COVID-19

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As we transition away from the emergency pandemic response back to our pre-COVID-19 work – the dedicated Health Unit phone-lines for general and school related COVID-19 inquiries have closed. For details and how to access COVID-19 information, read the full media release.

Our COVID-19 specific phone-lines are now closed. For questions relating to COVID-19, including testing and isolation guidance for close contacts, those with symptoms or positive tests, call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730, open 7 days a week from 8:00am-6:00pm (New Hours starting April 3^rd 2023 are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST.)

*Note: After June 11, 2022 masks will continue to be required at all Health Unit offices and clinics for the protection of staff and clients.

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit joined with the Champlain and South East Regions’ hospital Chiefs of Staff and Medical Officers of Health to release a statement about the status of COVID-19 in the area. The key messages are:

Get all COVID-19 vaccines you are eligible for, including booster doses.
Stay home if you are sick – even if your symptoms are mild.
If you have symptoms take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if possible, or a PCR test if eligible.
Practise respiratory etiquette (like coughing into your elbow) and wash your hands frequently.
Wear a well-fitted, three-layer mask in all public indoor settings.
If you are hosting or attending a social gathering please allow for physical distancing, outdoor gatherings are best.
If you test positive or have symptoms, even if they are mild, you should stay home for at least five days or as otherwise advised by current isolation guidance. Individuals can be infectious for up to 10 days, so it is important that for an additional five days you wear a mask when outside your home and avoid those who are most vulnerable and high-risk settings like hospitals and long-term care.

All the measures combined will help to reduce other respiratory infections, including influenza that is circulating in our community.

Read the full statement here:

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

You can book an appointment or attend as a walk-in (as clinic capacity allows) to any of our Health Unit community clinics to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Health Unit Community clinic locations, dates and times and booking information.

Non-COVID-19 Health Unit Services

We are currently transitioning away from our pandemic response and beginning to resume our non-COVID-19 work. Please note that masks are still required in our offices and clinics to protect our staff and clients. Please visit the relevant “Health Information” topic area of our website for more information on our non-COVID-19 work and services.

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 (including Vaccine)

As we have moved away from reliance on provincial direction through mandatory requirements, Directives will be replaced with operational guidance or recommendations from the Chief Medical Officer of Health and relevant ministry. Organizations and businesses can retain their own policies to keep their employees and patrons protected as needed. Individuals can monitor what is happening in the community to determine what to do to protect themselves and their loved ones, and decide when, how and who they will gather with. See our social gatherings page for more information.

Click on the links below for information on major topics related to COVID-19:

COVID-19 Protection – Information on the COVID-19 virus, vaccines and proof of vaccination requirements.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics – Information on when and where COVID-19 vaccination clinics are held.
Face Coverings/Masks – Information on the benefits and requirements regarding wearing a mask.

Information for Schools

For question related to COVID-19 symptoms, testing and isolation, call the Provincial Information Line at 1-888-777-0730 – open daily from 8:00am-6:00pm (New Hours starting April 3^rd 2023 are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST.)

Click the link above to go to the COVID-19 and Schools page for more information including information on testing.
For detailed information on what it means to be a “close contact” as well as how contact tracing works, see our webpage on Case and Contact Tracing.

COVID-19 School and Child Care Screening Tool – Online Version

Screen for COVID-19 every day before your child goes to school. Answer the questions in this provincial screening tool to help you decide if your child should or should not go to school today.

COVID-19 Screening Tool Hard Copy

Surveillance Reports, Local Cases and Outbreaks

Details about local COVID-19 cases are published on this site at 10:00am Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Check here to read more about Surveillance Reports, Local Cases and Outbreaks.

COVID-19 Testing

Our Assessment and Testing page has the latest guidance and eligibility for testing or visit www.ontario.ca/exposed.

Travelling During COVID-19

Travel within Canada?

See this Provincial and territorial restrictions webpage for information on traveling within Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See this COVID-19 Boarding flights and trains in Canada webpage for information on taking a flight or train in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.
See this Government of Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures effective October 1 news release for new measures as of October 1, 2022.

International Travel

Some countries/airlines may require a negative COVID-19 test to travel internationally. It is important to check with the airline and visiting country to determine what is required prior to travel.
See the COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders webpage for information on traveling in and out of Canada.
See this Government of Canada to remove COVID-19 border and travel measures effective October 1 news release for new measures as of October 1, 2022.

Travel and COVID-19 Vaccination

You can use your Ontario Proof of Vaccination document to demonstrate your vaccination status anywhere that requires it.
See the COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders webpage for information on traveling in and out of Canada.

Health Unit Phone Lines

Our COVID-19 specific phone-lines are now closed.

For questions relating to COVID-19, including testing and isolation guidance for close contacts, those with symptoms or positive tests, call the Provincial Testing and Isolation Information line at 1-888-777-0730, open 7 days a week from 8:00am-6:00pm (New Hours starting April 3^rd 2023 are Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST.)

Health care providers and institutions reporting COVID-19 symptoms or cases – please call our outbreak line at 1-800-660-5853 extension 2222.

Media Releases

For media interviews, contact: Susan Healey, Communications Co-ordinator, 613-802-0550 or [email protected]. Check here for the Latest Media Releases.

COVID-19 and Business

COVID-19 resources for employers, employees, and members of the public accessing businesses can be found on our COVID-19 and Business webpage.

Coping, Helping and Mental Wellness

Looking to beat the heat and stay cool? Visit our Exposure to Hot Temperatures section for more information about emergency cooling centres.

It’s OK to not feel OK. This is a challenging time for everyone. Creating new routines and rituals, and finding ways to have fun and be active can help to adjust to this new situation. Check here for more information and help lines.

If you or someone you know is need of financial or social support – visit the website for your area for a full listing of resources: