HALIBURTON, ON-The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) is easing the fears around the Coronavirus by staying prepared.
The health unit said that despite the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the virus a pandemic, Medical Officer of Health for the HKPR Lynn Noseworthy said there is no need to panic, “At this time, we still do not have any local cases.”
Noseworthy said that while there eventually may be cases of the virus in the area, the health unit has been working with their hospitals and health care partners to ensure they have supports in place to protect the residents in the area.
These supports include having nurses provide Coronavirus testing information to residents who call with questions, having nurses follow up with anyone who is tested and ensure that anyone who is impacted self-isolates to prevent the spread, provide up-to-date information on case definitions and travel restrictions, and sending regular updates to community agencies and partners.
Noseworthy said that the illness itself has not changed and “The majority of people who test positive for Coronavirus are experiencing mild symptoms and are recovering fully. We know that many people are experiencing heightened anxiety about the Coronavirus and I want to reassure them. This declaration should not increase those fears.”
The health unit recommends that to best avoid the disease is by washing your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, cover up with you sneeze and cough, and stay at home if you are sick. For more information, call the health unit at 1-866-888-4577 or visit their site here.