NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH
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Algoma Public Health is actively monitoring and responding to the COVID-19 situation with local, provincial and federal partners. There are important updates and new guidance from provincial and federal officials today that Algoma travellers and communities need to know.
Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. David Williams, has made the following recommendations:
For travellers:
• The people of Ontario are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
• If you decide to travel outside of Canada with children, they will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon return.
For communities:
• Immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings of over 250 people is recommended.
• Organizers who have questions about smaller gatherings are encouraged to contact Algoma Public Health at healthyworkplaces@algomapublichealth.com.
As this is an evolving situation, the team at Algoma Public Health has been working around the clock in continuous communication with our partners and leaders across all sectors. These include municipalities and Algoma community emergency management coordinators, hospitals, long-term care facilities, school boards, post-secondary institutions, First Nation partners, and local employers and community organizations.
“We are monitoring the global and local situation, and we are providing Algoma partners with frequent updates, so that everyone in the community can take good preventive measures that are informed by reliable information,” said Jennifer Loo, associate medical officer of health at Algoma Public Health.
Algoma situation update
- At this time there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Algoma. COVID-19 testing has been conducted for a number of Algoma residents. There has been no positive result thus far.
- To protect loved ones and those around them, Algoma residents who are feeling sick should stay home until they no longer have any symptoms.
- To help protect the capacity of our Algoma clinics and hospitals so that they can take continue to care of those who need urgent treatment every day, please understand that COVID-19 testing is not recommended or appropriate for everyone.
- Based on provincial testing recommendations, COVID-19 testing is prioritized for people with symptoms who are at higher risk of disease, or who are at higher risk of spreading the illness to others.
- COVID-19 testing is not recommended if you are not sick and have no symptoms.
- If you are feeling unwell and not sure if you should be tested,
- Call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
- Consult your family physician or nurse practitioner
- Call Algoma Public Health at 705-759-5404 or TF 1-866-892-0172, ext. 5404
- If you need immediate medical assistance, please call 911, and tell first responders about your symptoms and any recent travel, so that appropriate precautions can be put in place.
“To all the residents and community partners who have contacted us in recent days, we thank you for reaching out to us for reliable, up-to-date information, and for taking proactive actions to protect Algoma community members. As we continue to respond to many important questions and priorities, we appreciate your patience, vigilance, and your commitment to the health of Algoma communities,” said Jennifer Loo, associate medical officer of health at Algoma Public Health.
For accurate information about the coronavirus outbreak from current and reliable sources visit the sites below:
- Algoma Public Health
- Ministry of Health
- Public Health Ontario
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- World Health Organization
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