By Cecilia Nasmith
In light of new COVID-19 developments, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre has shared measures implemented to help reduce the spread of the virus among staff, clients and community.
The agency remains committed to supporting women and children impacted by violence, with safety and security as a top priority. As such, the press release said, they are monitoring information from public-health officials. With their recommendations in mind, they are taking a number of steps to ensure their regular level of service continues to be available to those who need it.
Effective immediately, and until further notice, the community donation program is suspended. The donation room will no longer operate on Tuesdays, and donations will not be accepted.
The shelter remains open for existing clients, but admissions will be restricted to high-risk cases only (according to their Risk Assessment parameters) in response to recommendations around social distancing.
The 24-hr. support line at 905-372-0746 remains open.
The Community Resource Centre remains open, and individual services (like counselling, the THRIVE Drop-In, HomeShare meetings and Family Homelessness Support) will continue. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness and your needs are not urgent, they request you to reschedule your appointment or consider a telephone appointment. If an on-site meeting is required, clients must wear a mask.
All Outreach programs will continue at this time.
Enhanced cleaning measures have been implemented on-site across the organization to prevent the spread of germs.
Cornerstone will continue to monitor the situation closely in light of how it affects the services they provided and, accordingly, further measures may be considered.
“We will continue to follow the advice and leadership of public-health officials, should there be any major developments in the spread of COVID-19 in Northumberland,” the announcement said.
Cornerstone reminds everyone that health officials are asking everyone to comply with recommended measures.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not with your hand.
If you are sick, stay at home if at all possible.
Also if you are sick, do not visit people in hospitals or long-term-care centres.
The press release listed a number of resources that provide up-to-date information and an opportunity to have your questions answered.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020
Ontario Ministry of Health at 1-877-604-4567
Health Canada at 1-833-784-7397
Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000
You can also get more information on the websites for the health unit, Ontario Ministry of Health and Health Canada.
