Joint Media Release April 8, 2020

Township of Chapleau, Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services, Chapleau and District Family Health Team, Chapleau Physicians Group regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Chapleau,

The Township of Chapleau is one of the small, rural communities encompassed by Public Health Sudbury & Districts which includes , Manitoulin District, and . Due to confidentiality, Public Health only identifies COVID-19 confirmed cases by these three areas and does not specify location by community. Public Health has reported that two cases of COVID-19 are within the Sudbury District and has also said that we should all assume there is community spread. Therefore, we, as a community must act as if there is community spread of COVID-19 in order to protect ourselves and fellow community members.

The Township of Chapleau, Services de santé de Chapleau Health Services, Chapleau and District Family Health Team and local Chapleau physicians ask that we all take every possible measure to protect each and every one of us during these difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic must be taken seriously.

These are the measures that we can all take to decrease our risks:

• STAY HOME unless you need to go out for groceries, prescriptions, etc! • Clean your hands often: o Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, especially after you have been in a public space. o Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • Avoid close contact: o Avoid close contact with people who are sick o Stay home as much as possible o Practise social distancing by keeping a distance of 2 metres away from others. o The Government of Ontario has prohibited gatherings of more than 5 people with strict exceptions. o If you have recently returned from travel outside of you must self-isolate for 14 days. • Cover coughs and sneezes: o Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. o Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands. • Clean and disinfect: o Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, toilets, faucets and sinks.

For more information on self-isolation and self-assessment, visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Chapleau Rural & Northern -30- Physician Group