July 9, 2020 – Directive for Masks/Face Coverings in Enclosed Public Spaces in Effect July 14th
July 9, 2020 ‐ Further to the Eastern Region Medical Officers of Health Announcement on July 6, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has released a local directive requiring masks or face coverings be worn in enclosed public spaces. The directive comes into effect on Tuesday, July 14th. RCDHU’s first step for implementation of this directive is a gradual education approach to be further assessed going forward. This directive is to be primarily used to educate people on mask use in enclosed public spaces because 2-metre physical distancing cannot always be maintained.
July 8, 2020- Blue-Green Algae Bloom Found – Lake Dore
July 8, 2020 ‐ The Renfrew County and District Health Unit and the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) investigated the discovery of a substance floating on and around the shore at Lake Dore. The substance has been confirmed to be a blue-green algae bloom. The water sample was collected on July 2, 2020 and results received last night on July 7, 2020.
July 6, 2020 – RCDHU Announces Regional Approach to Mandatory Masks
July 6, 2020 ‐ Today Medical Officers of Health from Eastern Ontario Health Unit; Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit; Renfrew County and District Health Unit and Ottawa Public Health announced a regional approach to the use of masks in their respective jurisdictions. Each public health unit will be invoking a directive under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that requires individuals to wear a mask or face covering in certain enclosed public spaces. Under the directive, the person responsible for a business or organization that is open shall operate the business or organization in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning or disinfecting.
July 2, 2020 – RCDHU Reports New Case of COVID-19 with Potential Exposures
July 2, 2020 ‐ Today, Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) confirms one more positive laboratory-confirmed case of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Renfrew County and District (RCD) associated with community spread.
June 19, 2020 – Heat Alert–June 19th and June 20th
June 19, 2020 ‐ An extreme heat event has been issued for Renfrew County and District, with expected maximum temperatures ranging from 31°C - 34°C (Humidex 38°C - 40°C) both Friday June 19th and Saturday June 20th. It is important to take steps to prevent heat-related illness during this heat event. Extreme heat can put everyone at risk from heat related illness, however older adults, infants and young children, people with chronic health conditions, people who work or exercise in the heat, homeless people and low-income earners are at greatest risk.
June 19, 2020 – Fentanyl Alert for Renfrew County and District
June 19, 2020 ‐ Fentanyl branded as “Purple” has been found locally and is suspected to be linked to increases in overdoses locally and in other areas of Ontario. Renfrew County and District Health Unit is reminding residents and the community that street drugs may be cut or mixed with substances such as Fentanyl or Carfentanil, and that even a very small amount of these substances can cause an overdose.
June 8, 2020 – If you develop COVID-19 symptoms get tested
June 8, 2020 ‐ All residents with at least one symptom of COVID-19, no matter how mild, should get tested. COVID-19 can cause illness ranging from a very mild, cold-like illness to a severe lung infection. Some of these symptoms can include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle ache, headache, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing.
June 4, 2020 – Riverview Heights COVID-19 Outbreak Declared Over
June 4, 2020 ‐ On June 3rd, the COVID-19 outbreak at Riverview Heights retirement home was declared over by Renfrew County and District Health Unit’s (RCDHU) Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Cushman.
June 4, 2020 – COVID-19 Test Results – No News is Good News
June 4, 2020 ‐ Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, and the staff at Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) would like residents to know that “no news is good news” when it comes to COVID-19 test results. Moving forward, residents will only be notified by RCDHU if they receive a positive test result.
May 29, 2020 – COVID-19 Community Gardens Toolkit
May 29, 2020 ‐ On April 25, the Ontario government announced an amendment to its COVID-19 emergency orders, giving community gardens the green light to ‘grow’ ahead. It was recognized that the gardens provide an essential and lower cost source of fresh food for some individuals and families.