The health and social-care providers of the Ontario Health Team-Northumberland have issued a press release supporting the 28-day provincial lockdown that begins on Boxing Day.
In fact, they stated, “With the holiday season almost upon us, and the very real risks posed by the movement of people into and across our province, this shutdown – in our view – cannot come soon enough.”
The OHT-N has watched cases rise dramatically province-wide, with new cases exceeding 2,000 daily over the past week. And this does not take into account countless confirmed cases that may go undetected in asymptomatic individuals who unwittingly continue to spread the virus.
These rising case numbers indicate that the targeted measures that have been in place are not enough, they said.
“A swift and broad response is required now to avoid or, at least, minimize even more individuals falling ill or worse in the coming weeks and months.:
Further cause for concern is the number of cases surpassing 200 in Northumberland, the vast majority of which have been detected and confirmed since the end of November. Though this does not approach the numbers seen in neighbouring regions like Toronto, Peel and Durham, it does indicate the situation is going in the wrong direction.
“Over 14,000 Canadians have died of COVID-19.” they stated.
“More than 4,000 of these confirmed COVID-related deaths have been in Ontario, and 20 in the region covered by the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. By acting now, we will help to stop these figures from growing even larger.
“The sacrifices are significant, both personal and economic, but the alternative, without a doubt, would be much worse.”
Vaccines offer hope, but these benefits are many months away.
The OHT-N thanks everyone in Northumberland for their continued efforts to meet this challenge and urges these steps.
Remain vigilant with the preventive public-health measures that have been proven to reduce the spread of COVID.
Support the province's shutdown with your own personal actions, and consider doing so even before it comes into effect on Saturday, Dec. 26, at 12:01 AM.
Give the best holiday gift of all – distance.
One question that arose at the OHT-N's Dec. 10 public forum was where to get the most accurate and up-to-date COVID information. The press release reiterated that information, suggesting Ontario's dedicated COVID-19 website and the HKPR District Health Unit website.
For information on where to get a COVID-19 test, visit the OHT-N website at OHTNorthumberland.ca.
