In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals in the region issued statements Friday informing members of the public about measures they can take to protect themselves during this difficult time.
鈥淎t this time, there are no cases of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark,鈥� are the first words that greet visitors on the Brockville General Hospital鈥檚 COVID-19 page.
Each of the BGH, Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) and the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital (PSFDH) have issued a press release and posted a webpage with very similar messages.
鈥淭he risk of getting the virus in our area is low. Most cases occurring around the world got the virus from travel in affected areas, were in close contact, or live in the same household as known cases,鈥� said the BGH COVID-19 page.
Both BGH and PSFDH remain open to visitors although they ask people not to visit if they are sick, and are still running all of their normal services.
Kemptville District Hospital, however, has made a number of changes to its daily operations, including: Restricting visitors to the hospital; cancelling many specialist appointments except urgent cases (patients affected are being contacted by phone); suspending all volunteer services (so the hospital coffee shop will be closed until further notice); cancelling all large group events; cancelling all after-hours meetings; and cancelling all work-related travel.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the way KDH staff and physicians are pulling together in our efforts to control and suppress the spread of COVID-19,鈥� said Frank Vassallo, the Kemptville hospital's CEO.
All three hospitals are advising anyone experiencing shortness of breath, or any respiratory symptoms including cough, congestion, fever or runny nose, to contact their primary care physician or nurse practitioner. Anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus is advised to self-isolate and consult the Public Health Ontario website for information.
All three hospitals re-iterate Public Health Ontario鈥檚 advice on helping reduce the spread of the virus, including: Washing hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer; covering your cough and sneeze with a tissue or into your arm, not your hand; if possible, staying home if you are sick; and avoiding visiting people in hospitals or long-term care centres if you are sick.
鈥淢ost respiratory viral symptoms are mild enough to treat at home,鈥� says the PSFDH release, adding that people should stay at home and monitor their systems, drink plenty of fluids, and rest.
All the hospitals are asking residents not to rush to emergency department unless advised to do so by a health care professional and whenever possible to call ahead of arrival at emergency.
Heddy Sorour, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Brockville Recorder and Times
