PUBLIC NOTICE - January 6, 2022

Learn about the performance of our regulated drinking water systems and laboratories, drinking water test results, and enforcement activities and programs.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 21, 2021

West Elgin Community Health Centre will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Dutton Dunwich on January 11th at the Dutton Dunwich Community Centre as well as at the West Elgin International Centre on January 13th.  

By appointment only for all eligible persons including 1st, 2nd and 3rd vaccine doses for anyone over 18 as well as children ages 5 -11.  

To book your appointment please call 519-768-1715 Ext 2301.  Please have your Health Card and previous vaccination information ready.  

For more information please visit the West Elgin Community Health Centre website.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 9th, 2021

Increasing case numbers and the arrival of the Omicron variant have prompted area Medical Officers of Health to issue a letter outlining recommendations for how residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19 during the holidays.

Huron Perth Public Health’s Dr. Miriam Klassen, Southwestern Public Health’s Dr. Joyce Lock and the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s Acting Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alex Summers issued the joint statement today. The letter does not add restrictions or gathering limits for businesses, restaurants or other establishments to those already put in place by the Provincial Government. However, it does advise individuals of the steps they can take to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 at a critical time, when the number of cases is on the rise and holiday gathering and travel plans are being made.

The joint letter from the Medical Officers of Health recommends the following:

• Everyone should limit indoor social gatherings in private dwellings to no more than 10 people. All attendees 12 years of age and older should be vaccinated.
• All unvaccinated individuals 12 years of age and older should avoid any non-essential indoor contact with individuals who are not part of their household.
• Where possible, individuals should work remotely.

The recommendations come into effect immediately and will be reassessed in four weeks.

In addition to limiting close contact with others, the best way to prevent COVID-19 spread and severe illness from the virus, is to get fully vaccinated. The recommendation for unvaccinated individuals 12 years of age and older is included as the risk of acquiring COVID-19 infection is much higher in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals compared to vaccinated individuals. While breakthrough cases may occur in vaccinated people, they tend to be milder with a much lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission and death.

“We know people are tired, but we hope they’ll understand why we’re asking them to take extra steps to prevent further spread, especially as we approach the holidays,” says Dr. Alex Summers, Acting Medical Officer of Health with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “We know that this means adjusting plans, which is a big ask, but the number of new cases and the arrival of the Omicron variant have shown we can’t let our guard down.”

Adds Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health with Southwestern Public Health, “So many of those from our region have embraced vaccination and the other public health measures we’ve asked of them. This is a reminder that a layered approach is required. We can’t rely on
vaccination alone. As our socializing is primarily happening indoors right now, we need multiple strategies in place at once.”

“We continue to see a steady stream of new cases in Huron-Perth, and many are associated with social gatherings and events,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth. “The more contacts you have, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spreading to you or your loved ones, including the vulnerable. Following these three recommendations will help keep community members as safe as possible during the holiday season and into January.”

In recent weeks, the three health units have seen higher transmission of the virus and COVID-19 outbreaks in multiple settings, including schools, childcare centres, long-term care and retirement homes. The recommendations are intended to lower the number of close contacts between individuals, which previous experience and Science Table modelling have shown can lead to a decrease in case counts.

For more information about COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and your family and friends from the virus, please visit:

Middlesex-London Health Unit: www.healthunit.com/novel-coronavirus
Southwestern Public Health: www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19
Huron Perth Public Health: www.hpph.ca/coronavirus

PUBLIC NOTICE - SNOWPLOW SAFETY

Remaining safe is a joint responsibility. When you see a snow plow, salt or sand truck on the road, please proceed with caution. Snow plows are built to remove large volumes of snow and ice and that means we’re packing alot of weight. Operator eyes are on the road, the snow, potential obstacles and dangers – we ask residents to be patient. Give time and space to the snow plow operators and never pass a snow plow on the right and only on the left when it is safe and legal to do so.

Thank you for helping keep our roads safe during the winter season.

Here’s some helpful Do’s and Dont’s for motorists

DOs

• ​Turn on your head and tail lights during heavy snow or rain, even during the day.
• Use winter-rated snow tires with the mountain-snowflake symbol.
• Watch for the flashing amber lights.  It can be difficult to see snow removal equipment.
• Give snow plows plenty of space – about 10 car lengths.  Salt and winter abrasives, as well as rocks and other debris in the snow, can fly – hitting nearby vehicles and decreasing visibility.
• Remember the road surface ahead of the plow hasn’t been plowed yet therefore please slow down and be patient.  The operator will eventually pull over when it is safe to do so to allow motorists to pass, so take your time, wait and be safe.
• Pull as far over to the right as is safe when you see a snow plow approaching from the opposite direction along an undivided highway. That way, you will be clear of any salt or winter abrasives.
• Give the snow plow operator a wave when they pull over to let you pass. They’re out there to keep our roads safe!  

DON'Ts

• DON'T ... Assume the snow plow operator can see you, especially if you’re driving too close and visibility is poor (which it often is in snowstorms). Your best defense is to keep your distance.
• DON'T ... park on roadways, boulevards or sidewalks
• DON'T ... Pass snow plows. It’s not safe.  When drivers attempt to pass a plow truck, they put themselves, their passengers, the snow plow operator and other motorists at risk. The plow could be equipped with a wing blade on its left or right side, which can be obstructed by the snow it’s throwing.  The plow also may be the first of a series of two to four more plows, staggered diagonally across the road to clear all lanes simultaneously. This practice is called Echelon Plowing and would require the unwise driver to make multiple unsafe passes.
• DON'T ... Tailgate.  Tailgating any vehicle puts you at risk of a collision; tailgating a piece of heavy equipment armed with plows only ups the consequences.