Durham
Durham
January 14, 2022
๐ŸŽ’ In-person learning starts January 17 ๐ŸŽ’
Access the latest Durham Region news at durham.ca/Newsroom
A message from Dr. Kyle on students returning to in-person learning January 17
On January 17, students are returning to in-person learning, which supports mental health and well-being, physical health, developmental health and learning for children and youth. Please ensure to review information and instructions from schools and school boards about student screening, isolation requirements and masking. Information is available on the Schools Reopening Toolkit site at durham.ca/SchoolsReopening.

To ensure safety of our school communities, please monitor your children daily for symptoms of COVID-19 and complete the screening tool provided to you. Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, it is important that students wear high quality masks that fit well and completely cover the nose, mouth, and chin. A three-layered mask with woven cloth inside and outside and a non-woven, fibrous layer in between is advised. Please visit durham.ca for more information about masks.

Vaccine appointments are available for children five to 11 years old at Health Department immunization clinics. Visit durham.ca/VaccineAppointment or call 1-888-444-5113 to book an appointment for your child. Children can also receive vaccines through select pharmacies and health care providers administering vaccines to individuals five years of age and older. Visit durham.ca/CovidVaccines for more information.

School staff are encouraged to get their booster dose as soon as possible. School and child care staff can also access appointments at provincial clinics operated through FH Health at fhvax.com/book-edu.

As public health experts, scientists and government officials learn more about the Omicron variant, guidance and instructions continue to evolve. Residents are encouraged to remain informed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and support a safe return to school for children, youth and school staff. Please visit durham.ca often and refer to the COVID-19 Case and Contact Information Hub at durham.ca/CovidInfoHub which provides information on what to do if you have symptoms, test positive, are a contact of someone who has tested positive, or when you are unsure if you should be tested. Read Dr. Kyleโ€™s full statement for more information. 
Public Information Centre for additional sanitary sewage treatment plant capacity for Newcastle
Durham Region is holding a virtual Public Information Centre (PIC) to provide an update on the amendment to the Newcastle Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Class Environmental Assessment (EA). Public consultation is required on the proposed solutions to provide additional sanitary sewage treatment plant capacity at the Newcastle WPCP.
 
The PIC has been planned to obtain feedback on the recommendations to increase sanitary sewage treatment plant capacity at the Newcastle WPCP. The virtual PIC is happening from January 11 to February 11, and is available online at durham.ca/NewcastleWPCP.
Falls prevention workshop for seniors on January 17
Seniors in Durham Region are invited to attend an upcoming free workshop about falls prevention. Learn how to reduce your risks of falling, so you can remain independent and healthy longer.  
 
This is a virtual event happening on Monday, January 17 from 2 to 3 p.m. Register online at durham.ca/LearningSeries.
 
This session, led by Community Care Durham (CCD), will start with an informational session about falls, risk and prevention. Following this, participants will be led through a falls prevention class, educating participants on how to avoid falls and learn about CCDโ€™s falls prevention programming.
Join us February 1 for a celebration of Black achievements in Durham
Youโ€™re invited to attend Durham Regionโ€™s Black History Month Celebration! The โ€œTogether We Rise Durhamโ€ Black History Month Committee is hosting a live panel discussion that will celebrate Black achievements and focus on local health-care heroes.

The celebration of Black achievements, community and allies will be streamed online on February 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more details: Black History Month Celebration.
Durham Region welcomes new hospital announcement
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, released a statement on bringing a new hospital to our community.

โ€œToday is a historic day in Durham Region, as Lakeridge Health announced the preferred location for a proposed future hospital. This decision moves our collective communities one step closer to a new hospital for Durham Region.โ€ Read the full statement for details.
If you require this newsletter in an accessible format, please contact Newsletters@durham.ca