Haldimand & Norfolk County Mayors Deliver Donated iPads To Anson Place

In an effort to help long-term care home residents stay connected with their loved ones throughout the pandemic, Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt & Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp launched an initiative to bring iPads to these homes. On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, mayors Hewitt & Chopp made their first delivery of 10 iPads, headsets and iPad cases to Anson Place in Hagersville.

iPads were received in the parking lot of Anson Place by recreation volunteer Wesley Devries. The iPads will be used by volunteers and staff to keep residents engaged and connected with family and friends.

Pictured (L to R): Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt, Anson Place recreation volunteer Wesley Devries, Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp.

“We reached out to a few businesses with the idea of donating iPads and headsets to our long term care residents and was absolutely amazed at the response. What started with bringing a couple of iPads has grown to now over 60 iPads and 200 headsets,” said Mayor Hewitt. Hewitt noted that the biggest hurdle was actually acquiring the iPads due to increased demand, but the first shipment arrived and more are on the way.

Initial contributions from Empire Communities, Losani Homes, Ballantry Homes, Pattern Energy and the McKeil Family Foundation helped get the program off the ground.

“The outpouring of community support we’ve received is incredible. From making masks to donating medical supplies, PPE, iPads and everything in between, residents and businesses have truly stepped up to support one another. It’s the Haldimand way,” Hewitt added.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to keep in touch with loved ones – especially those who live in long-term care homes, who can’t see visitors in person right now,” said Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp. “It brings me great joy to know these deliveries are helping to connect seniors with their families during such a difficult time.”

Mayor Hewitt is hoping to bring iPads to all long-term care residences in Haldimand & Norfolk counties. He encourages anyone who is willing to assist in securing either funds or iPads to contact him directly at mayor@haldimandcounty.on.ca.

Haldimand County Residents Reminded Of Paramedic COVID-19 Response Protocol

Haldimand County paramedics have been following a number of strict COVID-19 protocols and Ministry of Health guidelines to protect themselves and the community. Residents are reminded that paramedics who respond to calls may be donning special PPE gear when they arrive and must conduct a 2 metre distance assessment of patients to screen for the virus.

If the patient’s condition allows, one medic will enter the home in PPE while the second paramedic remains outside until it is determined what level of PPE is required. Once the necessary PPE is determined, the paramedics will continue to don the appropriate PPE and treat the patient. They will also put a surgical mask on the patient as well as a precaution.

This process can take approximately 2-4 minutes to complete, depending on the amount of PPE required.

Paramedics may also be wearing a respirator on specific calls, which is an apparatus that looks like a gas mask. This provides a higher level of protection and is usually worn on calls where the patient screens positive for COVID-19.

“We understand that when you call 911 and an ambulance arrives you expect instantaneous entry into your home. Under normal circumstances this is the process, however, the pandemic has required us to implement some additional protective measures. Keeping our paramedics and patients safe is our number one priority,” said Jason Gallagher, Manager of Emergency Services & Fire Chief.

[ Pictured below: A Haldimand County paramedic in full PPE. ]

Haldimand County Provides Update On Spring/Summer 2020 Community Guide, Recreation Programming, Facility Bookings & Public Events

The release of Haldimand County’s Spring/Summer 2020 Community Guide, which was scheduled to be delivered to all households the week of April 20, will not be proceeding as usual this year.

Due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the unknown duration of municipal facility closures and public health orders/restrictions, the County has made the difficult decision to cancel all summer programming (summer camps, aquatics programs and heritage/culture workshops). In-person library programming will also be on hold until further notice. These activities are a large component of the Spring/Summer Community Guide publication.

In addition to these cancellations, all bookings of County facilities (e.g.: halls, sports fields, pavilions, arenas) up to and including June 27 have been cancelled, as well as all festivals and events scheduled to take place on County property. The County will closely monitor any changes to public health guidelines issued by federal, provincial and local authorities and review all opportunities to introduce special programming, resume events and provide recreational opportunities once it is deemed safe to do so.

“COVID-19 has impacted recreation, library, heritage/cultural services and community events significantly because the majority of their offerings are conducted in-person, at public facilities and involve groupings of people,” said Craig Manley, Chief Administrative Officer. “We know our recreation programs are highly valued by the community and this news will be disappointing to many. We’ve had to make some challenging decisions throughout this unprecedented situation in order to comply with public health orders and keep the community safe,” he continued.

A list of stay-at-home activities curated by County staff is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/. Residents are encouraged to check the Haldimand County website, Facebook & Twitter accounts for updates and information on County services.

Although the County has instituted the above-noted closure dates and programming cancellations, it is committed to remaining flexible to the changing COVID-19 environment and is eager to help residents, families and visitors get back to the activities, events and projects that make our communities vibrant, welcoming and engaging. Once restrictions begin to be lifted, and depending upon the timing, the County will work hard to help everyone get back out and active.

A list of Frequently Asked Questions related to recreation programming, festivals and events, heritage & cultural services and facility bookings is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/.

Fire Chief Reminds Residents To Be Fire Safe During COVID-19 Pandemic

The Haldimand County Fire Department is urging everyone not to forget about fire safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As people find themselves spending more time at home for work, self-isolation, or practicing physical distancing, they should remember the importance of preventing home fires.

Along with other essential services, the fire department has had to implement safeguards and physical distancing protocols in the workplace. Residents of Haldimand County are advised of the following changes to fire department services during the COVID-19 pandemic response:

 

  • Haldimand County Fire Department is only responding to critical medical calls during the pandemic, in order to keep our firefighters safe and able to respond to other significant emergencies (ex. fires, MVCs, and rescues).
  • Response times should not be affected, however, Fire Dispatch is required to ask mandatory COVID-19 screening questions to relay to responding firefighters.
  • If residents are concerned about open air fires in their area, they should call 911 and the fire department will respond. If the burn is outside of the regulations of the burn by-law or there is no burn permit, charges could be laid. All other complaints are to be made through the County’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 905-318-5932.
  • All Fire Stations and Headquarters are closed to the public.

Fire Chief Jason Gallagher is also urging the public to remain vigilant in the ongoing battle to prevent unintentional fires and injuries by practicing fire prevention and fire safety during these extraordinary times. “Regardless of the circumstances, additional time at home with family members provides an excellent opportunity to discuss fire safety and review your home fire escape plan,” says Gallagher.

Here are some simple things that people can do to protect themselves and their families:

 

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the test button. If the alarm fails to sound, check and replace batteries if necessary. Make sure everyone knows the sound of the alarms.
  • Develop or review your home fire escape plan to make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire occurs. Make sure to designate someone to help older adults, children, and anyone else who may need help to escape.
  • Use care when using and recharging electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or mobile devices. Check electrical cords and charge cables to ensure they are in good condition. Don’t overload electrical circuits. Avoid placing electronics on soft surfaces like beds or upholstered furniture when recharging to avoid the risk of overheating.

As the Haldimand County Fire Department continues to do their best to keep the community safe under these extraordinary circumstances, it is imperative that the public does all that they can to practice fire safety in the home and take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their families from the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

For more information about fire safety, contact Haldimand County Fire Department or visit the County’s fire safety website at https://dev.haldimandcounty.ca/main_website/fire-services/.

Haldimand County Scales Back Workforce In Response To COVID-19

In response to extended closures and the suspension of non-essential services by the Province of Ontario, Haldimand County has made the difficult decision to temporarily put a number of casual, part-time and full time employees affected by service and facility closures on a Declared Emergency Leave of Absence.

Since the declaration of the COVID-19 Emergency the County has closed all public libraries, parks and recreation facilities, museums, community halls and has reduced other services to promote social distancing.

“We have wonderful and committed  employees who care very much about their community,” said Craig Manley, Haldimand County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “This is an action we had hoped we would not have to take but unfortunately one we needed to as COVID-19 continues to affect our community and some of the services we’re able to deliver.”

The emergency leave affects approximately 107 employees who deliver recreation programs, library & cultural services, economic development services, some facilities maintenance staff, some administrative support functions, part-time staff and others. Essential and critical services relating to roads operations, water and wastewater services, garbage and recycling, critical maintenance and repair, by-law and permits, emergency services, Grandview Lodge and essential supporting functions continue to be provided.

Some functions such as building maintenance and outside park maintenance will continue on a limited basis and will be restricted to essential minimum levels until the emergency is over. Where possible, staff have been redeployed to other functions to respond to the COVID-19 emergency.

The County is supporting staff affected by the temporary emergency leave including continuing eligible benefits, ensuring they have the resources they need to access government support services including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and/or employment insurance benefits.

The County has been taking a tiered approach in its response to COVID-19, which includes evaluating the implications of Provincial Emergency Orders and information provided by Health Officials in terms of the likely duration of the emergency. Like other municipalities facing extended closures and cancellations, the County is adapting to ensure the safety of its workforce and the continued delivery of critical community services.

“The County will continue to provide the critical and essential services our community relies on every day as we continue responding to this unprecedented situation,” noted Manley.

“The decision to reduce our staffing levels was an extremely challenging one. We’ve made extended efforts to keep all staff at work for as long as possible, but under these extraordinary circumstances, have had to make some difficult decisions that are in line with a new economic reality. Our commitment to providing high quality services to the community remains unchanged in this emergency, and I look forward to welcoming staff back once COVID-19 is no longer a threat to public health & safety,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

Haldimand County Closes More Public Amenities In Accordance With Provincial Order, Increases Enforcement Measures

Haldimand County has closed a number of additional facilities in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s recent order to close ALL outdoor recreational amenities, including trails, parks, sports fields, pavilions, skate parks, beaches, boat launches, piers, docks, etc. In an effort to protect community health & safety, the County is increasing patrols and re-deploying municipal enforcement services and building inspection staff to enforce these provincial public health orders.

Residents may report individuals violating public health orders  to the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s COVID-19 Enforcement Hotline at 519-428-8019.

Residents can use the hotline to report a variety of issues, including:

  • Non-essential businesses remaining open
  • An essential business that isn’t complying with necessary restrictions
  • Gatherings of five or more people
  • The use of playgrounds, skate parks, parks, piers and beaches
  • Any other violations of public health orders issued by the Medical Officer of Health or the Province of Ontario

All reports received at this number will be forwarded to Haldimand County’s municipal enforcement services staff or the OPP and investigated. The County has redeployed some of its building inspectors to support municipal law enforcement officers in patrols, enforcement of park / public space closures and public gathering dispersals.

“Both Council and staff continue to receive reports of people violating provincial orders and disregarding instructions from public health authorities,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We’ve had to barricade the Port Maitland Pier/Esplanade Park because people just aren’t listening. There is absolutely no excuse for this behavior and we will be acting within the fullest extent of our authority to penalize violators,” Hewitt added.

The County will be closely monitoring the local compliance/enforcement situation and will take further action if necessary. The Port Maitland Pier, park, esplanade and beach have been fully closed due to crowding, and enforcement officers will be patrolling the area. “Stay home, stay safe and take this seriously,” Hewitt concluded.

For local information about the COVID-19 pandemic – including facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponement & visitation restriction information – visit HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/.

For the most up-to-date public health information, visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website.

Haldimand County Emergency Services Continues To Appeal To The Community & Businesses For Supplies, Volunteers

Haldimand County Emergency Services is continuing to appeal to the community for donations of much needed supplies to keep front-line healthcare workers safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Necessary supplies include:

– N95 and surgical masks
– Non-latex medical examination gloves/Nitrile gloves
– Safety goggles/glasses
– Face shields
– Disposable medical gowns

If you have any of these items and want to donate them, please drop them off at Haldimand County’s EMS Headquarters at 11 Thorburn St. (Cayuga), between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please call ahead 905-318-5932 ext. 6235 or e-mail emergencyservices@haldimandcounty.on.ca to coordinate drop-off. All donations are greatly appreciated.

Volunteers are also needed 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 at https://hnhu.org/covidvolunteers/. Potential volunteers can also leave a voicemail at 519-426-1947 or 905-774-1530.

Haldimand County Permits Seasonal Campgrounds And Trailer Parks To Open Early Under Exceptional Circumstances

Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt has issued an order permitting seasonal trailer parks to open earlier than usual. Under the same order, travel trailers or mobile homes on residential properties may be opened and occupied for purposes of self-isolation, in accordance with directives from the Medical Officer of Health. These temporary allowances have been made to accommodate residents returning to Haldimand after wintering abroad who have had to return earlier than expected and self-isolate for 14 days.

Normally, seasonal campgrounds and trailer parks are permitted to open from April 15 to October 31. Limitations on times of occupancy are a zoning by-law matter, & seasonal restrictions are related to health & safety concerns (adequate heating, and the functionality of communal water & sanitation systems). Given the mild weather, opening seasonal trailer parks early is not a significant concern. Legislatively, campgrounds & trailer parks are obliged to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Health Promotion and Protection Act & the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

As long as these provincial requirements are met by site operators, campgrounds & parks may be opened early this year. Site operators will need to decide whether they are able to provide all necessary services & comply with all provincial legislation.

Furthermore, any resident who is required to self-isolate will be permitted to occupy an attached or detached secondary suite (e.g: motor home, travel trailer) on their residential property, regardless of zoning. Normally, use of such facilities would not be permitted under municipal zoning but will be as an interim measure.

“We were contacted by a number of residents stuck abroad and seasonal sites requesting flexibility under these exceptional circumstances,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “This order allows residents to access their trailers or mobile homes in order to self-isolate & prevent community transmission,” he added.

As per the written order, these special allowances will expire once the State of Emergency is lifted.

Haldimand County Emergency Services Worker Tests Positive For COVID-19

A Haldimand County emergency services staff member has tested positive for COVID-19. The staff member, who is not a resident of Haldimand, was tested outside of the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s district. The patient is recovering at home in self-isolation, and the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is following up with anyone who may have been in close contact.

Haldimand County, working in partnership with public health, hospitals, community health centers & physicians, has mobilized the necessary resources to respond to COVID-19. Haldimand-Norfolk’s Medical Officer of Health Dr. Shanker Nesathurai has emphasized that the health unit is well equipped to employ public health management protocols for a case of this nature.

“This news may be unsettling, but it isn’t a shock. Like so many other communities, we’ve been preparing for this scenario. The Health Unit has initiated its case management protocol and are in constant contact with our Emergency Operations team,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We’re leveraging all possible resources to combat this virus and protect the health and safety of frontline workers, our staff and our community,” he added.

Mayor Hewitt is encouraging residents to follow directions from local and provincial healthcare authorities, including practicing social distancing and avoiding non-essential trips into the community.

For up-to-date public health information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and updates from the Medical Officer of Health, visit the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit’s website.

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.

Haldimand, Norfolk counties declare emergencies

On Tuesday, March 24, both Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt & Norfolk County Mayor Kristal Chopp declared emergencies for their respective communities.

Declaring an emergency allows municipalities to swiftly take action on activities that are violating public health officials’ orders. Declaring an emergency also allows municipalities to tap into provincial resources & emergency funding that would not otherwise be available.

“While I have been in close communication with Mayor Chopp, declaring an emergency will allow both Haldimand & Norfolk counties to make quicker decisions, support our health team in a more expeditious manner and implement additional measures to protect the health & well-being of our communities,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt. “We’ll continue to do everything in our power to stop the spread of COVID-19, and I ask that residents do their part as well. Stay home, stay safe and look out for one another,” Hewitt added.

“Staff in both counties, as well as with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, are working around the clock to keep our communities safe and healthy during this pandemic,” said Kristal Chopp, Mayor of Norfolk County. “Mayor Hewitt and I are in constant communication with each other and our shared Medical Officer of Health to ensure decision-making is timely and serves the best interests of Haldimand and Norfolk.  I will continue to act as board chair and both Mayor Hewitt and I will strive to ensure you are fully updated as well as all necessary steps are being taken to protect our respective communities.”

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.