Haldimand, Norfolk counties proactively preparing for COVID-19

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 the Dunnville Memorial Arena.

In Norfolk County, the site will be at the 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.

Haldimand County Council acts to reduce charges during public health emergency

The COVID-19 emergency and the unprecedented efforts of all levels of government, businesses and citizens to respond to it are having real impacts on Haldimand County residents and businesses in terms of income, employment, quality of life and convenience. In an effort to reduce the financial burden and inconvenience imposed on Haldimand residents and businesses as a result of implementing the directions of public health officials to try to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Haldimand County has put in place measures to mitigate service fees and charges.

Effective immediately and on a go forward basis, Haldimand County Council has directed that for those unable to meet the March 31 and May 29 tax installment deadlines, the County will waive the penalty charge associated with late payment.  As such citizens and businesses have increased flexibility to defer the payment of property taxes until August 1, 2020 without penalty.

 

Statement from the Mayor & Council – March 19, 2020

In these unprecedented times people come together, governments come together, countries come together. The efforts that have been seen from leaders, from the business community, to the countless donations and help from the very many unselfish people around us is a true testament that when pushed, we roll up our sleeves and find ways to help each other back to the lives we all deserve to enjoy.

COVID-19 is having a real impact on the lives of Canadians beyond health related matters.  It is affecting incomes, employment and quality of life.  In response we are seeing higher level governments putting together substantial monetary packages to help lessen the burden on citizens and businesses that are following the advice of health officials.  We eagerly await announcements on how that money will reach those in need. The long-term economic and social impacts that COVID-19 will have on our daily lives is still difficult to determine, however, all financial supports announced to date have been to only address the immediate massive hole in our local economies. I have never seen governments move as fast as they have in the past two weeks and in such a non-partisan fashion to ensure necessary supports will be provided.

In an effort to play an active role in helping our County citizens and business that are facing  economic challenges given these unprecedented circumstances, Council and I have directed staff to waive the interest costs and any fees attached to the next two property tax instalments, March 31 and May 29.  Haldimand County property owners can pay their taxes at their own discretion up until August 1st without penalty.  We hope that this will provide you with the flexibility to manage your day to day to finances and afford you the time you may require.

In Haldimand, we will soon be finalizing our tax-supported operating budget. Council has directed staff to carefully review the 2020 budget so that is sensitive and responsive to these strange times we are living in.  Over the past several years, staff have worked diligently to ensure our financial position is strong and ready for unforeseen challenges. For this reason, we are ready to respond.

I want to assure you that both staff and Council have been working to protect your interests, to ensure that the quality services you are accustomed to continue, and that our frontline EMS staff are fully equipped with all the resources needed to meet your needs.

I would like to take this time to acknowledge those within the Haldimand-Norfolk Health & Social Services, the H-N Health Unit and our first responders for their leadership in helping Council manage our response to the COVID-19 virus. On behalf of the County and Council, we sincerely thank you for being there in times of need, never more so demonstrated than today.

 

Mayor Ken Hewitt

Haldimand County Council

Stewart Patterson

John Metcalfe

Dan Lawrence

Tony Dalimonte

Rob Shirton

Bernie Corbett

 

Haldimand County announces closure of administration building, additional COVID-19 response measures

In an effort to minimize the spread of COVID19 and to protect County staff and the public, the Haldimand County Administration Building will be closed for in-person service until further notice as of March 18, 2020. While there are currently NO reported cases of COVID19 in Haldimand, the County – in partnership with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and in alignment with Federal and Provincial actions – is taking a proactive approach to ‘flattening the curve’.

While the Haldimand County Administration Building is closed to the public, staff will continue to be available to assist residents by phone or email during regular hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Alternate municipal service options are available that do not require in-person visits. Residents are encouraged to contact the County at 905-318-5932 or info@haldimandcounty.on.ca with all enquiries. A list of alternate service options is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/.

“We’re working closely with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit and taking all steps necessary to prevent COVID-19 from becoming an issue in the community. It’s extremely important that we remain calm, follow directions from healthcare authorities and support one another during this time. The main goal right now is to prevent community spread, and the best way to do that is to stay home. There are over 20,000 vulnerable people over the age of 70 in Haldimand & Norfolk counties and we have a shared duty to protect them,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

“In this light, following recommendations from the Province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, we have made some adjustments to day-to-day operations to protect staff and residents, while still providing essential services to the community,” Hewitt added. “Council recognizes that there will be economic hardships associated with the unfolding of the COVID-19 situation and we will do everything in our power to provide assistance to local businesses & residents. As we approach the operating budget and apply any County financial policies during this pandemic, we’ll look at all options possible to lessen economic impacts and provide support.”

Updates related to COVID19 will be shared by Haldimand County and its healthcare partners as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves about COVID19 & follow the Health Unit’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:

  • if you develop symptoms of illness that you think are related to COVID-19, contact your primary care provider or call the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit Hotline at 519-426-6170 ext. 9999 (Mon-Fri, 8:30am to 4:30pm). Your primary care provider or Health Unit staff will provide guidance and, if necessary, arrange for screening in coordination with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. Unless your situation is critical, please do not visit the emergency department.
  • stay home if possible
  • wash your hands often with soap and water;
  • avoid close contact with people who are sick;
  • if you have to leave the house for an essential activity (e.g: to acquire food/necessary supplies) try to stay at least 6 feet away from others
  • cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;
  • avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;
  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Residents looking to stay informed regarding the COVID19 pandemic can do so by logging onto the HaldimandNorfolk Health Unit website. A page (https://hnhu.org/healthtopic/coronavirus
covid19/) has been specifically dedicated to the virus and includes material on who is at risk, how to protect your family, what to do if you feel ill, and what precautions to take if you’ve travelled outside of Canada. The site also contains key contact information and links to updates on the current situation at the global, national and provincial level.

All Haldimand County facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponement & visitation restriction information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid19/ & will be updated regularly.

Provincial Offences Court Suspended Until April 3

The Ontario Courts of Justice and the Ministry of the Attorney General have announced the suspension of all Provincial Offences Act (POA) court matters until Friday, April 3, 2020 amid COVID-19 concerns. Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled between Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3, 2020 will be adjourned. Parties and witnesses do not need to attend court. Notice of new court dates will be sent by mail to addresses on file with the court.

At this time, Haldimand County’s POA administration office – located within the new Haldimand County Administration Building – will remain open for enquiries, however, members of the public are asked to refrain from visiting if they have symptoms of illness. Anyone who requires POA-related assistance may also contact poa@haldimandcounty.on.ca or call 905-772-3327 to speak with staff.

Updates related to COVID-19 will be shared by Haldimand County and its healthcare partners as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves about COVID-19 & follow the Health Unit’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:

– wash your hands often with soap and water;

– avoid close contact with people who are sick;

– cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;

– avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;

– clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Residents looking to stay informed regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can do so by logging onto the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit website. A page (https://hnhu.org/health-topic/coronavirus-covid-19/) has been specifically dedicated to the virus and includes material on who is at risk, how to protect your family, what to do if you feel ill, and what precautions to take if you’ve travelled outside of Canada. The site also contains key contact information and links to updates on the current situation at the global, national and provincial level.

All Haldimand County facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponement & visitation restriction information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca/covid-19/ & will be updated regularly.

Grandview Lodge visitation limited to essential visitors only

In addition to closing museums, libraries & arenas, Haldimand County is restricting all non-essential visitors to Grandview Lodge. These restrictions are being implemented in response to direction from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, as a measure to protect vulnerable residents.

The Ministry of Health is identifying essential visitors as those who have a resident who is dying or very ill or a parent/guardian of an ill child or youth in a live-in treatment setting. The Ministry will re-evaluate this measure in the coming weeks and ensure consistency with their recent guidance on enhanced public health measures.

Essential visitors to Grandview Lodge will continue to be actively screened prior to entry. Those who fail screening will not be permitted to enter. Grandview Lodge will be working closely with its recreation staff, residents & resident family members to facilitate video chats & other communications where possible to keep residents from feeling the negative impacts of social isolation.

There are currently NO reported cases of COVID-19 in Haldimand County and all cancelations, closures, postponements & visitation restrictions are being implemented as a precautionary measure.

Updates related to COVID-19 will be shared by Haldimand County and its healthcare partners as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves about COVID-19 & follow the Health Unit’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:

– wash your hands often with soap and water;

– avoid close contact with people who are sick;

– cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;

– avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;

– clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Residents looking to stay informed regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can do so by logging onto the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit website. A page (https://hnhu.org/health-topics/covid-19/) has been specifically dedicated to the virus and includes material on who is at risk, how to protect your family, what to do if you feel ill, and what precautions to take if you’ve travelled outside of Canada. The site also contains key contact information and links to updates on the current situation at the global, national and provincial level.

All facility closures, program cancellations, meeting postponement & visitation restriction information is available at HaldimandCounty.ca & will be updated regularly.

Haldimand County Announces Facility Closures And Program Cancellations Following Medical Officer Of Health Recommendations

Effective immediately, Haldimand County will be closing all museums, libraries & arenas for the next 3 weeks. March Break camps have also been canceled and a number of public workshops & meetings have been postponed (including the Business Excellence Awards Breakfast and Official Plan Update workshop). These closures, cancelations and postponements are directly aligned with recommendations from Haldimand-Norfolk’s Medical Officer of Health & the Province of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer.

There are currently NO reported cases of COVID-19 in Haldimand County and all cancelations, closures and postponements are being implemented as a precautionary measure. Grandview Lodge staff will continue to screen all visitors for symptoms prior to entry – as mandated by the Ministry of Long Term Care. The Haldimand County Administration Building will remain open for service, however, signage is posted requesting that visitors refrain from entering if they are experiencing symptoms of illness. Additional hand sanitization stations will be set up in the Administration Building foyer.

Re-imbursements for canceled museum, library and March Break programs will be provided to participants. Program re-imbursement details will be shared with registered participants via the contact information provided at the time of registration.

“We regret having to cancel programs and close community facilities but are doing so in the interest of community safety, based on the expert medical advice of our local and provincial healthcare authorities,” said Craig Manley, Haldimand County’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Residents should remain calm and be assured that Haldimand County, with assistance and governance from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit, is ready to respond should COVID-19 become an issue in the community,” he added.

Updates related to COVID-19 will be shared by Haldimand County and its healthcare partners as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves about COVID-19 & follow the Health Unit’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:

– wash your hands often with soap and water;

– avoid close contact with people who are sick;

– cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;

– avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;

– clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Residents looking to stay informed regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can do so by logging onto the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit website. A page (https://hnhu.org/health-topic/coronavirus-covid-19/) has been specifically dedicated to the virus and includes material on who is at risk, how to protect your family, what to do if you feel ill, and what precautions to take if you’ve travelled outside of Canada.

The site also contains key contact information and links to updates on the current situation at the global, national and provincial level.

‘Healthy You Series’ At Haldimand County Public Libraries Brings Healthcare Information To Residents

In partnership with the Haldimand Family Health Team,  Haldimand County Public Library will be offering ongoing health education sessions at library branches across Haldimand County this year. The series will include free, informative programs about various important health topics and will be lead by registered healthcare professionals. The Healthy You Series provides community members with the opportunity to connect with healthcare professionals and other members of their community for information on and support with common health issues.

The Healthy You Series in 2020 will consist of the following programs:

Understanding the Teenage Brain

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) – Monday March 23 at 6:00p.m.

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Tuesday March 24 at 6:00p.m.

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St) – Wednesday March 25 at 6:00p.m.

Anxiety

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Tuesday April 14 at 6:00p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.)- Monday April 20 at 6:00p.m.

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) – Wednesday April 22 at 6:00p.m.

Vaping

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) – Monday May 11 at 6:00p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) – Tuesday May 12 at 6:00p.m.

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Wednesday May 13 at 6:00p.m.

Eat, Sleep, Move for Mental Health

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Tuesday September 15 at 2:00p.m.

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) – Wednesday September 16 at 2:00p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) –Monday September 21 at 2:00p.m

Fall Prevention

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Wednesday October 14 at 2:00p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) – Wednesday October 21 at 2:00 p.m.

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) – Monday October 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Managing Depression

Hagersville Branch (13 Alma St. N.) – Tuesday November 3 at 6:00p.m.

Caledonia Branch (100 Haddington St.) – Wednesday November 4 at 6:00p.m.

Dunnville Branch (317 Chestnut St.) – Monday November 9 at 6:00p.m.

Registration is required for all Healthy You Series programs. Interested community members can register in person at the library branch hosting the session or by calling 289-674-0400.

More information about the Healthy You Series can be found on the library website, by visiting library branches which are hosting the sessions, or by calling the Haldimand Family Health Team at 365-206-0303. Residents are also encouraged to contact the Haldimand Family Health Team at the phone number above to suggest topics for upcoming Healthy You Series programs.

Flood Watch in effect for Lake Erie shoreline

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for the Lake Erie shoreline. Strong winds and high waves are expected to cause flooding in very low-lying areas along the shoreline beginning Friday morning and continuing in the afternoon.

Environment Canada is forecasting sustained strong southwesterly winds with gusts up to 75 km/h Friday morning and continuing into the afternoon. Strong winds are expected to cause wave heights to reach up to 1.73 meters in the Long Point area and up to 1.65 meters towards the eastern limits of the watershed. Forecast models are currently forecasting water levels to remain elevated from Friday morning until Friday evening. Winds are expected to ease early evening on Friday.

People are urged to use caution or stay away from Lake Erie shoreline areas experiencing strong wave action and elevated water levels. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from these areas.

Haldimand County Emergency Services will be actively monitoring conditions throughout Friday. Residents should pay close attention to changing weather conditions and watch for updated flood messages. A flood guide for lakeshore property owners and other emergency preparedness resources can be found at HaldimandCounty.ca/floods.

This Flood Watch is in effect until 9am on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Statement From Haldimand County Council Regarding Highway 6 Bypass Blockade

Haldimand County Council is very frustrated and concerned about the ongoing blockade on the Highway 6 bypass in Caledonia. The blockade – which is going into its third week – is detrimentally impacting Caledonia and resulting in adverse impacts to the local economy, traffic disruptions and residents’ quality of life.

The continuation of this blockade, while others across the country are being dismantled, is unacceptable. The County is doing everything in its power to mitigate the impacts of the blockade on communities and residents.

“The little information that has come from the Ford government is misleading and causing more anxiety amongst our residents. I encourage all to contact their local MPP and press for immediate action,” said Haldimand County Mayor Ken Hewitt.

While the blockade is on provincial lands and outside of Haldimand County’s jurisdiction or direct control, Council is demanding that the Province of Ontario, as the agency responsible for oversight of the Ontario Provincial Police, require its police force to enforce the law and facilitate removal of the blockade. Haldimand County also encourages the federal government to deal with systemic issues that are leading to these reoccurring, disruptive events.

Both levels of senior government have a responsibility to address this unacceptable blockade and to ensure that the County and Caledonia do not continue to be burdened by collateral damage from inaction.

Haldimand County has worked hard to develop a good relationship with its First Nations neighbours and believes it is in the interest of all to expedite a resolution that will put an end to the blockade. Council and staff will continue to advocate on behalf of its citizens and call on the Province and Ontario Provincial Police to remedy the situation at hand.

Haldimand County Taking Steps To Protect Community Safety Amid Covid-19 Concerns

Haldimand County has been actively monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in partnership with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit. Though there are currently no reported cases in Haldimand and the risk to residents – as defined by the Province – remains low, staff are prepared to respond if required and continue to take steps to protect community health and safety.

Though the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit is the lead agency in pandemic situations, Haldimand County has its own supporting pandemic plan that outlines operational contingency plans, response logistics & related matters. Should COVID-19 become an issue in Haldimand County, plans are in place to respond & mitigate adverse impacts.

As a precautionary measure, all visitors to Grandview Lodge will be screened for symptoms prior to entry – as mandated by the Ministry of Long Term Care. Similarly, notices have been posted at municipal facility entrances requesting that residents refrain from entering if they are symptomatic.

Updates related to COVID-19 will be shared by Haldimand County and its healthcare partners as it becomes available. Residents are encouraged to educate themselves about COVID-19 & follow the Health Unit’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of viruses:

– wash your hands often with soap and water;

– avoid close contact with people who are sick;

– cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; if you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve or arm;

– avoid touching your face, eyes and mouth to prevent illness;

– clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 may be found on the Ontario Ministry of Health’s website.