Health services gradually re-opening

Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health offices will gradually re-open in-person services over the coming weeks.

To balance demands of the coronavirus pandemic response with provision of public health services, in-person services will be prioritized based on community need.

Services will be provided with modifications, to help protect both clients and staff against COVID-19. These modifications include screening visitors for symptoms of COVID-19, offering select services by appointment only, and considering alternatives to in-person services whenever possible.

This week, catch-up immunization appointments have been offered to clients whose appointments were cancelled in response to the pandemic. Plans are under way to resume other in-person services over the coming weeks, including:
Offering urgent breastfeeding consults on an as-needed basis.
Providing urgent sexual health services as needed.
Providing Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) treatment for those in need
Administering birth control for those who are under the age of 26
Providing access to screening for contacts of STIs
Continuing inspections of food service settings, drinking water facilities, and migrant farm workers’ accommodations

When in office, clients will be encouraged to wear a non-medical mask.

Public Health Efforts Continue to Slow the Spread of COVID-19

HPEPH is also continuing to support partners at Ontario Health, hospitals, and community paramedicine, in the provision of testing to those who are concerned about exposure. Currently, local assessment centres are open in Bancroft on weekdays, and in Belleville, Picton, and Trenton seven days a week.

“While restrictions are being gradually lifted, it is incredibly important that residents remain diligent in their efforts to practise physical distancing and infection control,” said Dr. Oglaza, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH. “There is still a risk of COVID-19 in our community, and these efforts are playing a key role in slowing the spread, and keeping case numbers low in our region”.

There have been 43 lab-confirmed cases reported in Hastings Prince Edward – the last two cases logged on May 18 and May 1.

The Prince Edward Family Health Team also noted it will continue to keep offices open to serve patients.

Patients are asked to call ahead as care is mostly being provided via phone, or virtually, where possible. Patients deemed to require an in-person visit will be screen and brought into the office in a controlled manner to prevent overcrowding.