There are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Renfrew County, but staff aren’t taking any chances. At the County Council meeting yesterday, Chief Paramedic and Director of Emergency Services, Mike Nolan, told council the Sierra Team will train this week on biological containment along with treatment and transportation for patients with severe illnesses.
Nolan says there have been 6,000 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus worldwide, with 132 deaths. He adds there’s a patient currently under examination in Ottawa. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine or antiviral available for Novel Coronavirus.
Nolan recommends you wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your elbow and stay two metres back from those with flu-like symptoms. Paramedics have also stocked up for the next few months on masks, gloves and bio-protective suits.
Director of Long Term Care for the County of Renfrew, Shelly Sheedy, says long-term-care homes have been identified as a low risk environment, but staff are still taking necessary steps to protect residents including surveillance and self-screening reminders for visitors on all doors.