The Northwestern Health Unit’s Medical Officer of Health is upping education and enforcement to ensure close contacts, those with symptoms and those with COVID-19 are self-isolating.
Dr. Kit Young Hoon is issuing the COVID-19 Class Section 22 Order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act that goes into effect Wednesday, February 17 at 12:01 a.m., meaning the health unit will be able to enforce self-isolation requirements.
“The Order applies to all persons residing or present in the Northwestern Health Unit catchment area who are required by public health to self-isolate. Generally, most people follow self-isolation requirements. But throughout this entire pandemic, we’ve had the occasional case who has not followed those recommendations. And unfortunately, in some incidents, it has led to the spread of COVID-19,” says Dr. Young Hoon.
Dr. Young Hoon explains the Order applies to those in the region with COVID-19, close contacts of existing cases and people with symptoms that could be COVID-19.
“If we receive information that an individual is not self-isolating appropriately, we will follow up, re-educate and spend some time making sure that person is supported. Sometimes people are unable to self isolate, whether it’s because they don’t have someone to get them food or they don’t have a place to live. If that is still not effective, then we can think about enforcement,” says Dr. Young Hoo.
The health unit and other enforcement officers can enforce the Class Section 22 Order. It can result in a fine of $750 to a maximum of $5,000. It can also lead to an Order for Confinement by the courts.
With concerns of COVID-19 variants and the area returning to the province’s COVID-19 Response Framework, Dr. Young Hoon says they felt it was a good time to implement the Order.
It will remain in effect until the Medical Officer of Health determines it’s no longer required.
To see the full release about the Order click here.
