by Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer of Health
Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the government issued a stay-at-home order requiring everyone to remain at home, with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.
I encourage everyone who has possible symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, to stay home, check the Provincial Assessment Tool, and follow the instructions, which may include testing. The recommendations for children and adults are different. Testing is readily available now at our Assessment Centres in Brockville, Kemptville, Smiths Falls, and Almonte. If you can’t get to an Assessment Centre, please call the Health Unit. If necessary, we will arrange for a community paramedic to come to your house to do the testing. Most test results are coming back within one to two days now, and are easily obtained through the provincial lab portal.
Please continue to be COVID-SMART – practice physical distancing of 2m/6ft, stay home when you are sick, wash/sanitize your hands, and do regular cleaning of common hard surfaces, as well as wearing a well-fitting face covering/mask in enclosed indoor spaces and when physical distancing is an issue outdoors.
Our offices and service sites are currently closed to the walk-in public. Our website has answers to many of your questions about local cases, masks, self-isolation, vaccines, school issues and testing, but if you would like to speak to someone, call 1-800-660-5853.
Thanks to the community for helping keep our community safe.
