Against the background of yet another day with Ontario reporting more than 400 new cases of COVID-19, this morning County of Renfrew broadcast a livestream COVID-19 briefing on the County’s YouTube channel. The panel of public health officials and local politicians all delivered a clear message to residents of the County and District: Now is not the time to give in to COVID fatigue or to let down your guard.
The participating panelists were:
- Warden of the County of Renfrew, Debbie Robinson (top row, left)
- Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, MPP John Yakabuski (top row, right)
- Mayor of the City of Pembroke, Mike LeMay (bottom row, left)
- Acting Medical Officer of Health, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU), Dr. Robert Cushman (bottom row, centre)
- Clinical Coordinator, Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RCVTAC), Dr. Jonathan Fitzsimon (bottom row, right)
- Algonquins of Pikwakanagan RN and Pandemic Advisory, Brittany Martin (top centre)
- County Emergency Management Coordinator, Michael Nolan (not shown)
Robinson acted as moderator and introduced the other speakers. She reminded viewers that in April she asked residents in our community to follow the public health guidelines. Because they did so, COVID-19 was contained. She acknowledged that everyone is tired but said that letting down your guard puts not only yourself at risk but also your neighbours. She said the second wave is here and the number of positive cases is rising. The restrictions are non-negotiable and she asked everyone to take up the challenge.
Dr. Cushman underlined the message saying the area had more cases in September than in March, and also had a fair number in August. He pointed out that last week’s closure of Fellowes High School in Pembroke was the first school closed in Ontario. He said, “It tells us two things. One is, this is the second wave. The other one is that we’ve got COVID fatigue. Well, we cannot afford to have COVID fatigue when the second wave is here.” He said he was delivering a “cheer-leading” but also “very stern” message.
He continued, “Yes, we all have COVID fatigue. But, guess what? Come and work with the health unit for a day or join the VTAC staff or go along with EMS for a day. Careful, careful, careful here, because we’re burning out. And we need your cooperation to observe all the rules.”
He encouraged people to get with the program, to continue practising hand-washing and good hygiene, and to keep social distancing. But based on what he has seen recently, he had two further messages:
- If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, even mild ones, go home and self-isolate with the members of your household. Contact RCDHU to get tested and follow the advice from public health.
- Respect your social bubbles. Restrict their size. Do not let your guard down.
MPP Yakabuski agreed with the other speakers that there is COVID fatigue but warned viewers that this pandemic is far from over. He said that everybody must accept individual responsibility and take charge. It is a joint community effort. He said, “Ask yourself, What am I doing today to protect you?”
Dr. Fitzsimon said that for the safety of all, we must not let our guard down. He reminded viewers that many seasonal symptoms such as coughs, sniffles and colds can also be due to COVID-19. He said, “We cannot gamble with peoples’ lives by hoping that these symptoms are just a simple cough and cold.” He asked residents to call RC VTAC 1.844.727.6404 if they require testing. They can attend drive-through test sites and the community paramedics will visit any vulnerable or housebound people.
Nolan pointed out that the paramedics have doubled their test capacity. With people making appointments in advance, they are aiming for 30 minutes or less per drive-through test. He expressed pride in the paramedics’ ability to assist the City of Ottawa last weekend.
Martin said the First Nation community at Pikwakanagan is cooperating fully with RCDHU and requested any visitors to the community to please follow public health guidelines.
Mayor LeMay reminded viewers that last week the City of Pembroke got a “wake-up call” and continued vigilance is required.
Click BELOW to see the video and to hear Drs. Cushman and Fitzsimons give detailed information about the guidelines for symptoms, testing, and return from self-isolation.
