WELLINGTON COUNTY – Most County of Wellington facilities remain open and programs are running for now, despite concerns about COVID-19.
“It’s important to note that this can change at any time as we receive information from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada,” said county communications manager Andrea Ravensdale in a press release issued around 5pm on March 13.
“We’re discussing the COVID-19 situation regularly and making decisions based on the advice we receive from Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.”
The release states the county “has implemented proactive measures to limit further transmission” of the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
“The situation is changing quickly. At this time, all county buildings are open and scheduled programming is running. This could change as more information becomes available to us,” Ravensdale adds.
The county is asking residents to check its social media and website for the most up-to-date information on closures and changes to service.
“At this time, the County of Wellington is still trying to provide services to the public as best we can,” stated Ravensdale.
Other services
The county also reports:
– EarlyOn Centres are closed until further notice;
– there are no changes to waste collection (at this time);
– committee meetings will go on as scheduled (at this time).
March Break programming (library and museum) is going on as scheduled. However, on March 14 the county announced the Birds of Prey show scheduled for March 19 at the museum (part of March Break programming) was cancelled.
“This could change, and if it does we will post it on our social media and website,” Ravensdale stresses.
At this time, Wellington County Child Care and Learning Centres remain open. Staff have increased their monitoring and cleaning of these facilities.
“Further decisions will be made as we receive information from the Ministry of Education and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH),” the release states.
Information on entering a county building or facility can be found here.
Child care centres
WDG Public Health states in a press release they are working closely with the Ministry of Health and Public Health Ontario to ensure information regarding COVID-19 is up-to-date as the situation continues to rapidly evolve.
“WDG Public Health has received guidance from the province that child care centres have NOT been ordered to close (centres that are located within public schools will receive further guidance from the Ministry of Education),” the release states.
Any children under 16 years of age who are returning from travel from outside of Canada will be required to self-isolate and self-monitor for a period of 14 days upon return. This means:
– the child must NOT return to child care centres;
– the child must self-isolate at home, avoiding close contact with others and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms (fever and/or cough, difficulty breathing); and
– if symptoms develop, individuals should contact Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
All licensed child care centres are being asked to actively screen children, parents, staff and visitors for any symptoms and travel history that may be related to COVID-19.
“It is critical that we keep COVID-19 out of our child care spaces,” officials state.
Members of the public are advised to practice general infection prevention control to reduce the risk of infection from any virus. This includes:
-wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
– avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with hands;
– avoid close contact with people who are ill;
– stay home if you are ill;
– cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and wash your hands;
– if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm; and
– clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.
For more information about COVID-19, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/your-health/novel-coronavirus-covid-19 or call the WDGPH coronavirus call centre: 1-800-265-7293 ext. 7006. The centre is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm.
For a complete list of county closures due to COVID-19, click here.
