Newfoundland | Emergency management planning encouraged as deadline approaches
Newfoundland and Labrador | 2 Feb 2012
Most communities in Newfoundland and Labrador are either working towards or have completed updated emergency management plans. The Emergency Services Act, which was proclaimed in 2009, requires all municipalities, local service districts, and Inuit communities to have updated emergency management plans in place by May, 2012.
“The Provincial Government continues to assist communities in meeting their legislative obligations to ensure our communities are in the best possible position to react during the next emergency,” said the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services. “All communities have an obligation to ensure appropriate plans are developed, updated and exercised regularly so as to be ready to respond to the needs of residents. I urge everyone to look at their level of preparedness and encourage all communities to strive to meet the approaching deadline.”
To date, 350 communities representing 95 per cent of the population have either completed, nearly completed or initiated the emergency planning process. Regional emergency management and planning officers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador have provided dedicated, hands-on support in assisting community leaders in all areas of the province to meet their legislated obligation.
Minister O’Brien noted the development of a provincial emergency management plan is also on track for completion by the May, 2012 deadline. The intent of the provincial plan is to outline the roles and responsibilities of Provincial Government departments in responding to an emergency event and how essential public services will be continued. The provincial emergency management plan will be based on best practices in the emergency management field and informed by the experiences encountered in Newfoundland and Labrador.
FES-NL conducts semi-annual Fire and Emergency Services training schools, and regional firefighter training sessions in an effort to provide important instruction, guidance, and assistance. Provincial staff have held more than 200 workshops, meetings, and training sessions in emergency management since 2010.
The resource guide used to assist in emergency management plan development is available on the FES-NL website, www.gov.nl.ca/fes/emo/municipalplanning.html
Labrador | Public advisory after second rabies case confirmed in Labrador West
Labrador City | 27 Jan 2012
A red fox killed near Labrador City on January 22 has tested positive for rabies. This is the second confirmed case of rabies in Labrador this month.
Samples from the animal were tested at the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Laboratory and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa where the result was confirmed. This is the second confirmed case of rabies reported in Labrador since 2005.
“This second confirmation of rabies proves that the virus is active in Labrador West,” said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Division. “With the high fox populations reported across Labrador we will likely see more cases.”
Officials with the departments of Natural Resources and Health and Community Services will continue to monitor this and are encouraging residents of Labrador to be vigilant and to take the following precautions:
- Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control;
- Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies;
- Avoid wild animals particularly foxes and wolves;
- Report any sightings of strange-acting wild or domestic animals to forestry officers, veterinarians, police or public health officials;
- Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water; and,
- Immediately go to your health clinic or emergency department for treatment of any animal bites. Any significant contact with potentially rabid animals should be reported to public health officials.
A list of all rabies cases in Labrador will be posted on the Provincial Government website at www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies
Newfoundland | Fox confirmed with rabies in Labrador West
Wabush | 20 Jan 2012
The province’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that a red fox recently killed in Wabush has tested positive for rabies.
Samples from the animal were collected this week and sent to Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratories in Ottawa for testing where they were reported as positive for rabies. This is the first case of rabies reported in Labrador since 2005.
“While the presence of rabies in Labrador is not common, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and take precautions when encountering animals acting in a strange or aggressive manner, as well as to take the appropriate steps to help stop the spread of the disease,” said Dr. Hugh Whitney, Chief Veterinary Officer with the Department of Natural Resources Animal Health Division. “Rabies has been reported in Northern Quebec as well and with the high fox populations reported across Labrador we could see more cases.”
Earlier this month two foxes were put down by officials in Labrador City and Wabush. On January 10, a trapper from Labrador City was bitten by a fox caught in a trap. The trapper is being treated for possible exposure to a rabid animal however that animal tested negative for the disease.
On January 12, a fox in Wabush was put down by officials after it exhibited aggressive behaviour. There was no known human or domestic animal contact in that incident. The fox tested positive for rabies.
Officials with the departments of Natural Resources and Health and Community Services will continue to monitor this and are encouraging residents of Labrador to take the following precautions:
• Keep domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, under control;
• Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies;
• Avoid wild animals particularly foxes and wolves;
• Report any sightings of strange-acting wild or domestic animals to wildlife enforcement officers, conservation officers, veterinarians, police or public health officials;
• Wash any bites or other areas of contact with potentially rabid animals immediately with soap and water;
• Immediately go to your health clinic or emergency department for treatment of any animal bites. Any significant contact with potentially rabid animals should be reported to public health officials.
The Provincial Government has rabies education pamphlets available for those seeking additional information at:
www.nr.gov.nl.ca/rabies
Newfoundland | Visitor restrictions at Pentecostal Senior Citizens’ Home in Clarke-s Beach
Clarke’s Beach | 20 Jan 2012
Eastern Health wishes to advise the public that visitor restrictions have been implemented at the Pentecostal Senior Citizens’ Home in Clarke’s Beach due to an increase in gastro-intestinal illness.
Members of the general public are asked to refrain from visiting residents at the facility. The public are also reminded to not visit any long term care facility if they feel ill or are experiencing gastro-intestinal or respiratory illness symptoms.
The visitor restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
Newfoundland | Residents reminded seasonal influenza vax still available
Newfoundland | 17 Jan 2012
The Department of Health and Community Services would like to remind residents that the seasonal influenza vaccination is still available throughout the province. The flu shot can be obtained through a family physician or public health office.
“We are beginning to see some initial confirmed cases of influenza B in the province,” said Dr. Faith Stratton, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador. “While the number of cases is low and symptoms are mild, receiving the seasonal flu shot, along with practising regular hand washing, is the most effective way to protect against influenza viruses.”
The influenza vaccine is provided at no cost for individuals at high risk for complications from influenza, including:
- Adults and children with chronic conditions requiring regular medical or hospital care such as respiratory disorders, cardiac disease, renal disease, metabolic disorders and mobility impairment;
- Persons in residential care, including residents and staff;
- Persons age 60 and over;
- Children age six months to 23 months;
- Health care workers including those in the community or chronic care facilities;
- Essential service workers (e.g. police, ambulance, firefighters);
- Aboriginal people;
- Household contacts of people at high risk of influenza complications;
- Pregnant women; and,
- Poultry and swine industry workers.
“Although the flu season often begins in the fall, Newfoundland and Labrador is now reporting its first cases,” said Dr. Stratton. “Flu symptoms include rapid onset of cough, fever, headache, chills and general body aches and pains.”
Individuals are encouraged to practise the three principles of personal hygiene, Clean, Cover and Contain, to help prevent the spread of influenza. It is recommended to practise thorough hand washing, cover coughs and sneezes, and to stay home when sick. To find posters and print materials on the hygiene campaign, please visit: www.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/hygiene/
For further information on the seasonal influenza vaccination, individuals should contact the regional health authority in their area.
Newfoundland | Visitor restrictions in place at Bay St George Term Care Centre
Stephenville Crossing | 16 Jan 2012
Please be advised that visitation restrictions are in place on all units at Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre in Stephenville Crossing. The visitation restrictions are in place due to a number of residents with gastrointestinal illness.
Western Health asks for the public’s co-operation during this temporary visitation restriction. Exceptions may be made for immediate family members. Family members are asked to contact the home directly before attempting to visit.
To prevent the spread of infection in any institution in the Western Health region, we ask all visitors to wash/sanitize their hands when entering or leaving any of Western Health’s facilities.
As well, Western Health recommends that anyone experiencing gastrointestinal like symptoms including vomiting and/or diarrhea refrain from visiting any of our facilities until at least 48 hours after their last symptoms.
Western Health thanks families and visitors for their cooperation in helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Newfoundland | Visitor restrictions at Blue Crest Nursing Home in Grand Bank lifted
Grand Bank | 16 Jan 2012
Eastern Health wishes to advise the public that visitor restrictions recently implemented at the Blue Crest Nursing Home in Grand Bank due to an increase in respiratory illness have now been lifted.
Eastern Health would also like to remind the public to not visit any long term care facility if they feel ill or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The general public’s cooperation is appreciated.
Newfoundland | Visitor restrictions on West Wing at Valley Vista in Springdale
Springdale | 13 Jan 2012
Visitor restrictions on West Wing at Valley Vista in Springdale
Limited visitation means that the following regulations will be strictly enforced:
No children under 14 years of age
One visitor per resident at a time
Visitor must be a member of the resident’s immediate family.
Central Health asks that persons who are sick or experiencing symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea not visit the West Wing at Valley Vista.
Visitors are asked to wash their hands at the provided hand sanitation station upon entry and exit of the building.
Family members who have any questions should call (709) 673-3936 and ask to speak with the nurse in charge.
The public’s cooperation is requested as we put these precautions in place to prevent the further spread of this virus.
Newfoundland | Temporary visitor restrictions at Protective Care Unit in Bay St George Long Term Care Center
Stephenville Crossing | 12 Jan 2012
Please be advised that a visitation restriction is in place on the Protective Care unit at Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre in Stephenville Crossing. The visitation restriction is in place due to a number of residents in the unit with gastrointestinal illness.
Western Health would like to ask for the public’s co-operation during this temporary visitation restriction. Exceptions may be made for immediate family members. Family members are asked to contact the unit directly before attempting to visit.
To prevent the spread of infection in any institution in the Western Health region, we ask all visitors to wash/sanitize their hands when entering or leaving any of Western Health’s facilities.
As well, Western Health recommends that anyone experiencing gastrointestinal like symptoms including vomiting and/or diarrhea refrain from visiting any of our facilities until at least 48 hours after their last symptoms.
Western Health would like to thank families and visitors for their cooperation in helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Newfoundland | Visitor restrictions at Blue Crest Nursing Home in Grand Bank
Grand Bank | 10 Jan 2012
Eastern Health wishes to advise the public that visitor restrictions have been implemented at the Blue Crest Nursing Home in Grand Bank due to an increase in respiratory illness.
Members of the general public are asked to refrain from visiting residents at the facility. The public are also reminded to not visit any long term care facility if they feel ill or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
The visitor restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
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