This is a common message from the Hospital Officers of the South East Region Hospital and the Health Officers The southeastern region continues to show increased COVID-19 activity with some communities setting record high levels of the virus. In response, the Chiefs of Staff at Kingston Health Sciences Center, Providence Care, Quinte Health Care, Brockville General Hospital, Perth and Smiths Falls General Hospital and Lennox & Addington County General Hospital. and health professionals at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health and Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit gather to highly recommend actions residents can take to protect themselves, their families and communities to help manage the impact of the virus and reduce serious illness and hospitalization.
Get all the COVID-19 vaccines you meet the criteria for, including booster doses. Stay home if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild. If you have symptoms, get a rapid antigen test (RAT) if possible or a PCR test if appropriate. Follow the breathing etiquette (such as coughing on your elbow) and wash your hands often. Wear a well-fitting three-layer mask in all public interiors. If you are hosting or attending a social gathering, allow physical distance, outdoor gatherings are best. If you test positive or have symptoms, even if they are mild, you should stay home for at least five days or as otherwise indicated by current isolation guidelines. People can be contagious for up to 10 days, so it is important for another five days to wear a mask when you are away from home and to avoid those who are most vulnerable and at high risk, such as hospitals and long-term care.
As we enter the holiday weekend, people are advised to check for symptoms before leaving home and if you have symptoms to stay home. If you are planning to attend or host a gathering, consider going outside or opening windows for increased ventilation, think about who will be present, and consider covering up to protect vulnerable people. These safeguards, while not mandatory, are highly recommended as part of the multilevel approach to reducing the impact of COVID-19 on our communities. Today, Ontario will extend access to Paxlovid, a free COVID-19 antiviral treatment. Paxlovid treatment should be started within five days of the onset of symptoms and a healthcare provider should determine if antiviral therapy is appropriate for an individual, including those who do not belong to one of the eligible groups, based on individual circumstances. To be evaluated, individuals can visit a clinical evaluation center or contact the primary care provider. Even if you have no symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you qualify for antiviral treatment in advance. If you know or suspect you may have COVID-19 and your symptoms are getting worse, make an appointment for a clinical evaluation at your nearest location: The pandemic is not over and the last wave is challenging, but with your continued efforts to make responsible choices and respect those at higher risk of COVID-19 complications, we can reduce the impact. Help us protect our local hospitals with a very large number of patients, combined with critical staff shortages and a large number of COVID-19 patient staff. Thank you for your support in continuing to keep our communities as safe as possible. Dr. Andrew Hamilton, Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee – Brockville General Hospital Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President for Medical and Academic Affairs – Kingston Health Sciences Center Dr. Colin MacPherson, Chief of Staff, Head of Psychiatry, Medical Director of the Mental Health Program – Quinte Health Care Dr. Simon O’Brien, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee – Welfare Care Dr. Kate Stolee, Chief of Staff – Perth & Smiths Falls Regional Hospital Dr. Kim Morrison, Chief of Staff – Lennox & Addington County General Hospital Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Health Officer at Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Dr. Piotr Oglaza, Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Public Health Dr. Paula Stewart, Medical Officer, Health Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
