Region answers Gazette questions - MoH said: 'We only have one shot at this' - stay home.

News 100 redBy Pepper Parr

March 19th, 2020 6:40 pm

BURLINGTON, ON

This is a very dynamic and fluid situation.  Information does change.  We are now adding a time stamp to the date published. The most recent news stories are at the top of the list.

Had we been able to get to the media event the Regional government held this afternoon the following are the questions we would have asked along with the answers the Regional Communications advisers provided:

Question 1

Is the process for anyone concerned about their COVID-19 health to Self Assess, then if the assessment suggests there might be a problem – people should people call 911?

Halton Region Public Health and health care partners continue to focus on those most at risk of COVID-19. Our current priority is to hear from high-risk groups only:

o health care providers who are seeking or reporting information;

o those living or working in a health-care setting or institution and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; or

o those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Not everyone requires testing. Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home. Get rest, drink fluids, eat well and stay home. You do not need to contact Public Health.
If you are high-risk please call 311 to start the assessment process. Residents must have an appointment to attend an Assessment Centre. 

At high risk are the following:

health care providers who are seeking or reporting information;

those living or working in a health-care setting or institution and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; or

those who have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

If you have severe symptoms, please call 9-1-1 immediately. 

Severe symptoms may include:

Shortness of breath when walking, exercising or at rest which is unusual for the patient.

Chest pain, severe fatigue, drowsiness, unstable vital signs

Question 2
Is there just the one testing location for the Region at this point?
What would have to happen for the Region to set up a second testing point.

• We have multiple assessment centres in Halton.
• If you are high-risk please call 311 to start the assessment process. Residents must have an appointment to attend an Assessment Centre.

Question 3
BC has a self assessment app – Is the Region or the province creating a similar app?

• The Province launched a self-assessment tool for COVID-19. It can be accessed by visiting https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment.

Question 4
Is COVID-19 now being passed from person to person in the community?

• We have reason to believe that there is local transmission now. Public Health is in the early stages of collecting information. What we know is this case (the Milton death) did not travel outside of Canada recently nor was he in close contact with a confirmed case.

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1 comment to Region answers Gazette questions – MoH said: ‘We only have one shot at this’ – stay home.

  • Alan Harrington

    Health Canada should put an FAQ on their website to answer people’s questions:

    1) Do we know how this virus came to be?
    2) Are there more viruses coming?
    3) How do we know ? Why was a virus allowed to be created? Why is there no restriction in place for how + where these viruses are created? Is the virus mutating?
    4) We know it affects the elderly – but are there other high risk people? male vs female ?
    Smokers – non smokers? Blood type A -B- O- AB ?
    5) Should we get a regular flu shot if we haven’t already?
    6) They say “wash your hands” but what is the best soap to use? I have heard that regular soap is useless and only medicated soap should be used.
    7) Should people quit smoking? or vaping? Or does smoking give immunities a boost?
    8) Do we take Vitamin C ? How much ? Or stop taking vitamin C ?
    9) What about pets? Can we still pat our neighbour’s dog when he’s on a 6 foot leash?
    10) What about “open” fruit at the supermarkets? Bananas? Apples ? Should we bypass those?
    11) If your employer closes shop and you are laid off – but NOT sick – are you eligible for EI ? Even if the employer plans to reopen and rehire when the all-clear is given ?
    12) When rehired – do you lose all your seniority?
    13) If laid off – are you still entitled to medical benefits?
    14) If laid off – do you need to be paid out all your vacation pay accrued? And if so does that delay EI payments?
    15) Should we drink hot/warm beverages ?
    16) Is Ibuprofen better to reduce fever ? or ASA or acetaminophen?

    About the only person giving advice on a regular basis is Donald Trump and even he sends mixed messages??

    Health Canada should show more leadership and improve the messaging – then more people would heed their advice.

    https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html