Most of us will have ventured out into the new world of social distancing and staying home but most of us are not infected nor mandated to self-isolate. But Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, Medical Officer of Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit says they have “heard from many people that there are others who have returned from travel or been confirmed to have COVID-19 and are seen outside of their home, shopping or visiting friends”. Since this is a serious risk to the community, the HKPR District Health Unit today (April 14) issued a Class Section 22 Order with a penalty of up to $5,000 a day. The order requires that anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, is considered a probable case, or has had contact with a confirmed case, must self-isolate in their home for 14 days. If they fail to do so, the Health Unit can ask the court to fine them up to $5,000 a day.
A statement from the HKPR District Health Unit states:
The Health Protection and Promotion Act authorizes the Medical Officer of Health to make a Class Order to address the risks presented by the potential spread of COVID-19 to residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes and Northumberland and Haliburton Counties. While most people who have or may have COVID-19, as well as their close contacts, have been compliant with instructions from public health authorities to self-isolate, there are individuals who do not take these measures seriously enough. This Class Order is a legal tool to help the Health Unit ensure that everyone who needs to self-isolate, complies.
It seems that not everyone understands what self-isolation means or if they do, they are ignoring the restrictions.
Self-isolation means not leaving home at all or having any visitors except as permitted by HKPR District Health Unit (for example, where a health care worker is visiting the home). People in self-isolation should arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered to them.
Also:
If a person with COVID-19 is homeless, or where their home is otherwise unsuitable or unsafe for isolation purposes, they will be accommodated in an isolation facility to be determined.
The HKPR District Health Unit are:
- Asking all residents to stay at home, leaving only for essential reasons including groceries, medicines and medical appointments. Daily exercise should be done alone or with one family member, or to exercise a pet.
- Encouraging people over the age of 70 to stay at home, emerging only for essential needs (groceries, medications, or seeking healthcare). If possible, they should rely on family and social supports to minimize interaction with others. This advice also applies to people who have underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
- Asking people who have seasonal cottages to refrain from going to the cottage, as it could put extra strain on the already limited resources of the cottage communities.
- Essential businesses that choose to remain open should work to limit access to their facilities and the number of occupants on their premises. They must also move their operations to delivery and pick-up as much as possible and maximize physical distancing, infection prevention and control practices, and cleaning.
- Essential businesses that choose to remain open should also consider active screening of their employees and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
And:
If residents who are not symptomatic or not required to self-isolate at home must leave their home, they are reminded to practise physical distancing, avoid crowds and physical contact, and stay a safe distance of two metres from other people.
You’d think by now that everyone – not just most, but everyone – would understand the plan and follow the rules. With the emergency now extended to May 12, this problem is not going away anytime soon.
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I am over 70 and do not have any underlying social or physical conditions. Yet
I keep on reading that over 70s should be careful , isolated or avoided.
In Cobourg a large number of over 70s volunteer, and probably keep the town more relavent and active than it would otherwise be.
I wish well intentioned people would stop patronizing us.
Age alone is a criteria for more caution. And social distancing is the law, not a request. Think protective, not restrictive.
Over 70….Then count yourself fortunate and follow the law. Its not about you
volunteers are vital.. at this time most have been told to stay home to follow the law. age alone is a criteria for more caution. Social distancing is the law.
“The HKPR District Health Unit are:
• Asking people who have seasonal cottages to refrain from going to the cottage, as it could put extra strain on the already limited resources of the cottage communities.”
Many cottagers seem to be ignoring the pleas of health authorities and the provincial government.
I heard one report that a cottager walked into the local grocery store in Buckhorn and left with $1,500 in groceries. Small hospitals and grocery stores can’t handle the extra traffic of cottagers and their selfish attitudes are simply adding to the problem.
I find it hard to accept that there are a number of people who have absolutely no regard for others. They are the ones who should be handed stiff fines and perhaps a mini vacation at the crowbar motel.
“I find it hard to accept that there are a number of people who have absolutely no regard for others. They are the ones who should be handed stiff fines and perhaps a mini vacation at the crowbar motel.”
Not sure if you clicked on the link Paul, but here it is again and you’re right about the stiff fines or time. Who dares write this guy a ticket? He’s a do as I say, not as I do type of guy.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/coronavirus-live-updates-covid19-covid-19-quarantine
Hell, they even fined an Oakville Dad $880 for rollerblading with his kids.
I think the first bullet needs to include, under exercise …within walking distance from your home. Shouldn’t be necessary but apparently it is. AND, suspend higher-risk activities that increase risk of injury.
Well over 70 here and am having difficulty getting large orders from the big grocery stores in town. Taking up to two weeks to get an order picked up. No time slots available. Northumberland might ask/ require these store to prepare orders in a more efficient way for pickup. Otherwise, one has to depend on Foodland only for next day delivery. Like so many other stores they are not fully stocked.
I’m sure that every grocery is working as fast and as efficiently as they can but they are constrained by inventory, staff and room to prepare orders. Have you considered trying Market + Smors for your needs? They have curbside pickup and also deliver.
Pete, have you tried Foodland? Neighbours have used them and it is next day delivery. Foodland Grocery Delivery 905-373-1511. They take orders Mon, Tues, or Wed. From 8am to 2 pm. You can also email them with your order. Email: [email protected]
The market and Smor does next day delivery and I’m finding their prices matching the bigger stores.
Another local place that has great bread, take out menu and also some produce, dairy. I love how they support local farmers too. They also sell bread at Market & Smor . I ordered online and drove to their pick up window. Great owners. Located in Port Hope.
http://thisishappenstance.com
I wonder why there is a RV camp down in the trailer park today. The people came back from some where, put down the camper and wondering around the town.
I believe the trailer park is closed and not open until the end of May.
They are for frontline workers such as police officers and firefighters that must isolate as a result of exposure while at work so they dont contaminate rest of their workplace.
Closed and should stay closed until the Ban and Provincial order is lifted This truly is close quarter living and socialization abounds shared wash rms less than 6 feet apart prevailing winds permitting will carry the Virus farther Same goes for the Marina .
Oh — But we have wrights — not now !
Washrooms are in the trailers
See the story by Pete Fisher – link in the News Update box at top right..
Please – try to keep up with local news and happenings!!! https://todaysnorthumberland.ca/2020/04/14/exclusive-first-trailers-arrive-at-what-will-be-covid-19-respite-centre-in-victoria-park-campground-in-cobourg/
And another illiterate joins this blog and look at the up-votes.