Public Health strongly encourages Masks and Vaccinations

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Masks, Vaccination strongly recommended as Respiratory illnesses surge

News Release - Huron Perth Public Health - Monday, November 14, 2022 

Huron Perth, ON – Many respiratory illnesses are circulating; Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) urges the community to use all layers of protection, especially masking and vaccination, to protect themselves, their families, and the broader community.

HPPH has seen an earlier start to the influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season this year, and has received several reports of influenza A (flu) in children under the age of five. HPPH does not typically see this number of lab-confirmed cases of influenza in children this young. COVID-19 also continues to circulate widely. Across the province, influenza and RSV are causing severe illness in children and strain on the pediatric healthcare system.

“I strongly recommend that Huron Perth residents mask in all indoor public settings, including schools and in childcare settings,” says Dr. Miriam Klassen, Medical Officer of Health. “Wearing a mask in indoor public settings is a simple way to reduce the spread of illness, to protect our community members young and old and to protect our healthcare system. I also encourage everyone to get their flu shot and stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.”

Layers of Protection

Residents are encouraged to use layers of protection during this “triple threat” season of COVID, RSV and influenza circulating at the same time. These layers include:

  • Staying home if you are sick
  • Screening for respiratory symptoms daily
  • Wearing a mask in indoor public settings
  • Staying up-to-date with vaccines (including COVID-19 and influenza)
  • Practicing good hand hygiene
  • Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces

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