Class Order Issued By Southwestern Public Health

Thursday, 23 July 2020 at 09:16

Effective as of today, residents in Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas could be fined up to $5,000 per day if caught going against a new Class Order issued by Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health.

OXFORD COUNTY - A second Class Order under Section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act has been issued to all residents of Oxford County, Elgin County, and the City of St. Thomas.

Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health has the order effective at 11:59 pm today.

The Order gives authority to the health unit to enforce individual compliance with public health instructions. The key issue addressed by the Order is the self-isolation or quarantine of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. It applies to those who have the signs and symptoms and are awaiting their test results; those who otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have symptoms of COVID-19 or those who are a close contact or any of the above.

Self isolation is included in the Order as well as keeping those around you safe from infection, staying away from vulnerable persons, and seeking prompt medical attention should you need it.

Dr.Lock says the order means that there will be more enforcement of isolation, and prevention.

“Largely, the residents of this region have been doing what they can and should do. Most of us want to keep our friends, family and neighbours safe. But occasionally public health needs the legal means to enforce best practices related to infection prevention and control. This Order gives us the authority to do that should it be required,”

Dr.Lock adds that all residents are required to follow the requirements under this Order, and those who do not can be charged and fined up to $5,000 per day for every day the offence occurs or continues.

The Order is in place until further notice. Click here for more on the Order.