Another case of the Covid-19 virus has been reported by Southwestern Public Health, bringing the total to five. Southwestern Public Health covers Oxford County, Elgin County and the City of St. Thomas.

https://www.swpublichealth.ca/content/community-update-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

Of the five cases, four are in Elgin County and one in Oxford County. Four are males, two in their 70’s, two in their 30’s. The new case, involving a male in his 70’s in Elgin County, has yet to determine how the virus was transmitted. He’s currently being treated in hospital.

Meanwhile, in a press release yesterday, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit has confirmed the first case of the virus in their area is a resident of Norfolk County. The person is currently experiencing mild symptom and continues to self-isolate at home. Here’s the press release:

https://hnhu.org/haldimand-norfolk-health-unit-confirms-first-case-of-covid-19/

As a recap:

-for Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital and Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll, visiting hours are now restricted to “essential visitors only.” All children attending the Emergency Department can have one (1) guardian present. Those deemed as essential visitors must pass screening at the Emergency Department entrance.” (since Mar. 19) Woodstock Hospital has different hours with main entrance open from 7am-8pm and Emerg entrance open from 8pm-7am. A “no visitor policy” is in effect, too.

-In Tillsonburg, Mayor Stephen Molnar will be issuing a news bulletin during each business day, saying “regular communication with residents, businesses and community stakeholders is critical” in this time of crisis. You can find the bulletins on the town’s website, tillsonburg.ca.

-As of yesterday (Thurs.), playgrounds in Tillsonburg are now closed until further notice. Do not let children use any of the equipment (swings, slides, etc.). Parks and trails however remain open.

– the following are closed until further notice:

-the Tillsonburg Community Centre (since Mar. 16)

-the Senior Centre (since Mar. 13)

-the Tillsonburg Fire Hall (although closed to public, they continue will their usual emergency responses)

-the Tillsonburg Airport terminal building and site restaurant (since Mar. 17)

-Oxford County libraries, including the Tillsonburg branch (since Mar. 13 and until at least Apr. 5)

-Health Club

-Annandale National Historic Site (since Mar. 13)

-entry to the Customer Service Centre (10 Lisgar Ave), Corporate Office (200 Broadway) and Cemetery Office (Simcoe Street) is by appointment only (since Mar. 16)

-as of Mar. 18, Oxford County Human Services (social assistance, housing and children’s services) remains open by appointment only, or by telephone or email

-all three sites of Woodingford Lodge are closed to all but essential visitors to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents

-the Oxford County Waste Management Facility in Oxford is open for commercial use only (since Mar. 21) and not accepting residential drop offs. The facility is closed on Saturdays (since Mar. 25). Garbage and recycling collections are continuing as normal. But residents should be ready for information on service changes that will affect some residents after May 4.

-as for declarations of states of emergency, keep in mind the move allows municipalities to swiftly take action on activities that are violating public health officials’ orders. Declaring a state of emergency also allows municipalities to tap into provincial resources and emergency funding that would not otherwise be available. For those reasons, Haldimand and Norfolk counties declared states of emergency (Mar. 24). Aylmer Mayor Mary French also declared a state of emergency for the town (Mar. 18). All non-essential town programs and services are cancelled. Town Hall remains closed until further notice, as well as rec facilities and related programming. Essential town services continue with special safety precautions. As of Mar. 23, the Warden and Mayors of Oxford County’s municipalities issued a joint statement saying, “Oxford County and all of our municipalities believe a municipal emergency declaration is not warranted at this time.”

And the Country Music Association of Ontario has rescheduled their awards show, originally set for the end of May in London, Ont. The awards will now be held Oct. 1-4.

Saw this in the window of a hair salon, currently closed in downtown Tillsonburg…

Stay safe…wash your hands OFTEN…and clean your phones, too!