NWHU changes how it reports positive COVID-19 test results
Tim Brody - Editor
The Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) has changed the way positive COVID-19 test results will be reported.
The health unit shared through a July 27 media release, the change is being made to further protect privacy.
“Consistent with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (2004), NWHU does not release information to the public that may identify an individual, including the location of the residence of people who test positive for COVID-19. We report case numbers by general area on our website and to the media. Ensuring privacy protects individuals from the negative stigma associated with COVID-19. Negative stigma about COVID-19 status can lead to some people being harassed and ostracized at a time when they should be supported and applauded for taking care to prevent further infection,” NWHU explained.
Positive COVID-19 test results will now be reported as being from one of four geographical areas in the health unit’s service area.
The Sioux Lookout Region includes: Bearskin Lake, Cat Lake 63C, Deer Lake, Hudson, Kee-Way-Win, Lac Seul 28, MacDowell Lake, Muskrat Dam Lake, North Spirit Lake, Osnaburgh 63B, Pickle Lake, Pikangikum 14, Poplar Hill, Sachigo Lake 1, Sandy Lake 88, Sioux Lookout, Slate Falls, and Weagamow Lake 87.
The Northwestern Health Unit is advising people, “Relying on local positive test results to start taking precautions is not an effective way to protect yourself. Some people with COVID-19 do not show symptoms, so they might never get tested, even though they may spread the disease. As well, for those who do get tested, they may have been infectious before being tested. Waiting for a known test result is too late for prevention, which is why NWHU has said to assume that COVID-19 is in your community and take the appropriate precautions at all times.”
According to the health unit, after receiving a positive test result for COVID-19, “NWHU and its partners follow-up with the individual involved to make sure that they know how to prevent any further spread of the illness. People are supported to self-isolate for 14 days, and we work with them to identify anyone they might have been in close contact with who might be at risk. If there is a risk to the general public, NWHU will let the public know through regular and social media.
“NWHU has connected with hundreds of individuals and dozens of community officials when working with the local cases identified to date. There has been no evidence to date in our catchment area of anyone outside of the case’s household being infected by a case. This is a direct result of the actions of NWHU and the individuals who have tested positive acting responsibly. The system is working and there is low activity in our region.”
“The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to maintain physical distance from anyone outside your social circle, wear a mask when physical distancing is difficult, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face,” the NWHU’s news release stated.
NWHU’s website, www.nwhu.on.ca/covid19, is updated by noon, Monday to Friday.