March 20, 2020 – Haldimand and Norfolk Counties are continuing to work closely with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, hospitals, healthcare centres and physicians to respond to COVID-19.
While there are currently NO confirmed cases in Haldimand or Norfolk, both Counties have activated their Emergency Operations Centres and are taking action to support local hospitals should patient volumes increase.
Should increased capacity at local hospitals be needed, both Haldimand and Norfolk Counties have made preparations to open interim care centers, to be staffed by local healthcare professionals.
In Haldimand County, this site will be at Dunnville Memorial Arena.
In Norfolk County, the site will be at Port Dover Arena.
“I fully support and appreciate the coordinated, proactive efforts of County staff, the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit & local hospitals to ensure our community is prepared for COVID-19,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “Residents should be assured that we are taking all steps & precautions necessary to minimize the negative impacts of this virus in Haldimand,” he added.
“We all hope that the opening of these facilities won’t be necessary, but if the COVID-19 virus continues to spread, I want residents to know that we are fully prepared,” said Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp. “By strategically co-ordinating with our neighbours in Haldimand, we’ll be able to quickly increase capacity at local hospitals and ensure residents continue to get the care they need.”
Haldimand and Norfolk Counties are recruiting volunteers for a variety of tasks to address community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic including delivering food, medications and other supplies to seniors in self-isolation.
Those with relevant skills and experience – for example nursing staff (registered or not), dieticians, personal support workers, food handlers, chefs, respiratory therapists, health care aides and others – are encouraged to securely register with the Counties at https://hnhu.org/covidvolunteers/. Potential volunteers can also leave a voicemail at 519-426-1947 or 905-774-1530.
For local information about the COVID-19 pandemic – including facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponement & visitation restriction information – visit HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/ or NorfolkCounty.ca/covid-19.
For up-to-date public health information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and daily updated from the Medical Officer of Health, visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website.
