Coronavirus Municipal Update: October 23, 2020

23 October 2020

The Town of Penetanguishene continues to monitor news and updates concerning COVID-19 in order to ensure we work to keep our community members safe.  The following update provided on October 23rd is in addition to the updates provided from previous weeks located here.

COVID-19 Alert App:

The COVID Alert App helps us break the cycle of infection. The app can let people know of possible exposures before any symptoms appear. That way, we can take care of ourselves and protect our communities.

How it works:

  1. The app uses Bluetooth to exchange random codes with nearby phones.
  2. Every day, it checks a list of random codes from people who tell the app they tested positive.
  1. If you've been near one of those codes in the past 14 days, you'll get a notification.

The Town encourages residents to download the COVID Alert App for their iOS or Android devices as another way to protect our community.

Where Can I Get the Flu Shot This Season?

  • Pharmacy - Children 5 and older, and all adults (including those with no Ontario Health Card). Visit your pharmacy website for specific protocols and appointment requirements. 
  • Family Doctor - Early immunization for high risk groups, all age groups.
  • Nurse Practitioner - Early immunization for high risk groups, all age groups.
  • Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit - Children under 5 with no family doctor or nurse practitioner.

If you think that you might have the flu you should stay home and self-isolate.  If you think you have COVID-19, you can get tested at a COVID-19 testing location.

You can call Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 to talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to provide your OHIP number and all information is confidential.

Halloween Safety:

As you prepare for Halloween this year, we would like you to take extra precautions to ensure you are keeping yourself and your families safe.

Families that want to be most cautious can choose no trick or treating, or handing out candy, and instead can celebrate with special activities in your own household such as a virtual costume contest, candy scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, watching a scary movie or decorating your home.

If you choose to participate in trick or treating and handing out candy you should follow some simple steps:

  • Avoid gatherings with people outside of your household.
  • Stay home if feeling ill even if you have mild symptom, or if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19
  • Only go out with members of your direct household.
  • Only trick or treat outside.
  • Both trick or treaters and people handing out candy should wear a face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it difficult to breathe.
  • Consider building your face covering into your, or your child’s, costume.
  • Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps. Line up two metres (six feet) apart if waiting.
  • Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects.
  • Whether collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly or use hand sanitizer.
  • Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab.
  • Consider using tongs, or other similar tools to hand out treats.
  • Consider printing one of these posters as a tool to help let your neighbours know whether you are handing out treats.

FIRE AND OPP REMINDERS

OPP Reporting Tool: We remind residents that OPP ask that you report allegations of non-compliance with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act by phoning 1-888-310-1122 or utilizing the online reporting tool at opp.ca/reporting.

Fire Safety: Fire permits are not required at this time. Please remember that fires are for recreational purposes and are only permitted between 4:00 pm to midnight. Please ensure you follow all guidelines outlined here.

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