Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Online Bulletin for Health Care Providers

October 16, 2020

From:
Dr. Piotr Oglaza
Medical Officer of Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

In this Issue:

  1. Updated Provincial COVID-19 Guidance
  2. HPEPH COVID-19 Messaging
  3. Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Site in Belleville
  4. Public Health Services at HPEPH

Updated Provincial COVID-19 Guidance

Directive #3 for Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes

  • Beginning on October 16, all short term and temporary absences for social or personal reasons need to be requested. Non-medical absences from long-term care homes in areas of the province where there is higher community spread of COVID-19 are not permitted.

Directive #5 for Hospitals, Long-Term Care Homes and Retirement Homes

  • The updated version of Directive 5 issued by the Chief Medical Officer of Health on 5 October 2020 that has been revised to reflect an update in the list of Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures, along with accompanying FAQs.

Management of Cases and Contacts in Ontario (V9.1)

HPEPH COVID-19 Messaging

As we begin to see more cases locally, there is an increase of potential exposure for all HPE area residents. We expect that we will see additional cases in our catchment area over the coming weeks, and we have confirmed local transmission in our region. As we work together to prevent the spread, please encourage your clients and patients to:

  • Stay within your local area and consider postponing visits from friends or relatives that live outside of our region;
  • Wear a face covering in situations where physical distancing may not be possible;
  • Be diligent with social distancing and hand hygiene efforts;
  • Comply with restrictions on social gatherings;
  • Reduce your social circle and avoid close contact with anyone outside of your social circle;
  • Stay home if you feel unwell;
  • Get tested if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Site in Belleville

Testing for individuals without symptoms of COVID-19 is now available in Belleville at Shoppers Drug Mart at 150 Sidney Street by appointment only. Individuals seeking testing can make an appointment by calling 613-962-3406 to book an appointment. Criteria for asymptomatic testing at this site can be found on the Shoppers Drug Mart website.

Public Health Services at HPEPH

HPEPH is offering public health services by appointment only. We remain dedicated to protecting our community by providing local HCPs and community members with new information as it becomes available. Current information on COVID-19 specifically for health care providers can be found at hpePublicHealth.ca, Ontario Ministry of Health and at publichealthontario.ca. For a complete listing services available in-person and by phone, please visit our website.

Back to Summary

Contact Information: 

To give us your comments: kkhani@hpeph.ca

To report communicable diseases:613-966-5500 x349

To report AEFI or DOPHS: Online / Fax - 613-966-1813 or CDCFAX1@hpeph.ca

You have received this email at from Hastings Prince Edward Public Health as a result of a request you have made or due to a service/subscription that you are registered for. While you may discontinue your subscription to this mailing at any time by pressing the unsubscribe button below, please note that this bulletin will be used to provide important updates about infectious and communicable disease.