By Cecilia Nasmith
With local cases of COVID-19 on the rise and the holiday season fast approaching, Ontario Health Team of Northumberland partners are issuing an urgent appeal to local residents to remain vigilant with their preventive measures known to reduce spread.
Though vaccines are coming out, the press release said, the battle with COVID is far from over may go on many more months before the positive impact of broad-scale vaccinations take hold.
“Prevention remains the greatest protection available to us, and none of us can be successful alone – prevention is a shared responsibility,” the bulletin stressed.
The long, hard work and unprecedented sacrifices Northumberland residents, businesses and organizations have made were acknowledged.
“But the virus is strong, and it is on the rise,” it continued.
It wasn't too long ago the number of confirmed positive cases in Northumberland was low. The situation shifted with shocking suddenness, and was mirrored in many areas adjacent to the county – and throughout Ontario and around the world.
“Without a doubt, now is not the time to ease up on our commitment to personal protective measures. To that end, as we head into the holiday season, OHT-N partners are calling on everyone to continue to follow public health advice to limit the potential for spread of COVID-19 in our county,” it urged.
The measures are familiar from long repetition and diligent practice.
Maintain physical distancing, to deny the virus a chance to spread. This would be at least two metres (or six feet) from anyone outside of your immediate household.
Wear a mask, as is required in all public indoor settings, including businesses and workplaces.
Practice good hand hygiene, washing with soap and water frequently or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. And avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth unless your hands are freshly washed.
Stay home if you are ill.
The best Christmas gift we can give loved ones is distance, the press release said, listing measures the OHT-N are urging for everyone.
Avoid non-essential travel.
Avoid holiday parties, large family dinners and similar indoor activities.
Reserve in-person celebrations for those in your immediate household. Share your greetings with others through virtual options.
If you live alone, consider celebrating with one other household only or connect with others virtually.
As difficult as these measures are, they pointed out, the consequences of not following this advice will be much worse.
“We must do everything in our power to protect our whole community, together.”
