General COVID-19 Information

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic. A pandemic is declared when a new disease for which people do not have immunity spread around the world beyond expectations.

Woodstock Hospital continues to work with our health care partners to monitor the COVID-19 situation. We encourage you to visit these credible websites to keep up-to-date on this situation:

• Ministry of Health
• Public Health Ontario
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• http://www.coronavirusontario.ca/

What are Coronaviruses?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

What is COVID-19?

In January 2020, a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified as the cause of an outbreak of pneumonia in Wuhan, China.

What is the best way to prevent transmission of this virus?

• Stay home. Only leave for essential outings such as to get groceries, medication, or to attend health care appointments.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and throw the tissue out immediately. Wash your hands afterward.
• Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider.

Click here to take the Government of Ontario’s self-assessment online.

If you’re looking for information about the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Oxford County, please click here to be directed to Southwestern Public Health’s Dashboard.