September 13, 2020 – A personal note from Dr. Cushman about COVID-19
September 13, 2020 ‐ We have had more cases in the last month than in the previous three months. Worse, this weekend we could possibly be witnessing our first serious community outbreak in Renfrew County and District (RCD). Yes, we all have COVID-19 fatigue, but this is a marathon and we are in a key phase with new challenges. If we want schools to stay open and the economy to progress, we must recognize that individual vigilance and strict observance of public health recommendations are imperative. This is not the time to let down our guard but rather just the opposite.
September 13, 2020 – Health Unit Issues Advisory about Potential COVID-19 Exposure
September 13, 2020 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is issuing an advisory for a potential low-risk exposure after confirmation that a person who tested positive for COVID-19 visited Planet Fitness in Pembroke on September 5, 2020.
September 11, 2020 – RCDHU Urges Residents to Stay Home and Self-Isolate if you are Feeling Unwell
September 12, 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) at Fellowes High School.
September 9, 2020 – Directive for Masks/Face Coverings – Doctor’s Note NOT Required
September 9, 2020 ‐ With schools reopened and more people returning to onsite work, questions are being posed about Renfrew County and District Health Unit’s (RCDHU) COVID-19 Directive for Masks/Face Coverings in Renfrew County and District. As you know, masking is mandatory in enclosed public places. This includes private places where individuals not in the same bubble come together, for instance in lobbies and hallways, on elevators and in laundry rooms of apartment buildings, condominiums or multi-unit residential buildings.
August 25, 2020 – West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Renfrew County
August 25, 2020 ‐ West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes in Renfrew County Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus (WNv) have been found in the Town of Renfrew around the intersection of Bonnechere Street South and Opeongo Road. This is only the third time that mosquitoes have tested positive for WNv in Renfrew County and District since the health unit began monitoring mosquitoes for WNv in 2005. Mosquito traps are set up on a weekly basis across the region during the summer months. There have not been any reported human cases of WNv so far in 2020.
July 30, 2020 – RCDHU Response to Positive Case of COVID-19 in Deep River
July 30, 2020 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has become aware of concerns expressed through social media related to potential exposures on July 16th and 17th at The Whistle Stop in Deep River.
July 24, 2020 – Heat Alert–July 25 to July 27, 2020
July 24, 2020 ‐ An extreme heat warning has been issued for Renfrew County and District, with Saturday temperatures expected to range from 30°C - 31°C (humidex mid-30’s), and even hotter temperatures expected Sunday afternoon and Monday afternoon (humidex will reach near 40 degrees both days). 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.
July 23, 2020 – Mask/Face Covering Toolkit by RCDHU
July 23, 2020 ‐ Since the announcement of RCDHU's COVID-19 Directive for Masks/Face Coverings, RCDHU has developed a COVID-19 Information for Business Operators Toolkit to help answer lingering questions.
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.