this is not a walk-in clinic nor a walk-in for random testing.  The clinic will not be providing “doctor notes” in regards to individuals requiring sick notes for their place of employment.  Persons who are concerned about COVID-19, experiencing respiratory symptoms, or potential exposure to another person with COVID-19 should first contact their primary care provider, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit or Telehealth at 1.866.797.0000 (24 hours, 7 days a week) to discuss the need for testing at the assessment centre. The Ontario Ministry of Health has advised that not all individuals require testing for COVID-19.   

A self-assessment provided by the Ministry of Health can be completed online here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus. 

Please read the news release here for more details: http://www.ckha.on.ca/chatham-kent-health-alliance-open-covid-19-assessment-centre-march-19-2020 

Read our PSA on important reminders before attending the assessment centre: http://www.ckha.on.ca/public-service-announcement-ckha-covid-19-assessment-centre-reminders-community

Please watch this short explainer video from Dr. Huffman, Family/Emergency Physician here: