Local COVID-19 Updates

April 22, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 22nd Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Government of Ontario announced additional funding and services to help seniors and people with disabilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Provincially, sentinel surveillance testing will begin immediately in Long-Term Care Homes to ascertain the current status of COVID-19 in these facilities.

April 21, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 21th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Government of Ontario released new modelling projections yesterday regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• The Ministry has developed guidance for community emergency evacuations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance is available in English and French on the Ministry website. 

April 20, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 20th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario, and Ontario Health continue to partner with the health and long term care sector to implement the COVID-19 Action Plan for Long-Term Care. Over the weekend, homes were supported with urgent staffing needs, and pools of workers are being matched to meet the ongoing needs of homes across the province to combat COVID-19. This work is based on risk assessments informed by regional tables, local public health units, the Ministry of Long-Term Care and long-term care homes.

April 19, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 19th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Government of Ontario is investing $20 million to advance medical research and develop tools and resources to combat COVID-19 and other infectious diseases through the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund.

April 18, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 18th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Government of Ontario passed new emergency orders including:
  • Measures for work deployment and staffing for District Social Services Administration Boards
  • Limiting employees working in retirement homes to a single workplace
  • Measures allowing for the redeployment of employees of Service Provider Organizations
  • Measures allowing for employee redeployment in municipalities
  • Regulation under the Highway Traffic Act for exemptions from weight load restrictions for the transport of essential goods and supplies
  • Regulation under Ambulance Act to ensure sufficient ambulance service personnel during the provincial declaration of emergency
• The Consumption and Treatment Services Guidance Document was updated to provide further clarification on infection prevention and control/personal protective equipment and is available on the Ministry’s website.
• The Ministry has created a new guidance document for community-based mental health and addiction service providers in residential settings and will be posted to the Ministry website.
• All organizations involved in testing patients for COVID-19 are encouraged to review the guidelines for testing including Specimen Collection and Handling.
• A new fact sheet on how to care for pets and other animals has been posted to the Public Health Ontario website in English and French.

April 17, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 17th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• The Government of Ontario announced significant expansions to hospital capacity in preparation for any COVID-19 outbreak scenario.
• The Quick Reference Public Health Guidance on Testing and Clearance document was updated and will be available on the Ministry’s website in French and English shortly.

April 16, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 16th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario announced the COVID-19 Action Plan for Protecting Long-Term Care Homes to keep residents in long-term care homes safe. They also passed emergency orders that will come into effect on April 22, 2020 restricting long-term care staff from working in more than one long-term care home, retirement home, or health care setting.
• The CMOH Directive 3 has been updated to reflect the new limitation on working in only one location and to provide additional information on outbreak management and response. It is available on the Ministry’s website.
• All memos up to and including April 10, 2020 are available in French and English on the Ministry’s website.
• New signage has been created for health care settings and is available for download from the Ministry’s website in French and English.
• The provincial Testing Guidance document was updated to reflect the next phase of the testing strategy. It will be available on the Ministry’s website soon.

April 15, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. - April 15th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• WECHU News Release at 10:40 a.m. - Erie Shores HealthCare Approved for COVID-19 Assessment Centre
• WECHU New Release at 4 p.m. on April 14 - Protecting our Farming Communities in Windsor and Essex County
• The Government of Ontario extends the Declaration of Emergency under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act for a further 28 days, until May 12. 

April 14, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 14th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario announced yesterday it is developing a new health data platform called the Pandemic Threat Response (PANTHR) that will allow researchers to better support health system planning and responsiveness, including the immediate need to analyze the current COVID-19 outbreak.
• Yesterday, the Government of Ontario announced progress in procuring critical supplies and equipment to ensure that patients, frontline health care workers, and first responders have what they need to protect themselves during the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 13, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 13th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ministry has updated the guidance document for Consumption and Treatment Services sites.
• Thousands of businesses and private citizens have stepped up and offered to help the Ontario government defeat COVID-19.  More than 7,500 emergency supply submissions have generated nearly $90 million in purchases of critical equipment and supplies.

April 12, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 12th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ontario government has extended all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under s.7.0.2 (4) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until April 23, 2020, including the closure of outdoor amenities in parks and recreational areas, non-essential workplaces, public places and bars and restaurants, along with restrictions on social gatherings and the prohibition of price gouging.  In addition, new measures have been introduced to address surge capacity in retirement homes, restrict recreational camping on Crown land, and allow the repurposing of existing buildings and temporary structures.
• The Ontario government is temporarily preventing child care centres from collecting payments from parents, while also ensuring that their child care spaces are protected. Child care centres, with the exception of those accommodating health care and other frontline workers, were ordered closed to help prevent the spread of the virus and keep the children and child care staff safe.  

April 11, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 11th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario has announced that it is significantly expanding COVID-19 testing to help stop the spread of the virus. Updates to directives and guidance is available on the Ministry’s website.
• The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario revised his Directive regarding precautions and procedures for regulated health professionals and specified employees working in public hospitals and in long-term care homes dealing with suspected, presumed, or confirmed COVID-19 patients or residents. The revised Directive is available on the Ministry's website in English and French.

April 10, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 10th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ministry’s website has been updated with links to memos that have been sent to the health sector.
• The Government of Ontario announced it is partnering with SPARK Ontario to help seniors and the most vulnerable stay connected and healthy as they self-isolate during the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 9, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 9th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Webinars were held on April 1, 2020 with long-term care homes (LTCHs) regarding the best practices and guidance on infection prevention and control in their facility relating to COVID-19. A recording of the LTCH session was saved by the Government of Ontario.
• The Ministry updated guidance documents for LTCHs on their website.
• A foundational document on control of respiratory infections in LTCH can also be found on the Ministry website.  
• The Ministry requested that their advisory be shared with all health providers and stakeholders so that all health system partners are aware of the potential risks in using the Zoom conferencing software.
• Health system partners notify the Health System Emergency Management Branch if they have experienced a cyber attack (1-866-212-2272 or EOCoperations.moh@ontario.ca).

April 8, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 8th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario has launched an online portal to match available health care workers with employers.
• The Government of Ontario announced a commitment of $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation to ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities.

April 7, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 7th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario announced today a one-time financial assistance during school and child care closures.
• Public Health Ontario issued a technical brief with IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19.
• All previously issued directives have now been uploaded to the ministry’s website.

April 6, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 7 p.m. – April 6th Public Health Evening Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• WECHU News Release at 1:30 p.m. – April 6th Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that it is investing up to $40 million to support organizations that provide residential services for children and youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families fleeing domestic violence. The COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund will cover costs such as additional staffing, residential respite for caregivers; personal protective equipment and supplies; initiatives to support physical distancing and transportation to minimize client exposure.

April 5, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 5 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario announced a new online portal connecting employers with workers looking to fill positions in the agri-food sector.
• An Emergency Alert was issued yesterday afternoon urging all Ontarians to stay home and only go out for absolute necessities, such as picking up groceries or medications.
• On April 3, the Minister of Health and the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility issued a statement on measures to protect seniors living in retirement homes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 4, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 1 p.m. – April 4 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario launched a new user-friendly online portal for the public to easily access their COVID-19 lab test results. They also announced a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, effective immediately, to provide public health units the authority and flexibility they need to make staffing decisions that support their ongoing fight against the outbreak of COVID-19, despite any collective agreements.
• Dr Peter Donnelly, President and CEO of Public Health Ontario, Matthew Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health and Adalsteinn Brown, Dean of the Dalla Lana School of Public Health gave a news conference today on modelling projections for COVID-19 in Ontario.
• The  Government of Ontario announced additional business closures to stop the spread of COVID-19
• The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario powers a free VIANurse website which helps health sector organizations secure Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Personal Support Workers.

April 3, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 4:15 p.m. – April 3 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Guidance documents were released for Homeless Shelters and Group Homes and Co-Living Settings. They are now available in English and French on the Ministry’s website.
• Public Health Ontario published two new fact sheets on Physical Distancing and Taking Care of Yourself and Each Other on their website.   
• The Ontario government announced new emergency funding to expand online and virtual mental health supports for front-line workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.

April 2, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 11 a.m. – April 2 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Guidance for Paramedics has been updated and uploaded to the Ministry website.
• The Government of Ontario announced today that they are launching a new $50 million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses provide innovative solutions or retool their operations in order to manufacture essential medical supplies and equipment, including gowns, coveralls, masks, face shields, testing equipment and ventilators. This new Fund will support the development of proposals submitted by businesses and individuals through the Ontario Together web portal.

April 1, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10:30 a.m. – April 1 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Government of Ontario launched a website for emergency child care for health care and frontline staff. This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s guidance document on Emergency Childcare Centers, which was published on March 29, 2020 on the Ministry’s website.
• A new guidance document for Temporary Foreign Workers has been developed and uploaded to the Ministry website.
• The case definition has been updated and uploaded to the Ministry’s website.
• Health Canada has issued an advisory on their website (English and French) urging Canadians not to buy more medication than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic as this can lead to local shortages.

March 31, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 31 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a statement to Ontarians recommending that individuals over 70 years of age self-isolate, and urging all Ontarians to continue adhering to physical distancing and to remain at home.
• Changes were made to the case definition including, clarifying swabbing requirements, simplifying laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 infection, and eliminating repeat testing to clear certain cases managed at home.(See attached)
• New guidance documents for Talking to Children About the Pandemic, Funeral and Bereavement Services, as well as new resources for Ontarians Experiencing Mental Health and Addictions Issues have been developed and uploaded to the ministry website.
• A new link to the PPE survey was shared today. Acute care hospitals should continue to report PPE requirements through the Daily Bed Census only.
• There was a joint statement between government and the Ontario Nurses’ Association issued on health and safety measures in hospitals.
• The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued Directive 5 for public hospitals (attached).
• Several directives have been updated today that are attached to today’s Situation Report.
  • Directive 1 to Health Care Providers (minor updates): This replaces the directive issued on March 12 to reflect language changes in Directive 5.
  • Directive 3 to Long-Term Care Homes (significant updates): This replaces the directive issued on March 22, 2020 to reflect language changes in Directive 5 and clarify additional recommendation around screening and outbreak management.
  • Directive 4 to Paramedic Services (minor updates): This replaces the directive issues on March 24 to reflect language changes in Directive 5.
• The Command Table met today, and a letter with a summary of the discussion has been attached.  

March 30, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 30 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The guidance document for Community Labs and Specimen Collection Centres has been updated and uploaded on the Ministry website.
• New guidance documents for Emergency Child Care Services and Industry Operators have been developed and uploaded on the Ministry website.  
• The Government of Ontario implemented a new emergency order to ensure that staffing and resources are available to help care for and protect long-term care residents during the COVID-19 crisis.
• The Government of Ontario issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective immediately.  This order would not apply to private households with five people or more. It would also not apply to  operating child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first responders provided the number of persons at each centre does not exceed 50 people. Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time.
• Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer announced updated guidance to help employers better understand their responsibilities and what is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the construction sites.

March 29, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 29 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• A Minister’s Order was issued today directing health system providers to report Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) inventories on a daily basis to the Ministry to optimize their availability to protect Ontario’s front-line health care providers against exposure to COVID-19 and maintain a centralized repository of information respecting the availability of PPE supplies across the province.
• The Ontario government is proclaiming the Supply Chain Management Act to make sure critical supplies, equipment and services can be deployed to where they are needed most. These regulations will enable the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the Ministry of Health to centrally manage public sector supply chains.
• The Ontario government announced new penalties to combat price gouging and hold offenders accountable for raising prices significantly on the necessary goods Ontarians need to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19.

March 28, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 28 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ontario Pharmacists Association, Ontario Medical Association, and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario have sent out a joint letter to Ontario’s doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists regarding inappropriate prescribing of unproven therapies.
• The Quick Reference document on Testing and Clearance has been updated and is available on the Ministry website.

March 27, 2020

• WECHU Media Statement at 12:15 p.m. - Media Statement Regarding Transit Services
• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 27 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• WECHU News Release at 6 p.m. on March 26 - Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and Windsor Regional Hospital Confirm First Case of COVID-19 in a Hospitalized Patient
• Media Conference ASL Interpretation (Youtube)

March 26, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 26 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. All individuals permitted to enter Canada are subject to this Order, with the exception of certain persons who cross the border regularly to ensure the continued flow of goods and services, and those who provide essential services.
• Health Canada has published guidance on optimizing the use of masks and respirators during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• For businesses with questions, the line for them to contact is: Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Help is available Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario and Ontario College of Pharmacists have prepared statements regarding drug prescribing.  

March 25, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 25 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ontario Government ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of yesterday, March 24 at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open is available the Ontario Government website.
• Guidance for Food Premises has been uploaded to the Ministry’s website.

March 24, 2020

• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada news release - Canada provides update on exemptions to travel restrictions to protect Canadians and support the economy

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. -  March 24 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. yesterday. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of essential workplaces that are permitted to stay open was released today.
• Health Canada has released an FAQ document regarding Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Patients, Practitioners and Pharmacists Prescribing and Providing Controlled Substances in Canada during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• Clarification around the Hospital Redeployment order (Regulation 74/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act) can be found on the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
• Media Conference Interpretation (Youtube)

March 23, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 3 p.m. - Third Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Confirmed
• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m. - March 23 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Ontario Ministry of Health reminds organizations in the health system that:
  • all employees who have travelled outside of Canada should self-isolate for a period of 14 days starting from their arrival in Ontario 
  • health care workers should not attend work if they are sick
  • if are particular workers who are deemed critical, by all parties, to continued operations of an organization, these groups should undergo regular screening, use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and active self-monitoring. 
• Ontario has issued a temporary order that would give hospitals the ability to cancel and postpone services to free-up space and valuable staff, identify staffing priorities, and develop, modify and implement redeployment plans.
• Ontario has launched a website to act as a central point for businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19.
• Ontario has announced that some child care centres will open to enable health care and other frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, police, and correctional officers.

• Media Conference ASL Interpretation (Youtube)

March 22, 2020

• WECHU NEWS Release at 10 a.m. - March 22 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that to ensure that anyone in need of care can receive it, Ontario is waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Additionally, the province will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. Together, these measures will ensure that no one will be discouraged from seeking screening or treatment for COVID-19 for financial reasons.

• The Ministry of the Solicitor General announced a number of new measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Correctional system.
• The Ontario College of Family Physicians continues to encourage family doctors to have signage outside the office asking patients to call the clinic before entering to allow for appropriate screening and direction. You can download an editable signage.  

March 21, 2020

• WECHU NEWS Release at 10 a.m. - Second Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Confirmed
• WECHU Media Conference about the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Windsor and Essex County. Live stream on Facebook.
• Guidance for Primary Care Providers has been updated on the Ministry website.
• Guidance for Occupational Health and Safety has been uploaded to the Ministry’s website.
• Public Health Ontario uploaded a quick reference on hand hygiene.
• The Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and ServiceOntario, is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards. These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to promote social distancing and contain the spread of the virus. The news release is available on the Government of Ontario website.
• The Ministry of Health, Drugs and Devices Division has released a notice regarding Ontario drug benefit program changes and guidance for dispensers during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
• Media Conference Interpretation (Youtube)

March 20, 2020

• WECHU NEWS Release at 9:35 p.m. - First Coronavirus (COVID-19) Case Confirmed
• WECHU NEWS Release at 7 p.m. - March 20 Public Health Evening Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m.: March 20 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Guidance for the following sectors have been updated and uploaded to the Ministry’s website: Home and Community Care, Long-Term Care (minor amendment), and Acute Care.
• The Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) issued a directive to Regulated Health Care Providers regarding the need to ramp down elective surgeries and non-emergent activities in order to preserve system capacity to deal effectively with COVID-19.
• The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a memo regarding Health Worker Illness and Return to Work.

March 19, 2020

• WECHU News Release at 11 a.m.: March 19 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 18, 2020

• WECHU Media Statement at 3:30 p.m.: Essential Workers and Self-Isolation
• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m.: March 18 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Guidance for Long-Term Care Homes and Independent Health Facilities have been updated and are available on the Ministry of Health’s website. A checklist for Long-Term Care Homes has also been uploaded.

• Public Health Ontario has updated their site related to COVID-19 testing including an updated list of accepted swab types.

March 17, 2020 

• WECHU News Release at 10 a.m.: March 17 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• News Release from Government of Ontario at 9:13 a.m. -  Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public
• On March 16, the Federal Government announced a number of new measures today including:
  • Canada will be closing its borders to foreign travellers. Exceptions will be made for air crews, diplomats, immediate family members and U.S. citizens.
  • Airlines will ban anyone who is showing symptoms of the virus from getting on a plane.
  • All international flights will be redirected to one of four airports in Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary).
• Guidance for pharmacies has been updated and is available on the Ministry of Health’s website. Additional guidance documents are expected today.

March 16, 2020

• WECHU News Release was sent out at 10 a.m.: March 16 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• News Release from Government of Ontario at 8:15 a.m.: Province Expanding Telehealth Ontario Resources

March 15, 2020

• WECHU News Release was sent out at 10 a.m.: March 15 Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• An initial COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool has been posted to the Ontario Government website. Individuals who suspect they have COVID-19 can consult this tool to determine whether and how to seek further care.

• News Release from Government of Ontario at 6 p.m.: Ontario Hospitals Asked to Take a Planned Approach to Ramping Down Elective Surgeries

• Government of Canada has posted a Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) PDF resource about How to Isolate at Home When You Have COVID-19.

March 14, 2020

• News Release at 1:30 p.m.: Public Health Updates Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Media Conference at 12:30 p.m.: Public Health Update from Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed - streamed Facebook Live video available 

• News Release at 10 a.m.: COVID-19 Assessment Centre Opening at Ouellette Campus of Windsor Regional Hospital on Monday March 16, 2020

March 13, 2020

• Important Updates added to homepage of wechu.org at 7 P.M.
  • The WECHU is committed to providing timely and credible information to the residents of Windsor-Essex in partnership with community agencies and health care providers. Key points about:
    • How to keep you and your family healthy.
    • Symptoms of COVID-19 which can range from mild to severe.
    • Current Guidance for Travellers.
    • Current Guidance for Mass Gatherings and Events.

    • Current Guidance for Child Care Centres and Day Camps 

• Health care providers facing immediate challenges (less than 10 days of supply) with their personal protective equipment supply levels can email the ministry at EOCLogistics.MOH@ontario.ca. The Ministry of Health has also set up a Health Care Provider Hotline at 1-866-212-2272.

• Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a directive to health care providers and health care entities on updated IPAC Recommendations for use of personal protective equipment.
• Public Health Ontario has posted a technical brief Updated IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19.
• The case definition has been updated on the Ministry of Health’s website.
• The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed two new guidance documents for health system partners:
  • Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
  • Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak

• The Government of Canada has warned against all international travel. All travellers arriving in Canada from international points are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days as a precaution. 

• The ministry revised the COVID-19 case definition to clarify who should be tested. We are asking all providers not to test asymptomatic individuals.

• The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued enhanced public health measures for COVID-19. Highlights from this memo include:

  • Advising the people of Ontario to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada. If you decide to travel outside of Canada with children, they will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days upon return.

  • Similar to recent guidance for Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes, all licensed child care centres are asked to actively screen children, parents, staff and visitors for any symptoms and travel history that may be related to COVID-19 based on the Ministry’s case definition

  • Recommending the immediate suspension of all large events and public gatherings of over 250 people. Organizers who have questions about smaller gatherings are encouraged to contact their local Public Health Unit.

• The Chief Medical Officer of Health also issued a memo to Long-Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes, Supportive Housing, Hospices and other congregate care settings on allowing only essential visitors.

March 12, 2020

Public Health Ontario developed guidance in English and French for environmental cleaning for non-health care settings. The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed two new guidance documents for health system partners:

• Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada
• Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings during COVID-19 global outbreak

March 11, 2020

Government of Ontario poster on What you need to know to help you and your family stay healthy.

March 10, 2020 - News Release - COVID-19 - Being Prepared and Informed

March 4, 2020 - Information for people planning to travel outside of Canada was included on this landing page. Public Health Ontario resources on “COVID-19 How to Self-Monitor Instructions (PDF) English | French | Chinese” were added to their website.

February 27, 2020 - The case definition for COVID-19 is updated with new regions of the world where community transmission is ongoing. A map of the impacted areas is provided from the Ontario Ministry of Health.

January 31, 2020 - There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19 and investigations are ongoing.

January 30, 2020 - The World Health Organization declaring a global public health emergency over the 2019 Novel Coronavirus does raise concerns, but nothing has changed as far as local preparedness.

January 29, 2020 - The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is monitoring the current outbreak of COVID-19 in China and around the world. We are keeping our local partners (e.g., Windsor Regional Hospital, Erie Shores HealthCare, Essex Windsor EMS, primary care providers and local school boards) informed of the evolving situation and providing guidance on how best to prepare and assess individuals suspected of COVID-19. We are also prepared locally to detect and contain the spread of the virus in the unlikely event of a first case of COVID-19 in Windsor and Essex County.