COVID-19 | Ste. Bernadette

RESPONSE TO COVID-19

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea; the Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

- Ps 46 : 1-2, 7

Greetings to Health Care Workers

from His Excellency, Marcel Damphousse

Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie

Message adressé par S.E. Mgr Marcel Damphousse

Évêque de Sault Ste-Marie

aux travailleurs en soin de santé

Greetings from local faith leaders

to Health Care Workers

Un message adressé aux travailleurs

en soin de santé

Social Distancing FAQ

Please follow these recommendations for the sake of personal health care, retail workers and vulnerable populations.

I need a personal support worker or a contractor to come to my home for essential support for my basic needs. Am I allowed to let someone in my home?

Yes. The bylaw and the province's orders are to limit non-essential social gatherings that put people at needless risk. It is not intended to limit essential needs of our residents.

Can I have some of my family members over to visit even if they don't live with me?

The province has issued an order to limit all gatherings of non-household members to 5, even on private property. Any gathering of 5 or more non-household members is a violation of the Province's Orders and subject to enforcement by the OPP.

So, the City of Elliot Lake is dictating who I can have in my house?

No. The Province is doing that by emergency order which is subject to change. The City's Social Distancing Bylaw is focused on public properties like parks and businesses. But the City works closely with the OPP to ensure compliance with the province's order that covers private property in the interest of public health.

Can I do yard work?

Yes. But it is recommended to avoid any risky activities that could result in an accident and an avoidable trip to the Emergency Room.

Can I finish a construction project I already started?

If you have a building permit already and you need to finish the job you are permitted to do so. We recommend you proceed with caution and ensure social distancing and frequent hand cleaning remains in place. If you are using a contractor remind them of pandemic precautions.

Can my spouse and I shop for groceries together for my household?

It is highly recommended that only one person per household shop for essentials but it is only a recommendation at this point. Regardless: social distancing of min 6 ft is required by law and will be enforced.

Road Closures and Mine Owned Properties:

The city has closed the following roads immediately and until further notice:

Panel Mine Road: the entire road is closed. There are no public spaces open on the road. Only mine company employees will be accessing the road until further notice.

Milliken Mine Road: the entire road is closed to the general public. The city has consulted with the owners of the nursery and they can be afforded access on a case by case basis.

Nordic Mine Road: The majority of the road is closed. The golf course is closed, there are no public spaces open along this road.

Stanrock Road: only the far east portion of the road is closed just east of the trail to May Lake.

Please refrain from accessing all Rio Algom Limited and Denison Mine sites. Those properties remain active work sites and we need to eliminate the risk of interaction between heavy equipment, mine staff traffic and the public.

Can I still go to the Hospital/ Emergency Room if I need to?

Yes. But only if your issue is unrelated to Covid-19 symptoms. If you are unsure, call the Covid-19 Assessment Centre at 705-461-8882 or

Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000.

If you are injured or have unrelated symptoms, the ER remains open.

If you have an emergency, 911 is still there for you.

What do I do if I see a blatant violation of the social distancing orders by bylaw?

call the OPP non-emergency line:

1-888-310-1122

call City of Elliot Lake bylaw enforcement: 705-848-2287 x 2122
(voicemails will be checked after hours and bylaw staff will respond where needed).

Precautions

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

There is an increased risk of more severe outcomes for Canadians:

aged 65 and over
with compromised immune systems
with underlying medical conditions

Preventative Measures

Canadians should continue to think ahead about the actions that they can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, including:

being prepared in case you or a family member become ill
following the latest travel advice from federal and provincial public health leaders:
- avoiding all non-essential travel, including cruise ships
- self-isolating, and monitoring for symptoms (cough, fever or difficulty breathing) for 14 days if you have travelled outside of Canada
reducing contact with others by following the guidance for self-monitoring, self-isolating, or isolating
practicing social distancing and proper hygiene
wearing masks, if necessary

What does this mean for the Church?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, all church masses and liturgies in our Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie have been suspended, as have visits to the home-bound, visits to the sick and dying, and all non-essential meetings.

All sacrament preparation will be postponed to a later date and baptism, funerals, and marriages may only take place in the company of immediate family, provided that they adhere to the regulations provided by health authorities.

Reconciliation will not take place in the church confessional during this period, but at a private location where the proper distance required by health officials can be maintained.

These precautions are to help prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. They are currently in effect and comply with government directives and the advice of public health authorities.

Messages

Bishop Marcel's Messages in Solidarity with Public Concern During COVID-19

"Let us pray fervently for the sick, the lonely and distraught; for the dead and families grieving their loss; for the healthcare providers, government and civil authorities and the volunteers helping their neighbors. Let us be Good Samaritans toward those in need of help."

- Bishop Marcel Damphousse