The Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit has issued Section 22 Class Order.
The order enforces self-isolation requirements for individuals residing in or present in Leeds, Grenville and Lanark who:
A. Are a confirmed case or probable case of COVID-19
B. Have new symptoms (even mild symptoms) or worsening symptoms of COVID-19, have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting the results of their test
C. Otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have one more symptoms of COVID-19
D. Are a close contact* of a person identified in A. even if they do not themselves have any symptoms of COVID-19, *”close contact” means you are caring for or living in the same household with someone who has COVID-19 or have otherwise been identified as a close contact by the Medical Officer of Health or Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit staff acting under the direction of the Medical Officer of Health
E. Are a parent, or person with responsibilities of a parent, of a person under 16 years of age identified in A, B, or C who resides or is present in the Counties Leeds, Grenville and Lanark.
The health unit says in their experience, people in the community with COVID-19 and their contacts follow public health directions willingly and completely. But as local community cases of COVID-19 continue in the area there is a risk that someone could refuse to adhere to public health requirements. That is why Doctor Paula Stewart issued the Class Order. The health unit also says many other Medical Officers of Health have already issued a Class Order 22 for their health unit regions as one more tool to protect the people in the community from COVID-19.
“Individuals who are affected by the Class Order are required to self-isolate, which means they are required to stay at home and avoid contact with others for a specified period of time defined by the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. Individuals who are required to self-isolate are instructed not to leave their home and not to allow any visitors inside the home unless they are essential. Individuals in self-isolation should arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered to them.”
The Class Order is effective at 3:00pm this afternoon (October, 21st, 2020) and will remain in effect until the Medical Officer of Health determines it is no longer required. People who fail to self-isolate can be charged and fined up to $5000.00 per day.
Doctor Stewart says making sure people self-isolate when necessary helps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keeps everyone in our community safe.
More information about self isolation can be found on the health unit’s website or by calling 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222.