Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) distributed the following releases on May 27:
RCDHU issues Section 22 Order against Cobden business
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is informing the public that it has issued a Section 22 Order to Olmstead’s Home Hardware in Cobden, for not adhering to requirements set out in Regulation 82/20 under the Reopening Ontario Act. After several attempts by RCDHU to rectify non-compliance, Olmstead’s Home Hardware must immediately close the business to indoor traffic, allowing curbside pick-up, delivery or online services only.
The Section 22 Order was issued to ensure that community transmission of COVID-19 is minimized or eliminated. “We have come this far, and it us up to all of us to do our part to ensure the safety of our community as a whole,” says Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the RCDHU. “We take no pleasure in monetary fines, but it is our duty to enforce all public health measures set by the province to ensure the safety of RCD residents,” finishes Dr. Cushman.
It is imperative that businesses follow the COVID-19 Workplace Safety guidelines to ensure the safety of their employees, customers and the public, while also reducing the risk of workplace outbreaks.
RCDHU(2021,May27) RCDHU Continues to Protect Workers and the Public Through Enforcement of the Reopening Ontario Act [media release]
Advisory to RCD residents regarding COVID-19 outbreak at Nunavut Mine
RCDHU is issuing an advisory to any individuals who have arrived in Renfrew County and District (RCD) from the Mary River Mine Site in Nunavut of Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation since April 30, 2021, to immediately self-isolate whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, and notify RCDHU at 613-732-3629 extension 977 or 1-800-267-1097.
In addition to self-isolating, RCD residents who have returned from the Mine since April 30, 2021, who currently have symptoms or have previously had symptoms consistent with COVID-19 at any time since April 30, should immediately seek testing and advise all household members to self-isolate. To arrange COVID-19 testing, contact the Renfrew County Virtual Triage Assessment Centre (VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 or book an appointment online at https://rcvtac.ca/.
An outbreak of COVID-19 was declared at the Mary River Mine site of the Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation in early May, involving the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India. Any individuals who have returned from the Mine since April 30th are considered high risk contacts based on potential exposure to COVID-19.
After exposure to COVID-19, it can take up to 14 days to develop COVID-19 infection. It is therefore possible for an individual who tests negative early after exposure to subsequently develop infection and spread COVID-19 to others. A negative test prior to departure from the Mine does not rule out exposure to COVID-19 or developing infection.
This is important information as Baffinland Iron Mines Corporation has been informed that some individuals have developed symptoms shortly after arriving home, despite testing negative prior to departure/flights, meaning that they could have been contagious during flight and after arriving at their destination.
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.
RCDHU(2021,May27) RCDHU Issues Advisory to RCD Residents Related to COVID-19 Outbreak at Northern Iron Mine [media release]
New weekly extra dose list
RCDHU in collaboration with partners, is introducing a new COVID-19 Vaccine Weekly Extra Dose Sign-Up List for residents who have not yet received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and for Indigenous People who are being prioritized for early second doses. Residents who have been unable to book a vaccine appointment due to high demand can now add their name to a weekly list, which will allow residents to be called for last minute or same day appointments that open at various clinics across Renfrew County and District (RCD).
Each Monday morning a new list will be started for all clinics across RCD so that staff at individual vaccine clinics can access the list to call people when they have extra doses. If you want your name on the list, you must sign up every Monday morning for the current week. This Extra Dose Sign-Up List is not in place of booking an appointment and everyone should continue to book appointments as they become available.
“By introducing this new list, we are able to offer a solution to the large number of no-shows we have recently experienced at vaccine clinics across RCD,” says Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health for the Renfrew County and District Health Unit. “We are in excess of anywhere from 40 to 150 doses of vaccine at some clinics that we have to find arms for,” continues Dr. Cushman. “While no dose goes unused, this offers a fast and effective way for our clinic staff to find people to fill those spots on short notice,” finishes Dr. Cushman.
To add your name to the Weekly Extra Dose Sign-Up List, click or visit www.rcdhu.com and click on the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout webpage and scroll down to the link for the Weekly Extra Dose Sign-Up List.
RCDHU(2021,May27) New Weekly Extra Dose Sign-Up List Developed [media release]
