When word broke of a possible world wide outbreak of a coronavirus, the people at the North Shore Family Health Team in Schreiber, Ontario decided that they would have to get a message out to the residents of the community. 

Cathy Cook, the Administrative Assistant at the North Shore Family Health Team, contacted the Schreiber Media Centre to facilitate the production of a short video highlighting the ways in which people could safeguard themselves during this pandemic. Just a few days earlier SMC had broken the news from Schreiber's CAO of closures to some of the municipal facilities, including the library where our office is situated, due to this outbreak.

Local Nurse Practitioner, Susan Fairservice, had just returned from a trip abroad and was in self isolation. She recorded a short message of support and forwarded it to the SMC. Chelsea Cole, the RPN from the NSFH team, did a presentation on social distancing and provided some tips on how to prevent the spread of the virus. She had a special message for seniors who might be particularly vulnerable. At first a bit nervous, she rose to the challenge and presented some valuable information for the residents of Schreiber.

In remote areas it is critical that news and information be made available and Schreiber Media Centre is proud to have been a part of that process. At times like this it is important to recognize the role of media in rural areas and our contribution in keeping communities informed and safe.