Efforts to slow spread of COVID-19 hit home

As the number of coronavirus cases in Ontario grows day by day, community leaders in St. Thomas and Elgin are reassuring the public they're taking steps to slow its spread and keep residents safe.

Times-Journal staff
Mar 16, 2020  •  March 16, 2020  •  3 minute read
The main rink at the Joe Thornton Community Centre in St. Thomas was empty on Sunday afternoon. The rink would usually be full of minor hockey players but Hockey Canada cancelled all games and practices last week to slow the spread of COVID-19. (Derek Ruttan, Postmedia Network)

As the number of coronavirus cases in Ontario grows day by day, community leaders in St. Thomas and Elgin are reassuring the public they’re taking steps to slow its spread and keep residents safe.

“As of today’s date there are no known cases of COVID-19 in St. Thomas,” St. Thomas police Chief Chris Herridge said Saturday.  “Safety has always been our number 1 priority. Your safety and ours. Rest assured the St. Thomas police service is not reducing service to the community. Rather we will navigate this pandemic with safety in mind until the risk
has passed.”

But like nearly every agency in the region, St. Thomas police are making changes to slow the spread of the respiratory illness that has infected more than 170 Ontario residents and led to the closing of schools, child-care centres and recreation facilities.

Members of the public will no longer be able to walk into the Colin McGregor Justice Building. The lobby door is locked and visitors have to use the phone in vestibule to talk to a dispatcher. Staff will screen people requiring assistance for non-emergency situations.

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Parents whose children are home for March break have few options to keep them busy. The city has closed the library and recreation facilities and cancelled its March break day camp. The St. Thomas-Elgin YMCA also is closed until April 6.

That is the day students at Thames Valley District and London District Catholic schools are scheduled to return to classes after the provincial government extended the March break by two weeks.

Classes at Fanshawe College’s St. Thomas/Elgin campus are cancelled this week. The college is working to start online classes March 23 and resume in-person classes April 6.

Elgin County libraries are closed and Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday to April 3 will be rescheduled.

The St. Thomas and Elgin Homebuilders’ Association has postponed the St. Thomas Home Show that was scheduled to run March 27-29.

“Being a local presence and knowing that the home show is such an important economic driver to the home and renovation industry, we have decided postponing was in the best interest of our members and exhibitors rather than cancelling at this time.”

Organizers say they are working to set a new date for the show.

CLOSED/CANCELLED

Southwestern Public Health: Most clinics and classes closed until April 15, including prenatal, breastfeeding, food handling and dental services. Sexual health clinics, expect Tillsonburg’s, and needle exchange program will continue. More information: 1-800-922-0096

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St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital: Visiting hours changed to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only one family member allowed to accompany patients in the emergency room. Children aged 16 and under restricted from visiting.

City of St. Thomas: Recreation facilities and library closed; March break day camp cancelled. EarlyOn Child and family centres closed.

Elgin County: library branches, Heritage Centre and archives closed. Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled from Monday, March 16 to Friday, April 3 adjourned and will be rescheduled.

St. Thomas-Elgin YMCA: child and health, fitness and aquatics facilities closed until April 6

St. Thomas police: People requiring non-emergency services such as criminal checks are asked to make requests by phone (519-631-1224) or email (info@stps.on.ca). Staff will screen people requiring assistance for non-emergency situations. Access to police station restricted. The lobby door will be locked and visitors are asked to use phone in the vestibule.

St. Thomas Home Show: The show, scheduled to run March 27-29, is postponed. Information about new dates has not been released.

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital is asking patients not to come to emergency for non emergency symptoms. Patients concerned about their symptoms are asked to call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or their family doctor. Travellers returning to Canada who develop respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of their return should contact Southwestern Public Health at 1-800-922-0096.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HEALTH

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • Sneeze and cough into your sleeve
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • If you plan to visit someone at the hospital, please self- screen to ensure that you are healthy and well, have no respiratory symptoms and do not have a fever

Source: St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital