Just over a week has gone by since Thorold started feeling the new reality of the COVID-19 crisis, currently seeing four confirmed cases in the Niagara region after the first case was discovered on Match 13.
Stores have closed, or are staying open with modified hours (see our list of what’s open here), lights are off at community amenities and city staff are working from home.
The food bank has been feeling it, too.
The calls for increased self-isolation and school/worksite closures are visible; packed driveways line the streets around the residential neighbourhoods in town, despite lunchtime on a weekday.
Local resident Katelynn MacKinnon, out for some fresh air on the boardwalk said they are awaiting news on wether her husbands worksite will be closed due to virus concerns.
But as a stay-at-home parent, she said her day-to-day has not changed all that much.
“We are staying in the house, playing in the backyard.”
“And chilling,” added her son Micah.
Another afternoon walker, John Hannappel said he is adapting to the new reality of less contact with the surroundings, but reaping the benefits by spending more time with his grandson Clark.
“I hope everyone keeps a calm head. This hoarding has been ridiculous,” he said.
But as a contractor, eventually the shutdowns might affect his business too.
While things have dramatically changed in the social landscape of Thorold, order does not seem to have been affected much.
Niagara Regional Police say their operations have not been affected largely by the rapid change in behaviours, and the chief of police sent out a long letter this week, assuring residents that their work remains intact as the pandemic rolls on.
Niagara health officials says that the risk to Niagara residents remain low, and that there is no evidence of community spread - but urges the public to follow social distancing protocols.
Below follows the latest information from regional health authoroties.
Contact Niagara Region Public Health by calling 905-688-8248 ext. 7019 or toll-free 1-888-505-6074 if you have a fever, or new cough, or shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, and any of the following:
- Travelled outside of Canada in the 14 days before onset of illness
- Close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- Close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who travelled to affected areas within 14 days prior to their illness onset
The best way to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19 is to:
- Avoid all non-essential international travel, as recommended by Provincial and Federal health authorities
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rub
- Practice social distancing by avoiding unnecessary close interaction with others (e.g. shaking hands, attending large social gatherings)
- Limit non-essential trips into the community
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily. Use a disinfectant with a drug information number (DIN) and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Call ahead if visiting your health care provider for infectious symptoms so they can plan to protect others from spread
As this is an evolving situation, we continue to remind everyone the importance of using credible sources to stay informed. We update our website frequently as new information is confirmed. We encourage all Niagara residents to visit our Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.
For information regarding travel, please visit the Government of Canada website.
Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
