The City of Greater Sudbury is not cancelling any events, public meetings or programs in the wake of the city’s first positive case of the COVID-19 virus.
As reported by Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, the regions medical officer of health, there is no evidence the area is experiencing “community spread” of the virus, as is seen during cold and flu season where it becomes impossible to pinpoint exactly how a person became infected.
Right now, Sutcliffe said, the city only has a single case of COVID-19 and health officials have detailed information on his movements and interactions.
In a statement issued this evening, Greater Sudbury said it is working closely with health-care agencies and community partners, and is monitoring the situation.
“With the first case of COVID-19 reported in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, the City of Greater Sudbury continues to work closely with Public Health Sudbury & Districts and community partners to monitor the situation and respond appropriately,” the city stated. “We continue to follow the guidance of our local experts in public health.
“While the virus is not currently circulating locally, the situation is evolving and we are taking steps to help protect the health of our community.”
All city facilities, including Tom Davies Square, arenas, community centres and libraries, remain open and operational.
“We are undertaking enhanced cleaning of high-touch areas, including door handles, elevator buttons, service counters and railings, in all of our facilities,” the statement reads. “Additional hand-sanitizing stations and signage are in place in facility entrances.”
As well, Gova Transit is performing additional cleaning and disinfection of all buses with a focus on touch and grab points, such as buttons, railings, handles and straps.
All programs, events and public meetings continue to run as scheduled. If you have a question about a specific event or program operated by a community group, the city asks that you contact the event organizer for more information.
As reported by Sudbury.com, Pioneer Manor continues to follow their respiratory protocols and ask screening questions of all visitors. More detailed information on that can be found here.
Tips for protecting yourself:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill;
- Stay home when you are ill;
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage 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.
Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 for the most credible, local information about COVID-19, including how to prevent spread, how to monitor your health, and what to do if you think you are sick.
For additional information, call Public Health at 705-522-9200 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200). Call volumes may be higher than normal, however, residents can leave a voicemail and a Public Health staff member will return their call.
