Two more positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Renfrew and area, nine new cases there this week

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There are two more confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the Renfrew area for a total of nine cases there in a week.

There are currently 13 active cases in Renfrew County and district, with all of the individuals self-isolating, according to the Oct. 16 case summary posted on the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) website. Of the 72 total cases, 58 are considered resolved with one death attributed to the coronavirus early on in the pandemic.

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Two more positive confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Renfrew and area, nine new cases there this week Back to video

In the Oct. 16 reporting, there is a discrepancy between the local health unit numbers and those being reported by Public Health Ontario. The provincial numbers show 75 cases in Renfrew County and district (12 active cases, 62 resolved cases and one death).

In an email earlier this month, the RCDHU communications team indicated this has been a common scenario across Ontario and while there may be short-term discrepancies for the most part, RCDHU and Public Health Ontario numbers should be the same.

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“Sometimes, individuals with a positive case of COVID-19 are assigned to a geographical location based on where they were tested,” the health unit explained. “Upon further investigation, RCDHU reviews demographic information. If it is determined that the client currently does not live in Renfrew County and district, then RCDHU refers it to the appropriate health unit. Therefore, they are removed from RCDHU’s case counts and added to the appropriate health unit case counts.”

According to the RCDHU, there have been now been 31 cases in Renfrew and area, more than double the cases in Pembroke and area (which includes Cobden and Eganville) and Arnprior and area which have had 14 cases each. There have been 10 cases in Petawawa, two in Deep River and area and one in Barry’s Bay and area.

There have been 46 community cases, 17 among health- care workers, including 12 employed outside of Renfrew County and district, seven school cases (four staff and three students) and two residents of long-term care/retirement homes.

As of Oct. 16, there had been 31,050 tests completed including community clinics, long-term care/retirement residences and congregate living settings. There are not currently any declared outbreaks at any schools or long-term care/retirement homes within Renfrew County and district.

RCDHU has responded to 15,352 COVID-19-related inquiries from residents and community partners since March 18.

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The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service and Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RCVTAC) have released an updated schedule for COVID-19 clinics for two days next week. To book a test you must call the RCVTAC at 1-844-727-6404 to schedule a testing time as no walk-ups are permitted at this time. When attending the clinics you must wear a mask or face covering, arrive at your scheduled time and bring your health card and proof of address. For more information visit the www.rcvtac.ca or https://www.rcdhu.com/novel-coronaviruscovid-19-2/ or call 613-735-8654.

TPeplinskie@postmedia.com