For those of you who found yourself in the Rideau/Glen/Whalen part of the Village, you would have noted lots of heavy trucks since yesterday afternoon. The main sewer pipe developed a significant leak and it took until a few minutes ago to make the repair. The road will still be closed until tomorrow when the repair to the road will be completed.
I have had many calls this past week-end, with people looking for more definitive direction on what behaviour is allowed when self-isolating. As I was typing this blog, the PM made his COVID-19 update.
PM Trudeau said today (March 23) in his announcement: “Enough is enough.Some people think they are invincible. They are not. Go home and stay home.This is what we all need to do.”
Trudeau also stated that he will be discussing the Emergencies Act, which replaced the War Measures Act, with the Provincial Ministers later today, and it would give the federal government wide powers.This is how serious the federal government is about controlling COVID-19 and will give you a better idea on what appropriate behaviour should be.
First, you need to consider that the purpose of self-isolating is to slow or stop the spread of the virus and allow the health system to cope with those affected. COVID-19 is so contagious that we need to be proactive. To wait until there is an outbreak in the Village is simply too late. The data coming out of China is that 4 out 5 people who were infected in Wuhan, China were infected by people who had no visible symptoms. That is 80%.
To respond to the questions about appropriate behaviour for self-isolation, I contacted the Medical Officer of Health for Leeds, Grenville & Lanark, Dr Paula Stewart. She has provided the following:
You must ensure you have no contact with others who live outside your home, and restricted contact with those in your home.
You can go outside in your own yard as long as no-one else is there.
You cannot walk around town in case you meet other people.
If you live in a multi-unit building, then you must use a mask if you leave your unit to use any of the facilities in the building.
Defer medical and other appointments unless they are critical. Let the care provider know ahead of time that you are in self-isolation and wear a mask at the visit and do not use taxi or public transportation.
This applies to people who:
Are being tested for COVID-19 until the lab results come back
Have travelled anywhere outside of Canada (including the United States of America) for 14 days after arrival in Canada
Live with, provided care for, or spent extensive time with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
Please consider that each of us is part of the bigger picture and that picture looks like keeping everyone healthy in our Village. This is a stressful time for all so please considering keeping in touch with those in our community who would appreciate a phone call or email.
I spoke to Pat Grundy about the impact of COVID-19 on the food bank this week and there have been some adjustments to ensure the safety of the volunteers and recipients. Thank you Pat, Tootie, Norman, Cait and all of the volunteers.
Many people have been laid off in the past couple of weeks, which is putting pressure on the food bank. If you would like to donate, please consider making a monetary donation through an e-transfer. Everyone is trying to avoid handling cash if possible, although I am sure that money would still be gratefully received. You can e-transfer to “norman@rideau.net”. This is food bank Treasurer Norman Lapointe’s the email.
Pat also said that they have enough volunteer drivers for now, but if the pandemic is prolonged, they will need some help. You can volunteer for this and other ways of helping during the pandemic by emailing “westportcare@gmail.com”.
I visited both Steve’s Rideau Restaurant and Tangled Garden Cafe today and they are open for business … well … open for take out. Contact information for you below. If I missed another one, please let me know.
We are so happy that you have either landed back in Westport or you are heading home!
While you have been away, we have been putting a safety net around our community. There is no reported case of COVID-19 in the area and we are working hard to keep it that way.
Self isolation for 14 days is mandatory when you return to Canada. We know how difficult that can be and the community wants to offer you help in a variety of ways. Paul Millar is our Volunteer Coordinator for COVID-19. (Thank you AGAIN, Paul!) You can email westportcare@gmail.com for assistance in getting the things you need from the store to your home. and other errands. There are many volunteers ready, willing and able to give you a hand and make your period at home less stressful.
Tracey Phillips and her mighty staff have another system in place that will assist you in getting your meds without having to go into the pharmacy. Please note the emphasis on not going into the pharmacy. Call the pharmacy if you need supplies and they will explain their system for taking care of you while you are in self isolation.
Neil and Martha Kudrinko and their hard working staff are ensuring that there is lots of food and other sundries available . They have taken additional precautions in wrapping all of the produce to avoid additional touch points by shoppers as well as tightening up the deli area with prepackaged cold cuts to again, avoid unnecessary handling. Neil ensures that the carts are washed daily with power washer and bleach and a 4-hand washer station has been placed at the front of the store. You can call Kudrinkos and place your order, pay for it over the phone, drive to the lot, pop the trunk and have your groceries placed in your trunk. All this without having to go into the grocery store. Please note the emphasis on not going into the store.
I didn’t have the opportunity yesterday to confirm which restaurants in the Village are offering take-out. I will check it out today, however I also ask that people reading this blog will add that information – please ensure that it is current.
Town Hall closed as of this morning to walk-ins. Please call Paul or Anne-Marie at 613-273-2191 if you have any questions about municipal related matters.
Again, we are so glad you are home. Many of are feeling like mother hens, counting our chicks to make sure they are all safe and accounted for. (I bet you never thought your Mayor would refer to herself as a hen!!!).
Call anytime if you have questions or concerns. Be assured that we are a strong and well organized community committed to doing our part to slow the spread of the virus and keep all of our people safe. 613-273-9195
Robin, The Mayor 
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