News Release: Everyone is a Key Player in the Fight Against COVID-19, Says Health Unit

NIPISSING & PARRY SOUND, ON – Everyone has the power to make a change – that is the message from the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit). Last week, the province announced enhanced restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19, which has been difficult for many during this third wave of the pandemic. The Health Unit recognizes that the Stay-at-Home Order, as well as related restrictions and school closures, represents a challenge for all.

“By following public health measures, staying home, limiting our outings to essential trips only, and by getting vaccinated, we will win this fight against COVID-19,” highlights Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “I want to acknowledge the continued efforts from everyone in the district. We all have a role to play, and collectively, by continuing to respect the Stay-at-Home order, and by continuing to take all appropriate public health measures assuming everyone outside our household has COVID-19, we will achieve this.”

Although our Health Unit has recorded the lowest rate of COVID-19 cases in Ontario as of April 19, we are still seeing an increase in cases locally. In fact, to date in April, our district has seen a 43% increase in cases compared to March, which represents 13 additional cases reported thus far in April compared to all of March.

The best defence against COVID-19 is still to continue to follow public health measures such as avoiding non-essential travel, washing our hands often, wearing face-coverings, maintaining physical distancing, avoiding touching our face, and coughing or sneezing in our sleeve.

Getting immunized with the first vaccine available to you will also help to protect yourself and your loved ones, and help prevent a fourth wave. Individuals who are vaccinated still need to continue to follow public health measures.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek testing or further care. If you need further assistance, call your health care provider or the Health Unit at 1-800-563-2808. If you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, you should call 911 and mention your symptoms if you are able.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

For local information, please visit myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19.

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Media Inquiries:

Catherine Levac-Lafond, Bilingual Media Relations Coordinator
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca