The following media release was received Mar.5 2021 from Renfrew County and District Health Unit:
Over the month of February and during the first few days of March 2021, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has reported a rise in cases of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). While case numbers were low during the first half of February, with 9 cases reported between February 1 to 14, RCDHU reported 36 cases during the second half of the month (February 15 to 28), and an additional 13 cases so far in March. With this rise in case numbers, RCDHU will be moving into the Yellow-Protect Category of the COVID-19 response framework, effective Monday, March 8, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.
“This rise in cases is a stark reminder of the importance in adhering to public health guidelines – celebrating with only members of our immediate households, staying home from work, school or daycare if we are sick, practicing physical distancing (2 metres), wear a mask/face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained, and washing our hands,” states Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, RCDHU.
“As the COVID-19 variants of concern continue to spread in other regions across Ontario, we need to remember that we are all in this together and I would urge everyone of us to remain vigilant so that we can keep our local economy open, our kids in school, and our residents employed,” continued Dr. Cushman.
Western Renfrew County no longer a hotspot
“With these updated numbers, I am thankful to note that Barry’s Bay and Area is no longer a COVID-19 ‘hotspot’, with 0 active cases currently,” states Dr. Cushman.
Editor’s note: Barry’s Bay and Area is comprised of four municipalities: Madawaska Valley, Killaloe Hagarty Richards, Brudenell Lyndoch & Raglan, and South Algonquin.
Yellow – Protect: strengthened measures
With this shift to yellow, the public can find a further breakdown of cases by municipality in the RCDHU COVID-19 Case Summary and more details for the Yellow-Protect category can be found in RCDHU’s Fact Sheet: Moving to the Yellow (Protect) Zone or Ontario Regulation 364/20: RULES FOR AREAS IN STAGE 3.
It is imperative that everyone do their part to stay home if they are sick, avoid contact with people who are ill, use the COVID Alert App, and complete the COVID-19 self-assessment tool or COVID-19 school and child care self-assessment tool daily if you go 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 & District Health Unit(2021,Mar.5) Rise in COVID-19 Cases Moves Renfrew County and District to Yellow [media release]
