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On the afternoon of March 30, the County of Renfrew declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of yesterday afternoon, the Government of Ontario had reported over 1,700 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 across the province, and 23 deaths as a result of the virus. Right here in Renfrew County, there has now been two laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the last few days, including a case that was acquired without the individual having travelled elsewhere.
Dr. Robert Cushman, Medical Officer of Health for Renfrew County, has reminded us that, “confirmed cases represent on a fraction of disease activity in the community. For every 1 confirmed case, there are probably 10 cases out in the community and quite possibly 100”.
With official laboratory confirmation that COVID-19 is in our community, and that it is being transmitted locally, the Deep River and District Hospital is implementing the following additional measures to help limit the virus’ spread:
- Effective immediately, the Diagnostic Imaging Department will only be doing out-patient X-Rays by appointment Monday – Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Family Doctors or Nurse Practitioners will fax requisitions to the Diagnostic Imaging Department, who will then call patients to schedule an appointment.
- Effective April 6, 2020 the Laboratory will only be completing blood tests by appointment on Mondays and Tuesdays, between the hours of 7:30 am and 11:00 am. To book your next blood work appointment at the Deep River and District Hospital, please call 613-584-3333 ext. 7850.
All patients coming to the organization for a laboratory or X-Ray appointment will need to enter through the Emergency Department entrance and screening station.
The best way to prevent further spread of COVID-19 is to follow social distancing instructions and stay 2 metres away from others wherever possible. Avoid all non-essential trips in the community, and thoroughly wash your hands often. Don’t forget to clean your cell phone and disinfect other frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self isolate and then use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you have a health concern (including, but not limited to, a concern related to COVID-19) and need to speak to a physician, you should first call your family physician’s office. If you do not have a family physician, or cannot access your family physician, call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre at 1-844-727-6404.
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