Province declares state of emergency

Editor's Note:

The past few days have been trying for all of us. News releases and conferences from all levels of government have made it clear that COVID-19 should not be taken lightly. At the Southpoint Sun, we have done our best to gather the most up-to-date information available, knowing full well that information is changing rapidly.

Parents, businesses and travellers are scrambling this week to change the way they live after the COVID-19 pandemic reached Canadian shores.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in Ontario early Tuesday morning, mandating closures of certain types of businesses but being clear that “this is NOT a provincial shutdown.” The federal and provincial governments have been at the forefront of the fight against the virus, with the municipal levels following their lead and advising the public to ‘do their part.’

With Ford’s announcement Tuesday, it has effectively forced the dine-in closure of bars and restaurants and cancellation of events, and self-isolation if you return from a trip outside of Canada, no matter where you went.

At press time, Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent did not have any cases of COVID-19, but testing continues and cases are expected to pop up in the near future.

Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health for Windsor-Essex, said on Monday that the most important thing you can do is stay home if you are sick.

“Wash your hands early and often, and most importantly, stay home if you are sick,” he said.

Dr. Ahmed also advises the public to stay away from large crowds.

This sentiment was echoed at every level of government as Prime Minister Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both held news conferences on Monday. All of the agencies urged social distancing to ‘flatten the curve’ of the virus as the number of cases rise.

IN LEAMINGTON

The Municipality of Leamington has announced that all of their facilities, including the Leamington Kinsmen Recreation Complex (LKRC), were closed as of Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m., until at least April 6. All programs are discontinued during that time.

The Leamington Municipal Building is also closed. Visit www.leamington.ca for further details. The Leamington branch of the Essex County Library is also closed. Effective Wednesday, Parks Canada has suspended visitor entry into all National Parks, including Point Pelee.

IN KINGSVILLE

All town-run facilities are closed and any events upcoming are cancelled. The Kingsville branch of the Essex County Library is closed. Non-essential meetings have been postponed and although town hall and the Kingsville Arena lobby are open, residents are strongly encouraged to access information by phone or on the town’s website, www.kingsville.ca.

IN WHEATLEY

All Chatham-Kent libraries and arenas are closed effective Tuesday morning. Check the website at www.chatham-kent. ca if you have any questions.

IT’S A DIFFERENT WORLD

Closures and restrictions were becoming apparent throughout the district by Tuesday morning. Tim Hortons and McDonalds both closed their dining areas and were allowing take-out and drive-thru only. Many other restaurants were doing the same.

Schools across Canada are closed for March Break this week, and will follow up with a two week hiatus beginning next week, as it gives anyone who travelled outside of the country an opportunity to make sure they aren’t carrying the virus.

While this presents a quandary for working parents, the governments are asking that you keep your children home and let them enjoy the confines of their own back yard.

All long-term care facilities are closed to visitors.

ERIE SHORES HEALTHCARE

At Erie Shores HealthCare, visitors have been restricted to one visitor per patient, with no visitors under 18 allowed. Visiting hours remain unchanged.

According to Director of Communications, Arms Bumanlag, that may change if needed.

“We strongly encourage all of our communities to check out our newsroom at www.erieshoreshealthcare.ca for the latest and follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,” he said.

Erie Shores HealthCare CEO Janice Dawson spoke to the Sun about the possibility of a testing centre being set up here. “It’s everyone’s responsibly to do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19” Janice Dawson

Visitors and patients arriving at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington will be greeted by a screening process, as pictured above.

“Yes, we have had conversations with Ontario Health regarding hosting an Assessment Center at ESHC. However, at this time – we have not been approved by the Ministry of Health to open the Assessment Center. We await further direction from the Ministry of Health”, she said.

Further, Dawson urged everyone to do their part. “We are working closely with our partners in Windsor and have a seat at the local and regional table. As things change and directives evolve – we will communicate to our community what changes are occurring at ESHC. It is our utmost priority that the hospital is doing everything possible to keep our patients and staff safe. And we kindly ask our communities do the same. It’s everyone’s responsibly to do their part in reducing the spread of COVID-19”, she said.

WHAT TO DO?

If you suspect you have symptoms indicating a possible COVID-19 infection, refer to the Windsor Essex County Health Unit’s guidelines by isolating yourself from others and immediately calling your healthcare professional or the Health Unit at 519-258-2146 extension 1420. Or visit their website at www.wechu.org

SOME GOOD NEWS

For seniors needing necessities but cannot get out, or are afraid to access the grocery stores, there is help available on Facebook. A local group has started a page for this service, all run by volunteers. Visit the Facebook page ‘Seniors needing necessities during coronavirus.’

Help is there if you need it.