First Case of COVID-19 BA 2.86 Variant Confirmed in Region

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) COVID-19 Risk Index moves to moderate risk due to increase in case rates, outbreaks, and wastewater signal. The Respiratory Risk Index remains at low risk for community members in our region.

“The increase in COVID-19 indicators is a clear sign that transmission of COVID-19 is increasing in our region,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “With students in schools and more people gathering indoors, there are more opportunities for close contact and we anticipate COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate in our community.”

Dr. Piggott adds “This week we received confirmation of our first COVID-19 case with the BA 2.86 variant in the region. Other reports of this variant do not indicate an increase in the severity of symptoms compared to other COVID-19 strains. However, this variant does show signs of high transmissibility. There are also early reports of this variant being able to escape the protection that previous COVID-19 vaccines provide. Fortunately, the new COVID-19 XBB vaccine shows promising results in protecting against this strain.” The team at PPH is working hard to plan for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the coming weeks to help protect residents in our community. More information on the availability of the COVID-19 and Influenza vaccines should be available shortly.

In the moderate risk level, we recommend wearing a well-fitted KN95/N95 style mask in high-risk indoor settings, gathering outdoors, or in spaces with proper ventilation. In general, all residents who feel unwell should stay home to prevent further spread of infection and practice respiratory etiquette. These protections are not only lifesaving for individuals at high risk of severe illness, but the overall health of our community.

Peterborough Public Health has also introduced a weekly alert system to help residents stay up-to-date with the COVID-19 and Respiratory Risk Index updates. Starting today, residents who sign up for the alerts will be able to receive the updated COVID-19 and Respiratory Risk Index to their email inbox weekly, which will be important information as we progress through the fall. To bookmark the Index or sign up for alerts, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.

The COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk index will be updated on the webpage today by 5 p.m.

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Audio Access for Media and Members of the Public Will be Available 

Media and the community are advised that the next Board of Health meeting will take place in-person on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Closed session will commence at 5:30 p.m. Open session is expected to start between 6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  

This meeting is open via teleconference line to the community and members of the media. The public can access live audio during the meeting via teleconference line. 

To access the board package and teleconference information, please visit: https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/about-us/meetings/. 

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Residents Reminded to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites following a positive horse case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in the Peterborough region, last week. This is the first equine case in our region and the sixth confirmed in Ontario this year.

EEEV is transmitted to horses through mosquito bites. Like West Nile Virus, EEEV can also be transmitted to humans through mosquitoes carrying the virus. It is important to note that humans cannot acquire the virus from horses or other humans, it is only the bite of an infected mosquito that can transmit the disease to humans. While human infection of EEEV is extremely rare, the symptoms can be severe and life threatening. The best way to prevent an infection of EEEV is to prevent mosquito bites.

Preventing Mosquito Bites:

• Wear long sleeved, light coloured clothing, or special clothing (e.g., clothing treated with permethrin) designed to protect you from bugs
• Use mesh screens and close routes of entry (e.g. windows, doors) to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
• Stay indoors during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
• Use insect repellent containing DEET or icardin
• Remove sources of stagnant/standing water from your property to prevent mosquito breeding

Learn more about EEEV and preventing mosquito bites at https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/your-health/insects-rodents-other-pests/eastern-equine-encephalitis-virus-eeev/

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Today Peterborough Public Health is issuing the second Heat Warning of the season. A heat event began on Monday and is expected to last until Thursday, September 7. Daytime temperatures could reach between 29 – 34  ?C on Tuesday and Wednesday with a humidex expected near forty on both days. Slightly cooler temperatures are expected overnight.

While extreme heat can put everyone at risk, health risks are greatest for people experiencing homelessness, older adults, infants and young children, those taking certain medications or with certain conditions such as respiratory, cardiac and psychiatric conditions, and outdoor workers. Peterborough Public Health encourages all stakeholders and service providers to advise at-risk clients of the heat warning and precautions they can take to prevent and manage heat-related illness. If you are taking medication or have a health condition, ask your healthcare provider if it increases your health risk in the heat and follow their recommendations.

Community Services:

One Roof Community Centre will extend its hours of service on Tuesday and Wednesday this week and will be open 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. One Roof Community Centre provides services on behalf of the City of Peterborough and is located at 99 Brock Street.  For full description of meals and other services that One Roof provides, please visit its website at www.oneroofptbo.ca.

Peterborough Public Health continues beach water testing at the two beaches located within the City of Peterborough. Results of beach testing are regularly updated at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.  The City of Peterborough has also extended the operating season for splash pads to September 11, 2023.

Outdoor water bottle filling stations are available at City facilities in the following locations:

• Quaker Foods City Square, 215 Charlotte St.
• Eastgate Park, 2150 Ashburnham Dr.
• Peterborough Marina, 92 George St. N.

Members of the public are also able to refill a water bottle inside the following City facilities during hours of operation:

• Peterborough Public Library, 345 Aylmer St.
• Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr.
• Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
• Kinsmen Civic Centre, 1 Kinsmen Way

Health Risks:

People suffer heat-related illnesses when their body temperature quickly rises, and they are unable to cool themselves. The risk of heat-related illness increases with the amount of time spent in the heat, the temperature and an individual’s sensitivity to heat. If you feel faint, find it hard to breathe, or feel confused and disoriented because of the heat, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department.

Heat illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat edema (swelling of hands, feet, and ankles), heat rash, and heat cramps. Watch for symptoms of heat illness, which may include:

• heavy sweating;
• muscle cramps and/or headache;
• weakness, dizziness, or fainting;
• nausea or vomiting;
• paleness, tiredness;
• rapid breathing and heartbeat;
• extreme thirst; or
• decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine.

If you experience any of these, you should immediately move to a cool place and drink water.

How to Protect Yourself During Hot Weather:

• Drink lots of water even if you don’t feel very thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and cola.
• Avoid going out in the direct sun or heat when possible. If you go outside, rest frequently in green spaces with lots of shade and plan to go out early in the morning or in the evening when it is cooler.
• Use an air conditioner if possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep shades or drapes drawn and blinds closed on the sunny side of your home, but keep windows slightly open.
• Wear loose fitting, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat.
• Keep lights off or turned down low.
• Take a cool bath or shower periodically or cool down with cold, wet towels.
• Avoid heavy meals and using your oven.
• Avoid intense or moderately intense physical activity.

Extreme heat is often accompanied by poor air quality.  Peterborough Public Health encourages you to monitor the Air Quality Health Index found as a link on the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation & Park’s website www.airqualityontario.com and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

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Peterborough Public Health (PPH) Reminds Residents to Regularly Check Risk Index

The risk for COVID-19 transmission has moved up to MODERATE after a summer of low risk in the Peterborough region. The current transmission risk of other respiratory viruses is LOW.

“We are seeing an increase in local COVID-19 indicators, including percent positivity of PCR tests and wastewater signal,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “A continued increase in respiratory virus activity is anticipated headed into the fall. We are asking the community, especially those who may be at an increased risk for severe symptoms, to review the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index weekly. The Risk Index is intended to provide residents with an understanding of their current risk for infection and guidance on staying safe this season.”

Dr. Piggott adds, “As new variants continue to emerge globally, like BA.2.86, it is important to remember that guidance for prevention of COVID-19 infections remain the same. PPH continues to monitor dominant strains of COVID-19 in the community and will keep the community updated if there are any emerging variants of concern.”

Donna Churipuy, Director of Health Protection explains, “The community can expect guidance on fall vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, to come shortly. Peak circulation of both COVID-19 and influenza is expected in the fall during respiratory virus season. Receiving both vaccinations will provide maximum protection against these viruses.”

To protect yourself against respiratory infections at the moderate risk level, we recommend wearing a well-fitted KN95/N95 style mask in high-risk indoor settings, gathering outdoors, or in spaces with proper ventilation. In general, all residents who feel unwell should stay home to prevent further spread of infection and practice respiratory etiquette. These protections are not only lifesaving for individuals at high risk of severe illness, but the overall health of our community.

Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) are available for self-serve pick-up at our Client Services Desk, located on the 3rd floor of our office at 185 King Street, while supplies last.

For flu and COVID-19 vaccine information, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/immunization-clinics/

The COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index is updated weekly on Wednesdays by 5:00 p.m. and can be found on our website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.

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Local partners call for more action to change course on the drug poisoning crisis  

Today, Peterborough Drug Strategy partners called for more action to address the opioid crisis.

Between January 1 and July 31, 2023, Peterborough paramedics responded to 182 suspected opioid-related 911 calls, and drugs were responsible for 232 emergency department visits. Sadly, already this year 43 people are suspected to have died as a result of drug poisonings.

The opioid crisis is an urgent issue, that is seen beyond the County and City of Peterborough. It is a nationwide crisis, a continent-wide crisis. It is complex, and more than one program or solution is needed to help prevent further harms. Sufficient resources need to be made available to implement robust prevention, harm reduction, and treatment in the continuum of care. While the community of Peterborough and the Peterborough Drug Strategy partners are making a positive impact through collaboration and action, all levels of government have a critical and urgent role to play in ending the drug poisoning crisis.

This call to action comes the week of International Overdose Awareness Day. Held annually on August 31, this day honours the lives lost to drug use, the family and friends grieving the loss of a loved one; workers in healthcare and support services extending strength and compassion; or spontaneous first responders who selflessly assume the role of lifesaver, and recognizes the importance of eliminating the stigma and discrimination against people who use drugs. In Peterborough, this event has held increased significance in recent years due to the devastating impact of overdose on individuals, families, and the community as a whole.

On August 31, Moms Stop the Harm Peterborough will host a memorial event at Millennium Park from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will feature stories from family members who have lost loved ones, as well as information about substance use, overdose prevention, and harm reduction training.?In the lead-up to August 31, community partners will be hosting flag raisings, and harm reduction and naloxone distribution pop-ups throughout the City of Peterborough. These pop-ups can be found at the following locations:

Flag Raising – Peterborough City Hall
Thursday, August 24, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m.

Peterborough Public Library
Friday, August 25, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Peterborough Square
Monday, August 28, 2023 @ 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Peterborough Public Health, 185 King Street
Wednesday, August 30 @ 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For more information about the data cited in this news release, please visit here.

Quotes:

“International Overdose Awareness Day is a day of reflection and remembrance. Each year we have the opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives to the drug-poisoning crisis. My heart goes out to those who have been impacted by the loss of loved ones, and those who have responded to the drug poisoning crisis. Each year we have the opportunity to reflect on our support systems and services and commit to building a better community to support people who use drugs and their loved ones. On August 31st, we will grieve those that we have lost, and renew our vow to demand better drug policies that are based in health equity and human rights.” – Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough Public Health.

“The ongoing drug poisoning crisis has ripped a hole through our community. Despite the impassioned, compassionate, and pragmatic response by those who love, support, and serve people who use drugs, these efforts have clearly demonstrated that they are not enough. The drug supply is toxic, unregulated, and unpredictable.? Social perception and criminalization of those who use drugs only further contributes to the lives lost every day. Overwhelming evidence supports the value of harm reduction, which includes access to safe spaces, decriminalization, and regulation of the drug supply. On this day, we demand an end to preventable death by updating outdated drug policies. We cannot afford to stand silently by.? The time to act is now. ?We remember those we have lost with heavy hearts, and we join together to shout for change.” – Carolyn King, Safer Supply Program Manager, Peterborough 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic

“FourCAST has been operating the CTS site for 14 months, our experience in those months gives us a unique perspective on the struggles of opiate addiction in our community. The need for more supports and strategies is apparent. Our staff see tragedy on a daily basis and understand that meaningful solutions must be comprehensive and compassionate.?For many people, International Overdose Awareness Day can be difficult. Please know you are not alone. Today, we mourn together.” –  Donna Rogers, Executive Director, FourCAST.

“We continue to see and hear from those directly impacted by drug poisoning and the mounting health and social harms due to this crisis in our community. The truth is that we are failing to meet the needs of the community in addressing this crisis and the factors that have helped us arrive here; lack of available affordable housing, inequitable access to mental health supports, and pervasive stigma that continue to put the lives of our community at risk. This is a complex issue that requires a spectrum of care opportunities and approaches to be properly addressed. It is so important that while addressing these harms those with lived and living experience are included in the conversation, at the table, and in executing any action plans. We need to work smarter and more collaboratively across all levels of government to ensure success. Change starts with you and me. We all have a role to play in ending this crisis in and for our community, and our community includes people who use drugs.” – Aizha Pollock, Manager of Harm Reduction Services, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network.

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Residents Urged to Carry Multiple Naloxone Kits 

Today, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is extending the alert issued on August 1, 2023, following an increase in suspected drug poisonings.  

Over the long weekend, PPH detected 17 suspected drug poisonings in Peterborough City/County. These were responded to by 911 first responders, emergency department staff, and service providers in the community. This is presumed to be the result of a pink substance that was reported by PPH last week. These reports have prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hope of preventing further harms to the community. PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal. 

A drug poisoning may look different from one person to the next depending on the drugs involved. A drug poisoning is a medical emergency. ALWAYS call 9-1-1.  

If you or a loved one uses drugs,  

• Carry multiple naloxone kits and keep them visible. Free naloxone kits are available locally.  https://www.ontario.ca/page/where-get-free-naloxone-kit
• NEVER use alone. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services Site at 220 Simcoe Street in Peterborough. Open daily between 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 
• Avoid mixing drugs. 
• Start low and go slow when using drugs, especially when buying from different or new suppliers.   
• NEVER share supplies. 
• Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone begins to show signs of an overdose. 

Know the Signs of an Overdose/Drug Poisoning

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports PPH and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.  

For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids”.  

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Two area beaches will remain closed pending further testing  

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is notifying residents and visitors that Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches will remain closed to protect the health and safety of the public and pets.   

On July 14, The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) sampled the beach at Rogers Cove after reports of suspect blue-green algae at both Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches. On Friday July 21, the MECP confirmed the presence of a harmful blue-green algae bloom at Rogers Cove. Today, the MECP confirmed this sample had a total microcystin toxin amount of 169 µg/L, exceeding Health Canada’s recreational water limit of 10 µg/L. The MECP will collect additional samples from both beaches today, with results anticipated by the end of this week. 

Although there is no immediate risk to Peterborough or Lakefield’s municipal drinking water supplies, exposure to toxins through activities like drinking, swimming and bathing can cause illness and discomfort. Common symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes and skin, rash, headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Pets and farm animals that consume contaminated water may experience sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption of water containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.  

Residents downstream of Little Lake are encouraged to monitor water for the presence of blue-green algae. Dense blue-green algae blooms can make the water look like a bluish-green pea soup, or a shiny paint slick. Fresh blue-green algae blooms often smell like fresh cut grass, while older blooms can have a strong septic- or garbage-like odour. To report a suspect blue-green algae bloom, residents should contact the MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.  

If algae blooms are visible:  

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming use. 
• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in or drink the water. 
• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae. 
• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water. 
• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking. 
• Fishing is generally considered safe and there is low risk to human health from eating fish caught during a peak blue-green algal bloom condition. 
• Be aware that home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged. 
• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach.  This action may break open algal cells and release toxins into the water. 

For more information on blue-green algae, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/blue-green-algae/. For further updates about the status of all beaches in the region, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/beaches. 

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Audio Clips:

20230724 Julie Ingram, Environmental Health Manager (blue-green algae) Audio 1
“We’ve received confirmation that the algae observed at local beaches on July 14 is a harmful blue-green algae bloom. Elevated levels of toxins associated with blue-green algae have been detected and the beaches will remain temporarily closed.”

20230724 Julie Ingram, Environmental Health Manager (blue-green algae) Audio 2
“More samples will be collected and sent for analysis today. It is important to get the beaches reopened as soon as it’s safe to do so, especially with the hot weather that is in the forecast.”

20230724 Julie Ingram, Environmental Health Program (Blue-green algae) Audio 3
“Anyone downstream of Little Lake should keep an eye on surface water and report any suspect blue-green algae blooms to the MECP Spills Action Centre. If you see algae, be cautious when it comes to using the water for recreational purposes and consider using an alternate source of water for drinking and cooking unless the bloom has been confirmed to not contain toxins.” 

New Board of Health Member

Scott Baker was introduced as a new provincial appointee to the Board of Health. Baker will serve a 3-year term and is expected to begin attending Board of Health meetings in October 2023.

Hiawatha First Nation Health & Social Services Update 

Sydney Bertrand, Manager of Health and Social Services with Hiawatha First Nation (HFN) delivered an overview of HFN’s Health & Social Services programs, which provide comprehensive and holistic health and social services to HFN citizens to support positive physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Bertrand reviewed HFN’s efforts to build capacity for a proactive, upstream approach to wellbeing, and the emphasis placed on collaboration to achieve holistic health for HFN citizens. Program delivery is driven by an interdisciplinary staff team who collectively provide a range of services and supports, from health care, advocacy, and outreach to assistance with basic needs, physical health initiatives, and home and community care. Bertrand concluded by noting current efforts to balance a growing need for support with an overarching goal of aligning services to promote a holistic approach to health, both on and off reserve. 

Stewardship Committee Report: 2022 Draft Audited Financial Statements 

Mayor Matthew Graham discussed the most recent meeting of the Stewardship Committee and their review of the Audited Financial Statements for the 2022 budget year.  Graham relayed that there were no significant issues with the statements and that the results indicated that the 2022 budget was managed effectively and in accordance with the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards.  

Oral Report: Association of Local Public Health Agencies 2023 Annual General Meeting & Conference 

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health, provided an oral report on the proceedings of the Association of Local Public Health Agencies 2023 Annual General Meeting and conference in Toronto. It was the first in-person event in 4 years. The conference program included presentations on the health of the public health sector, including a recent Ontario-wide survey of the public health workforce indicating that staff are experiencing significant burnout. This study found high rates of burnout and experiences of threats, violence or assault during the pandemic. To address these challenges, the importance of caring for the public health workforce through increased access to flexible work arrangements, ensuring access to PPE, and pursuing measures to support personal safety were emphasized. A subsequent presentation from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, reviewed learnings from the pandemic, including the relative success of Ontario’s response, as indicated by high levels of vaccine uptake and the balance that was established between protecting public health while preserving individual choice. Dr. Piggott concluded by summarizing advocacy within the sector to address the need for safe inhalation services in response to the drug poisoning crisis, ongoing challenges related to housing and homelessness, the financial instability affecting delivery of public health services, and the need to build capacity to respond to future threats to public health.  

Peterborough Public Health Celebrates Success in Commercial Tobacco Control on World No Tobacco Day

May 31 is World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). This year, Peterborough Public Health (PPH)is celebrating the achievements made in commercial tobacco control with a reminder of smoke free spaces.

PPH is reminding athletes and spectators that sports fields are 100% vape, cannabis, and smoke-free. The same is true for beaches, playgrounds, and splashpads – places where children and families often gather.

In the first three months of 2023 youth vaping, and youth access to vaping and tobacco products was the biggest issue PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers responded to. Approximately 45 youth access inspections were conducted from January to March of 2023, resulting in 3 charges for sales of vape or tobacco products to youth. An additional 7 charges and 9 warnings have been issued related to youth smoking or vaping at prohibited locations.

“Given that there are no safe levels of exposure to secondhand smoke, and children and youth are influenced by the behavior of adults around them, we are encouraging people to think twice about where they smoke or vape,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “The Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA) is designed to protect everyone from these products, and failure to comply with the law can result in a $305 fine.”

When the SFOA first came into force in 2006, cigarettes were the only products captured in the Act. Since then, we have seen the legalization of cannabis, and proliferation of vapour products. For those reasons, the SFOA has been updated to include these products that are smoked, lit, or vaped.

“Nicotine greatly impacts children and youth’s developing brains,” said Dr. Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Nicotine affects learning, memory, and concentration and some e-liquids used in vapour products contain as much nicotine as in one pack of cigarettes. Evidence also shows that youth who vape are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes.”

“Peterborough City and County is home to magnificent parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports fields – visited by thousands of people every year. Ensuring these places are smoke and vape-free is a priority for PPH,” said Dr. Piggott.

For more information and resources, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa/

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