There’s a lot of information here regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus)…what’s open and closed, what is going on with March Break programs, skating and swimming at city facilities (all still going) and links to keep up to date so keep checking back.

The Mayor’s office sent this out today: Today, Mayor Brian Bigger received news from Public Health Sudbury and District indicating that his test was NEGATIVE and he does not have the COVID-19 virus. Mayor Bigger is relieved but would like to remind all residents of Greater Sudbury to remain vigilant in practicing the simple and prevention methods such as handwashing, not touching your face,covering your cough or sneeze, putting tissues in waste baskets and washing your hands afterwards, staying home when feeling sick and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. He would also like to reiterate his support and appreciation for all of the hardworking people in public health, at HSN and the many front-line workers and staff across the City of Greater Sudbury who are working day and night during these extraordinary times.

92.7 ROCK would also like to thank those healthcare workers and support staff who are working around the clock during this unprecedented public health situation.

Some new information from Health Sciences North about where to go if you think you need to be tested for COVID-19: Health Sciences North (HSN) is operating a COVID-19 Assessment Centre in the North Laboratory 1 area of the Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) at 56 Walford Road in Greater Sudbury, 650 meters from HSN’s Ramsey Lake Health Centre. The clinic’s purpose is to assess and, only where appropriate, swab people who may be infected with COVID-19 with a goal of minimizing the significant number of patients presenting themselves to the Emergency Department at HSN. This COVID-19 Assessment Centre is by appointment only. For safety reasons, “walk in” appointments are strictly prohibited. Not everyone who attends the clinic will be swabbed.
Go to hsnsudbury.ca for full information before you head out to be tested. It’s by appointment only.

The City of Greater Sudbury sent out this information regarding city-run programs and facilities along with links to the appropriate agencies.

COVID-19 Update from the City of Greater Sudbury: Saturday, March 14, 2020
The City of Greater Sudbury continues to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts and community partners to monitor COVID-19 developments and respond appropriately. At this time, there remains only one positive case of COVID-19 in our community.
Check here for the full release, but just know that all recreational programs and public meetings continue to run as schedule based on recent consultation with Public Health.
Again if you are concerned about a specific event, check back often and things could change and the links provided here will be updated with the latest.

The Sudbury Wolves and Sudbury Five games at the Sudbury Arena have been suspended by the teams’ organizations.

All City facilities, including Tom Davies Square, arenas, community centres and libraries, remain open and operational.

I feel bad for the folks in nursing home facilities who will not be able to have regular visits. This puts extra strain on the staff who are already doing extra duty. Here’s the update on Pioneer Manor.

In accordance with the recommendation of Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health, visitor access to Pioneer Manor is being limited to allow only those visiting a very ill or dying resident to enter the home. This restriction takes effect immediately and remains in effect until further notice. It reflects the Ministry’s guidance for long-term care homes and ensures the health and safety of residents and staff of the facility.
There are also similar restrictions in place for other nursing home facilities. Check this article by sudbury.com.

The Public Health Agency of Canada is also looking to hire inventory nurses to be on-call if needed in certain centres in Canada. Check the job listings here.

Transit: Gova Transit continues additional cleaning and disinfection of all buses with a focus on touch and grab points, such as buttons, railings, handles and straps.

Travel: What a disappointment for March Breakers looking for a little escape from winter! Here’s the latest on travel outside the country.

I know these are everywhere but it bears repeating…tips for protecting yourself.
Residents are reminded to continue to follow basic but important preventative steps to prevent the spread of illness, including COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Stay home when you are ill
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands
• If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for the most credible, local information, including how to prevent spread, how to monitor your health, and what to do if you think you are sick. For additional information, call Public Health at 705-522-9200 and press 1 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200). The Public Health call centre is open during regular business hours, with extended hours on evenings and weekends (subject to change based on call volumes). Callers can leave messages and Public Health staff will call back within 24 hours, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

And finally, cancellations. Unfortunately there are many events that have been unable to go ahead or have had to be postponed. Sudbury.com is doing a great job of keeping this list up to date.

~Mell~

Filed under: #mellandchris, coronavirus, COVID19, HealthSciencesNorth, nurses, publichealth, PublicHealthSudburyandDistrict, sudbury