Health Unit Says No Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Wednesday, But Social Distancing Still Strongly Encouraged

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The Windsor Essex County Health Unit is continuing to urge precaution in our community after announcing there have been no cases of COVID-19 as of Wednesday.

The Health Unit says 164 people have been tested and 103 tests are still pending.

Current Provincial Guidance & Restrictions

The province is providing guidance, recommendations and restrictions on a regular basis to public health. As of March 18th, 2020, under the provincial Emergency Act the following orders are in place until March 31st:

• Anyone traveling outside of Canada should self-isolate for 14 days upon return. If symptoms develop during self-isolation, including fever and/or cough call public health at 519-258-2146 ext. 1420.
• Healthcare workers and/or other essential workers are asked to self-monitor for any symptoms
• Closure of all licenced daycares
• Closure of all public schools (Until April 6th)
• Closure of all public libraries
• Closure of all recreational facilities with indoor programming
• Closure of all private schools as defined in the Education Act
• Closure of all churches and other faith settings
• Closure of all Theatres and movie theatres
• Closure of all concert venues
• Closure of all Casinos (until further notice)
• Closure of all bars, nightclubs and restaurants, with the exception of restaurants that can shift to takeout/delivery mechanisms

As well Dr. Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health of Ontario strongly recommendations:

• Long Term Care, Retirement Facilities, Hospice, and residential care facilities only permit essential visitors and actively screen visitors for symptoms and travel history, excluding entry if failed screening
• University, Colleges and workplaces consider virtual options
• Suspend all non-essential travel outside of Canada
• Self-isolate for 14 days after travel outside of Canada, unless essential worker self-monitor if asymptomatic and report to employer
• Practice social distancing (2m) where feasible

Current recommendations from Dr. Wajid Ahmed, Medical Officer of Health

Dr. Wajid Ahmed supports all of the recommendations and restrictions provided by the Government of Ontario for the City of Windsor and County of Essex. As well Dr. Ahmed recommends:

• Essential workers must report travel outside of Canada to their employer and self-monitor if asymptomatic, including daily temperature reading.
• Seniors and high risk individuals should avoid any non-essential trips and stay home as much as possible
• Commuters that cross to Detroit for work purposes should consider work from home options with their employer where possible and regularly self-monitor for any symptoms including taking their temperature.
• Physicians should screen clients over the phone and refer as appropriate.
• Create an emergency preparedness plan to ensure you have what you need in case of self-isolation.
• Wash hands with soap & water thoroughly and often.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue. Dispose of tissue immediately and wash your hands.
• Keep surfaces clean and disinfected.
• Stay home when you are sick; call your health care provider for advice and take the online self assessment tool for COVID-19