As case numbers have been on the rise and workplace outbreaks cropping up more than usual, the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has issued instructions from the medical officer of health specific to workplaces under the Reopening Ontario Act.
The instructions come into effect tomorrow and outlines the requirements for workplace owners and operators. All employees must pass a COVID-19 screen before entering the workplace and if the individual has one symptom of COVID-19 they should stay home, self-isolate and get tested.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health at the NWHU, said one of the key reasons for this workplace order is to ensure that people stay home if they are sick.
“In order for us to prevent the spread of COVID-19, workplaces need to encourage and educate their staff that they need to stay home if they have symptoms of COVID-19 and have failed the screening test,” Young Hoon said. “They are also expected to self-isolate if they are a case of COVID-19 or if they’re determined to be a high-risk close contact of COVID-19.”
These workplace instructions are targeting those that are not following public health measures, Young Hoon said, adding that this allows the NWHU to ticket them and or apply fines if they are not following the rules as laid out in the instruction letter or under the Reopening Ontario Act.
Young Hoon said they believe most people and workplaces are following the rules but unfortunately, they have had several incidents where it is not been followed and that has led to the spread of COVID-19.
More information about the instructions can be found on the NWHU website.
There are currently 53 active cases in the region, 32 in the Sioux Lookout health hub, 16 in the Kenora health hub, three in the Fort Frances health hub, one in the Emo health hub, and one in the Dryden health hub.
The NWHU region has now surpassed 1,000 cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
“This milestone reminds us that COVID-19 is present in the area and has affected many of our residents,” Young Hoon said. “I urge everyone to continue showing kindness and compassion for others during these challenging times.”
In the week of May 3 to May 9, the NHWU area had 45 new confirmed cases, 26 in the Sioux Lookout area, 14 in the Kenora area, two in the Emo area, two in the Fort Frances area and one in the Rainy River area.
Four new hospitalizations also occurred. There are currently two people in the region hospitalized for COVID-19.
Of the 45 new cases, one was related to an outbreak, 10 were close contacts of previous cases and one was related to travel. Currently, the source of exposure remains unknown for 33 of these new cases.
The NWHU has administered over 33,000 vaccines. There are appointments available at all of the NWHU vaccine clinics and Young Hoon said she encourages everyone who is eligible to book an appointment.
Those aged 40 and older can start booking on Thursday.
Young Hoon said the regions incidence rates and per cent positivity have decreased from the previous seven days which is encouraging. However, she adds that everyone needs to continue to practice all prevention measures.
