SWPH Medical Officer of Health Strongly Recommends Masking in Indoor Settings

Ontario is experiencing an unprecedented number of children fighting RSV, COVID-19 and Influenza in its hospitals.

As an adult, it can be easy to downplay a stuffy nose or sore throat as a mild cold. However, as Ontario experiences an early and severe influenza surge, coupled with COVID-19 and the extremely contagious RSV virus, it’s time for all of us to think differently about respiratory illnesses and what they can mean to the most vulnerable around us – particularly children 4 and under.

“A cold that presents as mild in an adult can cause serious illness in a young child. That’s why I ask that everyone in this community re-commit to using the layers of protection that we know guard our community – particularly the most vulnerable – against respiratory illnesses,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, echoing the message of Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, earlier today.

“I strongly recommend that everyone wear a mask in indoor settings if you work with, care for, or socialize with the very young, the elderly, or those who are immune compromised. More broadly, I recommend that everyone return to wearing a mask while indoors to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in this season of holiday gathering,” adds Tran.

The health unit also urges everyone to stay home when they feel unwell and practice effective hand hygiene and regular disinfection of high-touch surfaces. Handwashing and disinfection are both highly effective against the RSV and Influenza viruses.

In addition to staying home when unwell and wearing a well-fitted mask, immunization makes the trifecta of best practices against respiratory illnesses. As Dr. Moore emphasized in today’s press briefing, the flu vaccine is available to everyone ages 6 months and up, and the bivalent boosters are available to anyone age 12+ who has not been vaccinated for at least 6 months.

Facts:

• All COVID-19 vaccines administered by Southwestern Public Health must be booked in advance.
• Appointments can be booked online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine. Or, call to book an appointment by telephone: 1-833-943-3900. TIP: If it has been less than 6 months since your last dose, you must book by phone and not online.
• Flu vaccine and COVID vaccine can be administered within the same appointment for anyone over the age of 5.
• For the month of November, anyone aged 5+ coming for a COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic operated by Southwestern Public Health at 1230 Talbot Street (St. Thomas) or 410 Buller Street (Woodstock) will be offered a flu vaccine as well. One appointment – two important vaccinations!
• For more information about the dates, times, and locations of COVID-19 vaccination clinics in the region, go to www.swpublichealth.ca/covid19vaccine

About Southwestern Public Health

Southwestern Public Health works with its partners to ensure the health of the whole community. Our programs respond to public health emergencies; promote healthy lifestyles; help prevent injuries, illness, and disease in the community; and promote positive change and social conditions that improve health. Southwestern Public Health delivers mandated programs under the Ontario Public Health Standards and is regulated by the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act. The health unit maintains primary locations in Woodstock and St. Thomas. For more information, visit www.swpublichealth.ca.

To Request an Interview:
Megan Cornwell
Communications Manager | Southwestern Public Health
(519) 320-0819 (Mobile)
mcornwell@swpublichealth.ca