A media release received at 11:45 a.m. on Jan.21 from Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) reads as follows:
Today, RCDHU is reporting that of the 297 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Renfrew County and District (RCD), 290 people have recovered. Sadly, RCDHU is also confirming the second COVID-19 related death in RCD since the pandemic began.
In 2020, RCDHU reported a drastic rise in COVID-19 cases from September to December. In September, 19 individuals tested positive for COVID-19 in RCD. This number increased by more than five times in the month of December, when 103 individuals tested positive for COVID-19, the highest RCDHU has seen since the pandemic began.
RCDHU is reporting that 61 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in January, with a week remaining. “After the holidays, we saw a rise in cases related to gatherings and lack of adherence to public health measures. Since then, cases in RCD have remained relatively low, and we aim to keep trending downward,” states Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, RCDHU.
On Monday, January 25th, 2021, RCD elementary and secondary schools will be permitted to resume in-person learning. RCDHU is one of seven health unit regions in Southern Ontario permitted to open schools. This is based on the most recent data and the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“While my staff and I commend the residents of RCD, we want to remind everyone that this is not the time to let our guard down. Strict adherence to public health measures put in place through the provincewide shutdown and stay-at-home order are critical for our success in combating COVID-19 as we move forward. It is our firm hope that keeping the numbers low and rolling out the vaccines will put this behind us. Remember, we need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home. Stay Safe. Save lives,” continues Dr. Cushman.
In addition to the new public health measures set out in the provincial shutdown and second provincial emergency order, it is imperative that everyone do their part to keep the community safe; stay home if they are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, practice physical distancing (2 metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, wash their hands, use the COVID Alert App, and if you are symptomatic, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care self-assessment tool before going to work, school or daycare, to monitor for symptoms and proper guidance.
For more information, visit RCDHU’s website at https://www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-2/ or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (2021,Jan.21) The State of COVID-19 in Renfrew County and District [media release]
