HPPH is Warning of a Spike in Community Transmissions of COVID-19

Monday, 17 August 2020 at 14:48

Today the Huron Perth Public Health Unit reported six new cases and are expecting more tomorrow, based on testing carried out over the weekend.

HURON/PERTH - Huron Perth Public Health is noticing a spike in community transmissions of COVID-19 in southern Huron County.

Today the health unit reported six new cases and are expecting more tomorrow, based on testing carried out over the weekend.

All of these cases are associated with a workplace outbreak in Bluewater/South Huron, and many of them are clusters within the same households. These cases are also connected to a larger spread of cases across southwestern Ontario. Public health is grateful for the support of community leaders and the community during this time. All cases are at home isolating; there are no hospitalizations related to these cases.

Over the weekend, HPPH case and contact management determined that there were multiple symptomatic people in households and that increased testing was required. HPPH thanks Huron County EMS and the Stratford General Hospital Emergency Department for their quick response and aid in performing this increased testing over the weekend. Local Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klasses is warning residents that the virus is still out there.

“We ask those in the southern portion of Huron County to please continue taking public health measures. We also remind all other residents of Huron-Perth that COVID-19 is circulating across both counties and Ontario.”

Residents of Huron-Perth are encouraged to continue to do the following:

- If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate and arrange to be assessed and possibly tested. Learn more at www.hpph.ca/covid19test

- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

- Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet/2 metres from anyone not in your social circle.

- Wear a non-medical cloth face covering in indoor public spaces and in settings where physical distancing cannot be maintained.