OHT-N partners appealing for vigilance with personal preventive measures this holiday season

OHT-N partners appealing for vigilance with personal preventive measures this holiday season

Northumberland County, Ontario – Tuesday, December 15, 2020 –  With local cases of COVID-19 on the rise and the holiday season fast approaching, Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N) partners are issuing an urgent appeal to local residents to remain vigilant with the preventive measures known to reduce spread.


2020 has been a challenging year, and we are all ready to welcome 2021 and put this virus behind us.


Vaccines are coming but our battle with COVID is far from over. It will be many months before the positive impact of broad scale vaccination can take hold.  Prevention remains the greatest protection available to us and none of us can be successful alone – prevention is a shared responsibility.


Northumberland County residents, businesses and organizations have worked extremely hard, and made unprecedented sacrifices, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But the virus is strong, and it is on the rise. Only a few short months ago the number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Northumberland was low. Suddenly, that situation has shifted. Many areas around Northumberland County have also experienced increases and confirmed cases of COVID-19 are also rising across Ontario and around the globe. Without a doubt, now is not the time to ease up on our commitment to personal protective measures. To that end, as we head into the holiday season, OHT-N partners are calling on everyone to continue to follow public health advice to limit the potential for spread of COVID-19 in our County. Specifically:

  • Maintain physical distancing:  Don’t give the virus a chance to spread. Keep a minimum distance of two metres (six feet) from other people outside of your immediate household.
  • Wear a mask:  Ontario requires masks or face coverings to be worn in all public indoor settings, including business, facilities and workplaces, with very few exceptions (e.g. children under the age of 2).
  • Practice good hand hygiene: Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have just washed your hands.
  • Stay home if you are ill.


The best gift we can all give this holiday season is distance. Please—heed public health officials’ directions to avoid non-essential travel. Avoid holiday parties, large family dinners and similar indoor activities. Celebrate in-person only with those in your immediate household, and share your greetings with others from afar or—if available to you—by taking advantage of the many virtual options available. If you live alone, consider celebrating with one other household only—or connect with others virtually.We know that this is going to be difficult, but the consequences if we do not follow this advice will be much worse. We must do everything in our power to protect our whole community, together.


Trish Baird, Chief Executive Officer, Community Care Northumberland

Carol Beauchamp, Executive Director, Rebound Child and Youth Services

Adrienne Bell-Smith, Executive Director, Northumberland Family Health Team

Linda Davis, President and CEO, Northumberland Hills Hospital

Delayne Donald, Executive Director, Trent Hills Family Health Team

Varouj Eskedjian, President and CEO, Campbellford Memorial Hospital

Kaye Jackson, caregiver representative

Kerri-Anne Kidd, Executive Director, The Bridge Hospice

Scott MacPherson, patient representative

Jennifer Moore, Chief Administrative Officer, Northumberland County

Wendy Parker, Executive Director, Lakeview Family Health Team

Taryn Rennicks, Executive Director, Community Health Centres of Northumberland

Nora Sawyer, Interim Manager, Alderville First Nation Health and Social Services



Looking for more information on COVID-19?


For the most up-to-date provincial information on COVID-19, including symptoms, visit 
Ontario’s dedicated COVID-19 website. For local updates, visit the HKPR District Health Unit website. For information on where to obtain a COVID-19 test, see the OHT-N website.

Related Articles

By Tegan Sloley • September 8, 2026
Following the success of last year's event, St. Peter’s Anglican Church is welcoming seniors, caregivers, families and community members back for its second annual Seniors and Caregiver Fair this November. The fair brings together local organizations and community partners offering programs, services, education and support for older adults and caregivers across Northumberland County. Event Details When: Wednesday, November 4 Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: St. Peter’s Anglican Church: 240 College Street, Cobourg Connect With Local Supports The Seniors and Caregiver Fair is an opportunity to explore the many programs and services available to support older adults, caregivers and families in our community. Visitors can: Meet local organizations and service providers Learn about programs and supports available in Northumberland County Ask questions and get information about services that may be helpful to them or someone they care for Connect with community resources in one convenient location For caregivers, finding the right information or knowing where to turn for support can sometimes feel overwhelming. Bringing organizations together in one place makes it easier to ask questions, make connections and discover resources that can help. The fair is also a chance for seniors and older adults to connect with organizations that can support their health, well-being, independence and quality of life. Whether you're a senior looking to explore local resources, a caregiver supporting a loved one, a family member looking for information, or simply interested in learning more about services in your community, you're invited to attend.
By Tegan Sloley • September 8, 2026
Rebound Child & Youth Services is inviting the community to get moving this fall at Kilometers 4 Kids , a family-friendly event supporting local youth and mental health. Participants can walk, run or ride either a 1 km or 5 km route , making the event an opportunity for people of all ages and activity levels to take part. Event Details When: Saturday, October 17 Start Time: 9:15 a.m. Where: Victoria Hall, Cobourg Move for Mental Health Kilometers 4 Kids is about more than getting active. Funds raised through the event help empower local youth and support the work of Rebound Child & Youth Services. The event offers an opportunity for families, friends and community members to spend time together while supporting mental health and well-being for young people in our community. Whether you're looking to walk, run or ride, there are options for different ages and abilities. Participants can choose the 1 km or 5 km route and take part at their own pace. Gather your family, friends or teammates and join Rebound for a morning of movement in support of local youth. Registration is available at: rcvs.ca/k4k2026
By Tegan Sloley • September 8, 2026
Seniors and older adults in the Trent Hills community are invited to join local organizations and community partners for Trent Hills Seniors Day , an afternoon focused on information, education and resources to support independent living. Hosted by the Municipality of Trent Hills Fire Department and community partners, the event will feature presentations tailored to help seniors continue living independently and confidently in their own homes. Event Details When: Wednesday, October 7 Time: 12:30 p.m. Where: Sunny Life Recreation and Wellness Centre: 50 Seymour Quarry Road, Trent Hills What to Expect The afternoon will begin with a complimentary lunch , followed by presentations focused on topics and information that can help older adults stay safe, independent and connected in their homes and communities. Seniors Day is an opportunity to: Learn about resources and supports available in the community Get practical information to support independent living Connect with local organizations and service providers Ask questions and learn about ways to stay safe and well at home Events like this provide an opportunity for older adults, caregivers and community members to connect with local services and learn more about the supports available close to home.
See More News