COVID PROTOCOLSMARCH 27, 2022 UPDATE
In accordance with Southwest Public Health guidelines, proof of vaccination and identification tracing is no longer required. Masks are now optional. Please respect everyone's individual choice to wear or not wear a mask. Be reminded, this document is a working document and hence as things change it will be updated accordingly. We will continue to monitor and share updates from Southwestern Public Health. |
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What's New? October 17, 2022
Omicron-targeting boosters for ages 12+ now available at Southwestern Public Health
Eligible residents in Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas advised to seek a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster and a flu shot to protect against respiratory illness this fall
Over the weekend, Southwestern Public Health received a shipment of Pfizer's COVID-19 bivalent vaccine to target both the Omicron and original COVID-19 variants in people aged 12 and older.
Southwestern Public Health will begin administering this immediately. Appointments are required.
“As a general guide, if it has been six months or longer since your last COVID-19 dose, it is time to get a booster,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health.
He also notes that some individuals – particularly those who are aged 65 and older, immunocompromised, or have another risk factor for COVID-19 – are recommended to receive their booster at a three-month interval. “Consult your primary care provider for advice in these situations,” Dr. Tran advises.
Individuals must have already received their primary series (first, second and sometimes third) dose before being eligible for a booster vaccine. Children under the age of 12 are not yet approved to receive a bivalent booster.
The COVID-19 bivalent vaccine provides protection against two COVID-19 variants: the original strain, and Omicron. It does not protect against other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza. Only the flu shot can protect against influenza.
Influenza
While most people become eligible for a flu shot starting November 1, some individuals – including children under age 4, and high-risk populations – can get their flu shot now. Where possible, ages 6 months to 5 years should wait at least two weeks between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and any other vaccine, including a flu shot.
Southwestern Public Health is now accepting flu shot appointments for children aged 6 months to 2 years.
DID YOU KNOW?
Starting November 1, anyone who has a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the health unit can also request a flu shot be given at the same time. Just ask when you arrive.
How do I book?
All appointments for our COVID-19 vaccine clinics must be booked in advance. Call 1-833-943-3900 to book over the phone, or book online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine.
PRO-TIP: If it has been fewer than 6 months since your last dose, you can't book online. You must CALL the Provincial Booking System for an appointment.
September 8, 2022
Last week was all about the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Province’s new Case and Contact Management Guidelines for COVID-19. We think that in all the excitement about fall beverages, two important messages may have been lost, so we've highlighted them below:
Last week was all about the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Province’s new Case and Contact Management Guidelines for COVID-19. We think that in all the excitement about fall beverages, two important messages may have been lost, so we've highlighted them below:
- COVID-19 or not, if you are sick, you should self-isolate until your fever is gone and your symptoms have been improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours for gastrointestinal symptoms).
- After you are feeling better, you should wear a mask for 10 days (since your first symptom or your positive test – whichever came first) in public, avoid close contact with people who are elderly or at higher risk of illness, and postpone any unnecessary visits to a highest risk setting like Long-Term Care or a Retirement Home.
- For our updated one-page reference sheet on what to do if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19 see below.
PEACE UNITED PASTORAL CHARGE | Plattsville, ON | COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
GENERAL RULES/INFORMATION:
If you are feeling ill or caring for someone who is ill or in the high-risk category you are asked to avoid attending church services. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms: fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, shortness of breath, please self isolate and get tested. Peace United has a small supply of COVID test kits.
WORSHIP PREPARATION
DEALING WITH DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE CHURCH
WASHROOMS
GENERAL RULES/INFORMATION:
- Provincial and local health guidelines (Southwestern Public Health) shall be followed at all times.
- Checking of vaccinations and tracking of attendees will no longer be necessary.
- Social distancing of 2m or 6 ft. must be always maintained.
- Masks are optional as of March 21, 2022.
- Please respect a person's choice to wear a mask or not wear a mask.
- Sanitize your hands with the provided hand sanitizer. For people with sanitizer sensitivity issues please use the soap and water in the washroom.
- Please enter the church at the front door or use the back entrance for access to the side and rear parking areas.
- Please Self-Screen, questions are at the front entrance. Those experiencing symptoms are not to attend.
If you are feeling ill or caring for someone who is ill or in the high-risk category you are asked to avoid attending church services. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms: fever, cough, sneezing, runny nose, tiredness, shortness of breath, please self isolate and get tested. Peace United has a small supply of COVID test kits.
WORSHIP PREPARATION
- All attendees will be expected to Self Screen according to the health questions found at the entrance.
- Some aisles, pews and the balcony may be closed.
- The Front and Back Door will be open for access to the church, and easy access to the parking lot.
- Families and couples that live in the same household will be allowed to sit closer than 2m in designated pews or seats.
- Masks are now optional.
- Offering envelopes will be placed in the Offering Plates found at the back of the seating section.
- Communion may be part of worship provided.
- Participants pick up their individually sealed Communion elements before entering the sanctuary.
- All individuals are a minimum of 2 metres from individuals outside their household and face coverings are worn until the partaking of the elements.
- An usher/attendant will be available to help those needing use of the elevator.
- The choir will continue to wear masks as agreed.
- A soloist at least 4 metres from the congregation and wearing a face covering during the performance is permissible.
- Gloves are available for volunteers handling cash or cheques. Social distancing must take place while counting.
- Cleaning of all machines, pens, computer and /or other equipment will occur following usage. Disinfectant wipes are available.
- Sunday School will be held in the church hall with teachers wearing masks. Children will also be masked if requested by the teacher.
DEALING WITH DIFFERENT SECTIONS OF THE CHURCH
WASHROOMS
- During church services and regular days, only the main floor washrooms are available for use.
- Only one person will be admitted at a time unless help is needed.
- Remember to wash with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes, paper towels, etc. will be available in the washroom if you wish to access them.
- The washrooms will be regularly checked for cleaning and sanitizing.
- Masks are now optional.
- Visitors to the office must adhere to social distancing.
- People are encouraged to make an appointment to see the Minister in the office at the discretion and comfort level of the Minister.
- Cleaning and sanitizing of the offices will take place regularly.
- This includes but is not limited to door handles, hand rails, tabletops, pew backs, collection plates, microphone and stand, audio/video equipment, laptop and table, lighter and piano shall be sanitized.
- Cleaning will be done by the custodian. Use of the building is limited to the areas specified as opened and may change as restrictions set out by Southwest Public Health or government guidelines are updated.
- COVID-19 self assessment signs are posted at the Front Entrance.
- Hand washing signs are posted in high visibility areas.
- Face Covering signs are posted at all entrances and in high visibility areas.
- All individuals are a minimum of 2 metres from individuals outside their household and face coverings worn.
| COVID 19 SYMPTOMS OR EXPOSURE REFERENCE SHEET - SEPT 2022 |
| MINISTRY OF HEALTH - LIVING WITH COVID-19 MARCH 9 2022 |
| SOUTHWEST PUBLIC HEALTH - COVID SUMMARY MARCH 11 2022 |
| face-covering-poster_simple.pdf |
| COVID-19 SYMPTOMS/EXPOSURE - WHAT TO DO |
| swph-physical-distancing-poster.pdf |
| covid_19_bus_orgs_question_signage.pdf |