Southwestern Public Health
1230 Talbot Street N5P 1G9 Saint Thomas, ON, Canada

We know it can be difficult to stay up-to-date with changing COVID-19 restrictions. To help you out, this guidance document summarizes the Do's and Don’ts of the current Provincewide Shutdown: https://bit.ly/3s7qwd6. Please do your part to help reduce case counts in our region. #ProtectTheCommunityYouLove

Our Call Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls. Our team will return your call within 24-48 hours. For COVID-19 information, please visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19

We’ve been receiving many questions from community members and employers about when it is safe to return to work after testing positive for COVID-19. Generally, if an employee tests positive for COVID-19, they can return to work 10 days after their symptoms started if they don’t have a fever (without using medication) and their symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours. Employees should follow advice provided by public health on when they can safely return to work, a...s advice may vary depending on the situation. There are no tests of clearance (negative swab) that are required to return to work. Learn more at: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19.

We know these are challenging times, especially for families with school-aged children. If you’re missing work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for financial support. Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB): https://bit.ly/3r1lyxW Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB): https://bit.ly/3nr7YSr... Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB): https://bit.ly/34l9nCn Need help reviewing your options and applying for financial support benefits? Call Ontario 211 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1 or email [email protected].

Have you been exposed to a positive case of COVID-19 or travelled outside of the country? You must monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms AND self-isolate for the full 14 days after your last exposure or after your international travel. Even if you get a negative test part way through the 14 days, you are not out of the woods yet! The virus may incubate within your body for up to 14 days. This is why it is so important to continue to self-isolate, even if you receive a negati...ve test result, until you have spoken to public health again. Learn from this example scenario: Day 0 You are exposed to COVID-19. You were told to monitor for symptoms and self-isolate for 14 days. Day 5 You are getting impatient. You feel fine and tested negative for COVID-19. Little did you know, you didn’t have enough detectable virus when your sample was collected. Day 8 Thinking you are COVID-19 free, you go to work and drop into a friend’s house for a small get-together after picking up a few things at the grocery store. Day 10 You develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19. You were contagious days 8 and 9 (48 hours before your COVID-19 symptoms). Now you have exposed colleagues, friends and store workers to the virus. For more information visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca//covid-19-novel-coronavirus..

The Ontario government has announced today that online learning for elementary school students in Southwestern Ontario will be extended until January 25, 2021. Read more - https://bit.ly/3bi9ZNj Remember, to help stop the spread of COVID-19 continue to keep practicing physical distancing, wearing a mask when you can't be physically distant, washing your hands, and staying home when sick.

Effective today, January 14, 2021, the Ontario government's stay-at-home order requires everyone to remain at home with exceptions for essential purposes. Read more: https://bit.ly/3sizt3o

Do you have questions about COVID-19 Vaccine? We recently created a COVID-19 vaccine web page to share information and updates as they become available. Please visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine

November is #RadonActionMonth so we’re raising awareness about the dangers of radon to keep residents of Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas safe. Learn more at: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/radon

Sometimes the behaviours we are taught, or those that are expected of us based on our gender role, contribute to violence against women. Here are three behaviours we can change or unlearn as a society to reduce violence against women: Suppressing emotions. ... Your emotions are valid. The first step in combatting the suppression of emotions is to examine how ingrained this behaviour is. Think and talk about what you read and watch and consider your reactions and expectations to the expression of emotions by each gender. Maintaining an image of hardiness. The greatest example of self-reliance is seeking support. Be a role model in showing kids that asking for help is a strength. It is together that we are at our strongest. Violence as indicator of power. Focus on controlling the way you respond to things you cannot or should not be controlling.

When you visit our website, you’ll notice a significant change! . Our new website features more intuitive navigation, a robust search engine, online appointment booking, and a bright, inviting design. . Come check us out at www.swpublichealth.ca. We’d love your feedback and if you find a broken link, please do let us know!

Today we were notified of a dog biting incident in Woodstock. We are seeking information about the dog to assess if there was a risk of rabies exposure. Read on for a full description of the incident and how to contact us with details. https://bit.ly/34QujC7

Starting today, Ontario has reduced the number of people allowed at unmonitored or private social gatherings. Unsure what an unmonitored or private social gathering is? They include: functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or wedding receptions held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. Read more: https://bit.ly/3hFVz9q

We are currently hiring multiple Public Health Nurse positions, Public Health Student positions and a Clinical Dentist at both our St. Thomas and Woodstock sites. For more information and to apply, visit: https://can59.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePor//swpublichealth

As you are aware, the government has put restrictions in place in various communities dependent on local case counts. Our case count is currently low. To keep it that way: Avoid non-essential travel to high risk areas - particularly Peel region, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Wear a face covering whenever you leave the house. They are mandatory in all indoor public spaces (workplaces, facilities, businesses) across the pr...ovince. Limit your close contact to household members. If you are a single person household, find another single person to join up with to help avoid social isolation. See more

Want to work at Southwestern Public Health? We are currently hiring a Administrative Assistant at our St. Thomas site. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca///administrative-assistant-9

Today Southwestern Public Health issued a statement about a recent surge in cases. The investigation is ongoing. We anticipate releasing an update tomorrow. For more information, visit our website. https://www.swpublichealth.ca//ne/sharp-rise-in-cases.aspx Did you know? You can subscribe to our news updates on our website!

Our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Joyce Lock, is advising caution for all Hallowe'en activities this year. With our relatively low cases locally, limited trick-or-treating may proceed if safe practices are followed. Read for details: https://bit.ly/31a80oK Individuals with health concerns and those aged 65+ should avoid in-person Hallowe'en activities, including handing out candy and visiting family members. ... This is also not the year for Hallowe'en parties. There are many safe Hallowe'en options that do not involve trick-or-treating, such as virtual costume or pumpkin carving contests, or watching Hallowe'en movies with the people you live with. Please also keep a close eye on our local COVID-19 cases and be prepared to adjust plans if needed.

Here is our COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report Summary as of October 12, 2020.

Reminder: Our offices are closed today but our COVID-19 Call Centre is operating as usual. Happy Thanksgiving

If selling nicotine infused ice cream isn’t okay, then why is selling candy-flavoured vaping products acceptable? Tell the Federal Government to act now at: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-c//Stop-youth-vaping. #BeatYouthVaping Please note: This video was developed prior to COVID-19 by Heart & Stroke.

We are often asked what events or activities are safe to attend. While there are some formal rules in place regarding the size of gatherings (50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors when social distancing can be maintained) there are also many individual considerations based on your health, the health of those around you, and your own personal circumstances. Dr. Theresa Tam offers us some questions we should ask ourselves before deciding which events or activities to attend.

'The Hub' is a safe space for youth to connect with peers virtually, and to learn about resources and supports in your community. Check out upcoming events for November and learn more at https://wellkin.ca/the-hub/. Also visit the Wellkin Facebook page to stay up to date on upcoming events.

Need someone to talk to? Call Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023. Reach Out is a confidential, 24/7 information, support and crisis service for people living in Elgin, Oxford, Middlesex and London. For more information visit: www.reachout247.ca.

Are you 14-19 years old and have quit smoking and/or vaping? Heres your chance to share your quitting story and help others! The Lung Health Foundation wants to hear from youth in Ontario about their about their experience quitting smoking and/or vaping. Quitting isnt easy and your story can help inspire other young people to not give up when theyre trying to quit. All you have to do is record or share a written testimonial about your experience for a chance to be featured in a new quit smoking and vaping app and website. To find out more about this opportunity, whats in it for you and guidelines, visit https://lunghealth.ca/youth-advisory-committee/

Today is World Mental Health Day and there is no denying that COVID-19 has challenged all of us emotionally, mentally and physically. As colder weather starts to settle in, the days begin to get shorter, and we continue to limit physical contact with people outside our household, it’s more important than ever to stay connected with family and friends. Schedule a weekly virtual hangout with a group of friends or family.... Call family members and neighbors to check in. Teach older family members and neighbors how to use technology to connect virtually. Let’s help lift each other up during these uncertain times. Together we will continue to get through this. For a list of mental health support available in our community, visit: https://swpublichealth.ca/mentalhealth.

Hallowe’en is only a few days away! If you and your family decide not to participate in trick-or-treating this year, there are many safe, alternate activities you can do to celebrate Hallowe’en. Tell us how you are safely getting into the Hallowe’en spirit this year.

The start of the school year brings new challenges and emotions. Check out Childrens Mental Health Ontarios Back to School Mental Health Kit for tips and resources. https://cmho.org/back-to-school/ #kidscantwait

As we head into the Thanksgiving long weekend, please celebrate safely to help protect the community you love. Have a healthy weekend, everyone!

Our Grade 7 School Immunization Program is underway in schools across the region. Watch this video as Public Health Nurse Joanne explains how to prepare your child for their vaccinations. Learn more at swpublichealth.ca/grade7immunization. ... https://youtu.be/vp-Fm8vZhMg

Here is our COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report Summary as of September 14, 2020. For more COVID-19 updates, information and resources, please visit: https://swpublichealth.ca/covid19

A new quit smoking program is available for adults age 18 years and older in Ontario. The STOP on the Net Program offers 4 boxes of nicotine patches and 2 boxes of nicotine gum for free to eligible participants. For more information or to sign up visit www.stopstudy.ca

Ontario has launched a new webpage to help parents, caregivers and teachers stay informed about COVID-19 cases in schools and child care centres. Go to: https://www.ontario.ca//covid-19-cases-schools-and-child-c

We've had some wonderful feedback about our "Protect the Community You Love" graphic. If you would like to use this as a frame on your Facebook profile picture, please visit this link to get started: https://www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=276581686826072

The East Elgin Family Health Team is offering a virtual 'Get Heart Smart' course this Fall. Visit their Facebook page for more details and learn how to register.

On September 24, Ontario released new COVID-19 provincial testing guidance to ensure publicly-funded testing resources are available for those who need them most. Before you seek testing, be sure to review the information available at Ontario.ca/covidtest to see if you are eligible and where to get tested.

As we head back to school, we ask everyone to be kind to those who show symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. This is an illness it is not a source of stigma or shame. Lets show compassion toward each other. Please consider sharing this message widely. Thank you.

Are you a parent or caregiver to a school-aged child? Visit our website for an updated decision tree that will help guide what to do in specific scenarios. Direct link: https://www.swpublichealth.ca//DecisionToolParent_final_v2

Here is our COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report Summary as of October 26, 2020.

Are you a parent or guardian of young children who may have childrens health questions? Here is a great resource about COVID-19 and children as we near the beginning of the new school year: https://bit.ly/2RcA6dj

As you begin to prepare for Hallowe'en this year, please take these extra safety precautions to ensure you are keeping yourself, your family, and your community safe. Individuals feeling ill, with health concerns, and those aged 65+ should avoid in-person Hallowe'en activities, including handing out candy and visiting family members. Thank you for #ProtectingTheCommunityYouLove from COVID-19.

As a new school year begins, heres a daily checklist for elementary and secondary school families to help with your new routine. Keep doing all the public health actions you have been doing - wash your hands often, wear a face covering, practice physical distancing, and stay home if you are sick. It is best to use all options together to best protect the staff and students in the school. Learn more: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19schools

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Join Oxford County Suicide Prevention in recognizing this important day by participating in virtual community events and inspirations. Visit www.ocspt.ca for more information and help raise awareness to prevent suicide in our region.

Please note that beach water sampling has ended for the 2020 season. Beaches will not be sampled again until the 2021 season. http://swpublichealth.ca/beaches

We have received many questions lately about whether or not Southwestern Public Health has immediate plans to introduce new restrictions on local businesses. These questions stem from an awareness of changes recently implemented in the Middlesex-London region. Please know that local data drives local decisions. Each health unit must examine the local landscape, the risks to its residents and the public health measures available to reduce that risk. Southwestern Public Healt...h meets regularly with municipal partners and other stakeholders to discuss risk and how we can protect the communities we serve. With growing case counts across the province, we remain vigilant in our promotion of, and adherence to, the public health measures known to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. We must keep case counts low and avoid overwhelming our health care system. We can not do this alone. We need you to do what you can to protect the community you love. It’s in your hands.

Are you thinking of handing out Hallowe'en treats this year? Consider printing out one of these posters from the Ontario Ministry to let trick or treaters know whether you are handing out treats or not. Find the posters here: https://bit.ly/3klY6rn

Visit our COVID-19 school support web page to find resources for parents, caregivers and educators: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19schools.

Here is our COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report Summary as of September 7, 2020. For more COVID-19 updates, information and resources, please visit: https://swpublichealth.ca/covid19

Both our St. Thomas and Woodstock sites will be closed for Labour Day on September 7. Our COVID-19 Call Centre is operating its usual hours from 8:30-4:30 at 1-800-922-0096 ext. 9.

We issued an opioid advisory today for Elgin and Oxford counties after several recent overdoses requiring naloxone use. Light blue fentanyl and carfentanil are reported in our region. Please review our guide for how to safely respond to an overdose during COVID-19: https://bit.ly/3btMEq6

This long weekend, protect the community you love by following public health guidance around gathering limits. Adjust your gathering size if your space is not large enough to maintain 6 ft of space between people at all times.

We are currently hiring multiple Registered Practical Nurses at both our St. Thomas and Woodstock sites. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca//registered-practical-nurse-0

One of the most commonly expressed concerns about the wearing of face coverings is about their safety for the wearer. Misinformation is circulating widely on social media. This misinformation states that non-medical face coverings reduce the oxygen levels of the wearer and/or makes lung conditions worse. There is a suggestion that they are dangerous for all people, but particularly dangerous for people with pre-existing lung conditions. We know that wearing a face covering i...s new and makes some people feel a bit anxious. We know they can be hot and uncomfortable. However, both the American Lung Association and the Canadian Thoracic Society (both experts in lung care) recommend the universal use of face coverings, even for those with pre-existing lung conditions. You can read the stance of the American Lung Association here: https://www.lung.org/blog/covid-masks or read (and share) this infographic weve developed based on the recommendations of the Canadian Thoracic Society. See more

Do you work with someone who has recovered from COVID-19? Please be kind to them as they return to work. Remember, COVID-19 is an illness - it is not a source of stigma or shame.

Download the COVID Alert App and get notified if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Your privacy is protected. The app does not use GPS to track your location and you will not be required to share personal information. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3gINAYS

Beach update: Port Burwell Provincial Parks beach water sample results came back satisfactory this week and postings have been removed. For more beach water updates visit: http://swpublichealth.ca/beaches

During routine weekly beach water sampling, Port Stanley Little Beach tested RED for high levels of bacteria. The beach will be posted. For weekly beach water quality updates visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/beaches

REMINDER: All travellers entering Canada must follow the rules set out by the emergency orders under the Quarantine Act. Travellers entering Canada who have tested negative for COVID-19 are NOT exempt from mandatory quarantine. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2EGq3ux.

Please note: our Grade 7 Immunization clinic will still continue today as scheduled at the Oxford Auditorium. The fire at the Woodstock Fairgrounds last night did not impact the Auditorium.

We understand that face coverings can be uncomfortable. Most of us are new to wearing one. Here are 5 ways to help overcome your anxiety about wearing a face covering.

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. Giving naloxone can save someones life, but it is important to do it safely during COVID-19. Heres more information on how to provide naloxone care: https://bit.ly/2EKqoMC Please remember to never share equipment, wash your hands frequently, and practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Are you from Elgin County or St. Thomas? Are you interested in providing your feedback regarding the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan? A Community Safety and Well-Being Plan addresses key issues in areas like education, mental health, food security, and crime and violence to ensure Aylmer-Elgin-St. Thomas is a healthy and vibrant community. Your input will help agencies and community groups respond to issues more effectively and develop innovative ways to improve the li...ves of residents in Elgin St. Thomas. If you are interested in completing the survey, please go to this link: https://www.elgincounty.ca/cswb/.

Here is our COVID-19 Weekly Surveillance Report Summary as of August 31, 2020. For more COVID-19 updates, information and resources, please visit: https://swpublichealth.ca/covid19

Our Medical Officer of Health has issued a reminder to community event organizers regarding maximum gathering sizes during Stage 3. Please read the full letter here: https://bit.ly/3jrAxN4

We are currently hiring multiple Program Assistant positions and an Accounting Supervisor. For more information and to apply, visit: https://swpublichealth.ca/careers/postings

Unfortunately, the annual Low-Cost Rabies Clinic that would have been held on September 26, 2020 will not be organized by Southwestern Public Health this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic physical distancing would be too difficult to maintain with the drop-in nature of the clinics. Pet owners are reminded of the importance of maintaining up-to-date rabies vaccines to protect against the rabies virus.

Beach update: Port Burwell Provincial Park beach tested RED for high levels of bacteria. The beach will be posted. For weekly beach water quality updates visit: https://www.swpublichealth.ca/beaches