The following media releases received on December 11 from Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) provide guidance for safe holiday travel and an update about availability of the flu vaccine. The good news is flu shots are available; not so welcome is the advice to suspend travel this holiday season.
Holiday travel advisory for Renfrew County and District
This holiday season we all must work together to protect one another by making safe choices. This means that when planning, it is important to assess the level of risk associated with any activity, and to adhere to all measures set out in Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework.
“We all know too well that this virus travels, and travels quickly. Last March cases popped up around the world in weeks. Almost all cases in Renfrew County and District can be traced to travel, folks who came into the region or those who travelled out and returned. For example, our two largest outbreaks with 70 or more cases can be attributed to travelers to and from the Southern Ontario and Toronto areas, and then there is our close proximity to Ottawa,” states Dr. Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU).
“Based on this information, I am issuing a Travel Advisory for residents of Renfrew County and District between now and the early new year. There are a number of communities in the red level issued under the Ontario COVID-19 Framework, that folks frequently travel to including the Toronto and Montreal areas. Red zones in areas of Western Quebec are also problematic and while Ottawa has improved dramatically over the past week, that situation can change quickly with the shopping, celebration and travel risks the Christmas season brings,” continues Dr. Cushman.
To summarize, this year the holidays need to be spent at home with members of your household, and travel, which in fact would undermine this recommendation, needs to be suspended.
“This is going to be a long and tough winter, but the good news is that Health Canada has approved the first vaccine and the roll out will start soon. There is light at the end of the tunnel but in the meantime, we need everybody to do their part,” finishes Dr. Cushman.
With the holidays looking a little different this year, RCDHU wants to make planning your holiday season safe and easier. For more information on how to navigate the holidays in a COVID-safe way, visit RCDHU’s website for holiday safety guidance, holiday gathering recommendations, safer versus riskier holiday activities, and at-home holiday activity ideas, or call 613-732-3629 or 1-800-267-1097.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit(2020,Dec.11) RCDHU Releases COVID-19 Travel Advisory and Safe Holiday Guidance [media release]
Time to get your flu shot
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) appreciates that more residents are recognizing the importance of getting the flu shot, as it is your best defence against getting sick from the flu.
Since the last update the Ministry of Health has confirmed that the province has secured more supply of influenza vaccine. RCDHU is encouraging anyone over the age of 6 months, who lives, works or attends school in Ontario to be vaccinated.
RCDHU is working with health care providers to offer flu clinics throughout Renfrew County and District (RCD). A regional group with health care representatives from each area of RCD has been formed to ensure that equitable distribution of influenza vaccine has been provided to the residents of RCD.
For more information on the availability of flu shots in your community, contact your health care provider or visit https://myflushot.ca/. Myflushot.ca provides details of health care providers offering flu shots throughout RCD, as well as availability of flu vaccine in those respective areas. Most importantly, https://myflushot.ca/ allows users to book their own appointment at participating locations from the comfort of their own home.
Renfrew County and District Health Unit(2020,Dec.11) RCDHU Update – More Flu Vaccine Now Available! [media release]