There are now 27 cases of the Novel Coronavirus – also known as COVID-19 – in Canada, with 20 of those cases in Ontario.
With that in mind, Hastings-Prince Edward Public Health is urging those in the area to prepare for the virus to continue spreading. “Measures put in place to date have been effective in containing the spread in Canada, and while the current risk to Canadians remains low, this could change very rapidly,” the health unit says.
HPEPH explains they are working with multiple levels of health care providers to contain COVID-19, but as it continues to spread there’s a “strong” possibility to pops up locally.
“HPEPH is encouraging local residents to ensure they are prepared to self-isolate for two weeks in the event that they, or someone in their home, become ill with COVID-19”, says Medical Officer of Health Piotr Oglaza. “If an individual is asked to self-isolate to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they will be asked to stay in their home and limit contact with others.”
Public Health says the step you need to take to be prepared include: ensuring you have enough supplies to last up to two weeks, have a contingency plan so that your dependents will be cared for if you’re asked to self-isolate, stay up-to-date with what’s going with the virus, and practice good hygiene.