Dear Community of Elliot Lake,

 

We are at a critical phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Up until now, our community has been somewhat protected because of our isolation from other communities.  That being said, WE ARE NOT IMMUNE.

 

We have to take this disease seriously AS A COMMUNITY regardless of how we may feel it will impact us personally.

 

The biggest risk to our community is people continuing to ignore Public Health recommendations.  What will lead to community spread of this disease in Elliot Lake is someone choosing to leave our community, getting infected and then bringing it back home with them.

 

We implore all members of our community to be a part of keeping COVID-19 out of Elliot Lake.  This means:

 

  l  STAY HOME.  No trips to surrounding communities, especially larger cities like Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie.  No outings to stores just out of boredom.  Only go out for groceries/essentials and limit this to once a week if possible.

  l  KEEP YOUR DISTANCE FROM OTHERS.  Stay at least 2 meters from others when you have to go out.  No gatherings of more than 5 people.  No out-of-town visitors.

 

We understand that this is difficult.  It is affecting all of us.  It is CRITCAL, however, that we stick to these isolation and physical distancing measures in the coming weeks to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our community.

 

The health care organizations in Elliot Lake have been working around the clock over the past few weeks to prepare for the worst.  Unfortunately, if COVID-19 hits our community hard then the reality is that all of our preparations will sadly not be enough to cope with a surge of COVID-19 cases.

 

That is why we are asking the individuals of this community to do their part and follow Public Health recommendations.  It is sticking to isolation and physical distancing, more than anything else, that will truly have a major impact on the course of this disease in our community.

 

Please take care of yourself and others during this difficult time.

 

Sincerely,

 

The Health Care Professionals and Staff of the Elliot Lake Family Health Team