Health information

Resilience and social circles the way forward

Dr. Ethan Toumishey with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) hosted this week’s update on the COVID-19 outbreak. In the 12th event of its kind, which is now being held bi-weekly, Dr. Toumishey answered submitted questions during the Facebook Live session on Thursday. The public are encouraged to post questions and comments surrounding COVID-19 at facebook.com/hpepublichealth, to be answered during the bi-weekly live broadcasts (videos are posted at this link after each broadcast). Due to the Canada Day holiday, the next information session will be held in three weeks, on July 9.

There are 99,853 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada, 32,917 in Ontario, and 43 in Hastings Prince Edward counties, with no new cases reported in HPE since May 18. Dr. Toumishey noted two active cases remaining, saying he expects those to be resolved shortly. There are 182 probable cases in HPE, with deaths remaining at five. There have been over 7,400 tests administered locally. Dr. Toumishey noted the HPEPH COVID-19 Dashboard (hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-cases) is now being updated three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Dr. Toumishey began by talking about resilience. “The definition of resilience is generally defined as ‘the ability to cope well with adversity, and persevere and adapt when things go awry’.” He said resilience is associated with better health and longer life, more success in school and work, happier relationships and less depression. “People who respond with resilience are more likely to deal with stress and adversity better, reach out to new opportunities and partake in activities that give meaning to life, and view mistakes as opportunities for growth,” stated Toumishey. He said taking a few basic steps can help individuals stay resilient during the pandemic. “These may include taking time to maintain relationships with family, friends and colleagues. If they aren’t within your social circle for contacts, stay connected by having a phone chat, video conference or sending a text,” he said. “Take time to take care for yourself; take moments throughout the day to be mindful and reflect on your feelings, offer yourself lots of self-compassion. Be easy on yourself: don’t ignore your problems, instead figure out what needs to be done, make a plan and take action.”

SOCIAL CIRCLES
Ontarians are now encouraged to establish a social circle of no more than 10 people, including those outside the immediate household, who can interact and come in close contact with one another without physical distancing. “Social circles will support mental well-being and help reduce social isolation.” Dr. Toumishey confirmed social circles allow members to share close contact with others within their circles, such as hugging, car pooling, enjoying a patio and sharing a meal without staying two metres apart.

He suggests starting with the people you currently live with or who generally come into your household. “If your current circle is under 10 people, you can add members to your circle, including those from another household, including family members and friends,” he said. “Get agreement from everyone they will join the circle: keep your circle safe, maintaining physical distancing with anyone outside of your circle and be true to your circle.” He said no one should be part of more than one circle.

Dr. Toumishey reminded that social circle rules are different to those of social gatherings. “At this time, social gatherings can include any 10 people (up from five) from outside your household or social circle, but physical distancing of at least two metres should be maintained.”

ASSESSMENT CENTRES
“The criteria continues to be expanded aligning with provincial direction,” said Toumishey, adding that anyone concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure should access testing by appointment, especially those with any symptoms. Assessment centres continue to operate in Picton, Belleville, Trenton and Bancroft, with three new popup clinics in Marmora, Sterling and Madoc.

BUSINESS RE-OPENING
The HPE region has entered Stage 2 of the re-opening, allowing more businesses and services to re-open. “There are several resources available to support local businesses as they re-open.” Many resources are available at HPEPH’s Healthy Workplaces page (hpepublichealth.ca/healthy-workplaces), with sector-specific guidelines posted on the Government of Ontario website (ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent- covid-19-workplace). “Earlier this week, the province released a guide to COVID-19 workplace safety which includes a template that can be used to help local businesses develop safety plans,” he said.

MASKS
“There continues to be on-going discussion about wearing masks in public, but there is currently no general requirement for individuals (who are well) to wear a mask in public in HPE,” said Toumishey. However, he noted that certain locations, businesses, workplaces or occupations may have specific requirements. “We ask that you respect these requirements, if you are able.”

He said wearing a non-medical mask or face covering is recommended when it is not possible to consistently maintain a two-metre physical distance from others, particularly in crowded public settings, such as stores, shopping areas and public transportation. “A non-medical mask can reduce the risk of your droplets coming into contact with others, or landing on surfaces.”

Dr. Toumishey said if you choose to wear a face covering, to ensure it is used properly. “Wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately taking it off; practise good hand hygiene while you are wearing the face covering,” said Toumishey. He said the face covering should fit well around the nose and mouth; avoid touching your face or the mask when you are using it: do not share it with others, and change it when it gets wet or dirty.” He said, “While it is important to remember that the non-medical mask may help to protect others around you, they have not been proven to protect the individual wearing it.” Mask wearing does not replace the need for physical distancing or good hand hygiene.

TRAVEL
One of the questions addressed the regional re-opening approach with people travelling from areas of lower prevalence. “While there are currently no restrictions in place that prohibit travel within the province, HPEPH recommends everyone limit their number of close contacts regardless of where they reside,” said Toumishey. He said while HPEPH recognize that people will want to take advantage of the summer months, they are encouraged to keep their travel local where possible. “All visitors and residents are asked to be thoughtful when visiting our community, and are reminded to continue necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” HPEPH requests anyone visiting the region to register with the Digital Guestbook (hpepublichealth.ca/Guestbook). “It is private and confidential and requires only basic information, and will help us contact you if any positive cases of COVID-19 are identified in a location you have visited.”

COVID-19 STATISTICS (AT JUNE 22):
Lab-confirmed cases: 101,637 (Canada); 33,637(ONT); 43 (HPE); 5-9 (PEC)

Probable cases: 181 (HPE); 38 (PEC)

Individuals tested: 2,444,118 (Canada); 1,157,497 (ONT)

Swabs completed: 8,161 (HPE)

Hospitalized (HPE): 0

Facility outbreaks (HPE): 0

Deceased: 8,436 (Canada); 2,609 (ONT); 5 (HPE)

Individuals recovered: 64,334 (Canada); 28,933 (ONT); 36 (HPE)