Huron Perth Public Health says as another wave of COVID-19 sweeps across the area, five new deaths have been reported with three in hospital and six outbreaks in high risk settings.
The deaths have been connected to two outbreaks in long term care facilities while also reporting eighty confirmed cases of the virus in high risk settings last week.
In a release, Dr. Miriam Klassen, Huron Perth’s Medical Officer of Health says while we are in a better position against COVID-19 now than we were two years ago, the virus still remains as a serious infection.
Klassen says since the start of the year, 43 people in Huron-Perth have passed away due to COVID-19.
Public Health says there are many tips and tricks to limit the spread of COVID-19:
-Stay home when sick, even with mild symptoms, and keep ill children out of childcare
-If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate. Follow the instructions at ontario.ca/exposed or call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line at 1-888-777-0730. This line is open 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a week.
-If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been possibly exposed to someone with COVID-19, visit ontario.ca/exposed or call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information Line above to learn what to do next.
-There continue to be masking requirements for those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to COVID-19. Visit ontario.ca/exposed to learn more.
-Know your risk and whether you are eligible for early testing and treatment for COVID-19. Have a plan to access that testing and treatment; visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-treatments to learn more.
-Even without a known exposure to COVID-19, wear a well-fitted three-layer cloth mask or medical mask in indoor public settings.
-Maintain good ventilation in indoor spaces (for example by opening windows)
-Wash hands frequently and;
-Keep up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.