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.
May 27 – Expanded Community Testing for COVID-19
May 27, 2020 ‐ The County of Renfrew Paramedic Services will be making additional testing available at pre-scheduled testing site locations throughout Renfrew County and District in the coming weeks. Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health, states that he “encourages testing of any resident who is symptomatic or has concerns that they may have been exposed to COVID-19”.
May 22, 2020 – Resident at Riverview Heights Retirement Residence Tests Positive for COVID-19
May 22, 2020 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) is confirming that a resident at Riverview Heights Retirement Residence has tested positive for COVID-19. This result was found as part of RCDHU’s proactive strategy to identify asymptomatic cases in long-term care and retirement homes.
May 15, 2020 – Residents asked to wear masks where physical distancing is not possible
May 15, 2020 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) would like to thank all residents for their continued efforts in keeping our community safe in the fight against COVID-19. As Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer of Health states, “you are helping to keep the incidence at bay within our community, and we thank you for your participation, cooperation and enthusiasm.”
May 8, 2020 – “Keep Up the Good Fight” – Dr. Robert Cushman
May 9, 2020 ‐ Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) staff have been working hard in response to the Ministry of Health’s requirement to complete COVID-19 testing for all staff and residents in Long Term Care Homes, Retirement Homes and operating Licensed Child Care Centres. On May 1st, the Ministry of Health announced that public health units were to coordinate this testing within their jurisdiction. There is an associated update from Dr. Cushman on the RCDHU YouTube channel, which can be found here: https://youtu.be/Ul6RATH2UBw