Interview With Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock

Wednesday, 15 April 2020 13:35

Dr. Lock discusses the current state of local Long Term Care Homes, when we could start to see social distancing measures deescalate, the possibility of more testing in our region, how the virus is spread on surfaces and much more.

OXFORD/ELGIN/ST. THOMAS - The Medical Officer of Health for Southwestern Public Health did her weekly phone interview with Heart FM this afternoon.

Highlights of the discussion include:

- Most of our long term care homes are in good shape, we have not had any COVID-19 outbreaks at long term care homes in Oxford County, and so far we have only had 1 confirmed case of COVID-19 at one long term care home in West Elgin.

- Dr. Lock comments on the emergency order prohibiting employees from working at multiple long term care homes. They think it is a good measure, however they do have concerns related to staffing.

- They are hoping that more COVID-19 testing will be available for the SW Public Health Region, now that the Province has mandated more testing to happening. They will continue to focus on vulnerable citizens.

- Dr. Lock anticipates social distancing measures will last for awhile, and we need to see the cases drop at the Provincial level before we can get excited. She is hoping we will be near the peak in a couple of weeks and then we can start to deescalate.

- Dr. Lock provides more information on how the virus is spread, and the importance of washing your hands and not touching your face. It is possible to contract the virus from touching surfaces and then touching your face. She says it is possible that everyone will be asked to wear masks in the future when going out for essential items.

- Dr. Lock talks about how our numbers locally are lower than some of neighbours and how that can be dangerous because people may think it's not as prevalent here, so that means they don't have to follow the proper guidelines.

- Dr. Lock stresses the importance of getting sunshine and fresh air, however if you are going to do so, you have to make sure you keep a 2 metre distance from everyone else and only go outside with your immediate family members that you are currently living with.

Check out the full interview below.