> Blocking of migrant workers threatens Niagara supply chain /Pg 15 > COVID-19 impact crippling local economy Pg 3 > Grimsby resident featured shutterbug Pg 5 > Jr. C Peach Kings season cancelled Pg 10 Thursday, March 19, 2020 Vol. 8 Issue 47
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COVID-19 impact envelopes Niagara West By Mike Williscraft NewsNow Buckle up Niagara West, you are in for a bumpy ride. Municipalities have hunkered down closing facilities and cancelling all programming. Community groups have followed suit as pretty much every event - from historical society meetings to Legion annual general meetings Panic buying started at varying points last week with local grocery store shelves being picked clean in a matter of hours, while some locations saw regular traffic flows and buying habits. No matter who or where you are, every resident and business owner has felt the impact of a virus which has still only afflicted three people in Niagara Region. That third patient - according to Niagara Public Health - is recovering at home in self-isolation.The patient had interacted only with his immediate family during the time he may have been contagious, and has not exposed anyone in the community. All protocols were followed by health care providers resulting in no exposure of themselves or other patients. “As we continue to see growing COVID-19 cases around the world, we expect to continue to see travel-related cases in Niagara,” said Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Niagara’s acting medical officer of health. “However, we are not seeing any local circulation of the virus, and so our risk remains low. Everyone should feel comfortable continuing with their daily activities, but taking reasonable measures to reduce their risk with hand hygiene and social distancing.” Contact Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services by calling 905-688-8248 ext. 7019
With three kids “who don’t stop eating” and her mom, 70, who is on oxygen, Beamsville resident Jacqueline Swart knows how vulnerable some family members can be and urges everyone to be responsible, kind and calm. See story on Page 13. McDonald - Photo or toll-free 1-888-505-6074 if you have a fever, new cough, shortness of breath or 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;
According to Hirji, 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, deferring events); • 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 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. Tuesday morning, Premier Doug Ford announced the declaration of a State of Emergency for the Province of Ontario declaring closure of bars and restaurants, except for take-out options. “This is not a provincial shutdown. I repeat this is not a provincial shutdown,” said Ford, noting it vital all supply chains remain intact. Emergency services - pharmacies and hospitals - will remain open as will grocery stores. As residents seek refuge in the safety of their own homes, the impact has been immediate across all business sectors. “On Tuesday, the Provincial Government declared a state of emergency. These rapidly changing and uncertain times call for unprecedented measures to ensure the continued safety of our residents and staff,” said Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan. See VIRUS, Page 2