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With Delta Variant Circulating, Following Public Health Measures Key to Preventing Fourth Wave

Despite moving into Step 2 of the provincial reopening plan, Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that continuing to follow public health measures is critical as evidence confirms there are more Delta variant cases in the community.

“Currently, over half of our active COVID-19 cases are infected with the Delta variant,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “While our vaccination rates are strong for first dose, I am still concerned that our community is not as protected as it needs to be in order to prevent a fourth wave since two doses are needed against the Delta variant.”

While Step 2 of Ontario’s Reopening Plan takes effect at 12:01 a.m. June 30, Dr. Salvaterra noted that not all regions in the province are entering it due to the spread of the Delta variant. “We need to remain vigilant and proactive as the province embarks on re-opening while trying to speed up the access to second doses of the COVID vaccines at the same time.”

Peterborough Public Health noted highlights of Step 2 measures include the following changes:

  • Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people,
  • Indoor gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people,
  • Personal care services can operate where face coverings can be worn at all times, at 25 percent capacity,
  • Outdoor dining with up to six people per table, with exceptions for larger households,
  • Indoor religious services permitted at up to 25 percent capacity of the particular room,
  • Outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of physical distance,
  • Overnight camps for children are permitted to operate under mandated health and safety guidelines.

To prevent a fourth wave however, Peterborough Public Health reminds local residents that the following measures and recommendations have not changed:

  • It is strongly recommended that only households or fully immunized residents sit together when dining.
  • Indoor use of facilities for weddings, parties, and other social events is still prohibited. Outdoor use of facilities is permitted for weddings, parties, and other social events at 25% capacity.
  • The Letter of Instruction issued to workplaces remains in effect requiring that employees must wear PPE (medical/surgical mask along with eye protection) when providing service or working within 2 metres of others (where no physical barrier exists). This applies whether staff are indoors or outdoors. A cloth mask is not considered PPE.
  • Screen everyday before leaving your home for any reason, and stay home if you feel ill.
  • Get tested, even if experiencing minor COVID-19 symptoms.

Seasonal residents are strongly advised to limit indoor guests to household members or fully immunized guests only. The 14-day self-isolation period recommended for those relocating to secondary properties in the Peterborough Public Health area is still recommended for those who are not fully immunized. Anyone living in Peterborough at this time is encouraged to get a second dose at one of our clinics as soon as possible.

“We must continue to navigate this second step of reopening very carefully, as the intention of the provincial reopening plan was to proceed gradually. That is why these instructions to workplaces and recommendations to the public remain in effect to help to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 by a worker and multiple households, in the event that there is an exposure,” said Dr. Salvaterra. “The intent is to protect the community and help keep businesses and organizations open for good.”

Peterborough Public Health has updated its website with the new provincial and local guidance for Step 2 at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

 

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

Walk-ins Welcome for First Doses Only Starting July 1 at Evinrude

Starting today, all local residents who are 18 years of age or older are eligible to book a second dose appointment ahead of schedule.

“For the best protection against COVID-19 and the Delta variant, it is very important that residents receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Other regions of the world with lower rates of fully immunized residents are experiencing increasing case counts because the Delta variant is much more transmissible, and more likely to lead to serious illness in those who are unvaccinated or who only have one dose.”

Dr. Salvaterra added that opening up second dose appointments to everyone over the age of 18 will provide Peterborough-area residents with the opportunity to seek their second dose of COVID-19 as soon as 28 days after their first. It takes an additional two to four weeks for full immunity to develop. She also reminded residents over 18 years that mixing mRNA vaccines is safe and effective.

To help residents get vaccinated as quickly as possible, Peterborough Public Health has opened up more appointments this week as vaccine supplies are strong. In addition, Peterborough Public Health is offering walk-in appointments for first doses only at the Evinrude Centre starting July 1. Residents of Peterborough City, County, Curve Lake First Nation, and Hiawatha First Nation who require a first dose can attend any vaccine clinic at the Evinrude Centre between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. without booking online in advance. Please bring an Ontario health card and proof of residence in the Peterborough region.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391

Updated Requirements Take Effect Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m.

Peterborough Public Health has amended its earlier Section 22 Class Order for Self-Isolation to align with provincial guidance and to protect local residents.

“I am issuing an amended Section 22 Class Order applicable to all people living or staying within the City and County of Peterborough,” said Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health.  “This Order is an essential tool for our COVID-19 response, and facilitates timely and thorough case and contact investigation and management, which ultimately helps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

The Class Order requires certain individuals to self-isolate to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.  These individuals may be confirmed or probable cases, close contacts of cases, or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.  The amended order takes affect Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and includes clarification that Peterborough Public Health may require people to self-isolate to prevent COVID-19 transmission for reasons outside of those listed above.  Other key amendments to the Order include:

  • Requiring individuals to disclose requested information to Peterborough Public Health investigators to facilitate case and contact management, which may include the names and contact information for close contacts during an individual’s period of communicability, and
  • Potential exemptions for self-isolation, applicable to individuals who are fully vaccinated. An individual is considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after their second dose of a two dose COVID-19 vaccine series, or their first dose of a one-dose vaccine series.

“The inclusions for the disclosure of information will help to ensure that thorough investigations can be conducted,” said Julie Ingram, Manager Environmental Health. “Overall, I can say that cases and contacts are typically extremely cooperative, but there are some situations where information is withheld, which has the potential to cause higher-risk situations for transmission within the community.” Failure to comply with the Class Order may result in an individual being charged a set fine of $750.00, or up to $5,000 for each day that the offence occurs, on conviction. To date, one charge has been laid by Peterborough Public Health for and individual failing to comply with the Section 22 Class Order regarding COVID-19 and self-isolation.

A fully vaccinated individual who is a close contact of a case may potentially be exempt from self-isolation if:

  • They received their second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or first dose of a single-dose vaccine series at least 14 days before exposure.
  • Their vaccine history can be confirmed by Peterborough Public Health
  • They are not a resident of a long-term care or retirement home, a patient admitted to a health care setting, or an individual with an immunocompromising condition.

Unfortunately, the Peterborough Public Health region has experienced deaths among residents who had started their COVID-19 vaccine series. Following public health measures will continue to be the best way to protect yourself, loved ones, and the community, particularly against the spread of the COVID-19 variants of Concern.  Public health measures to continue following include:

  • Get fully vaccinated, with both doses of the vaccine.
  • Limit close contacts to household contacts only.
  • Maintain 2-metres (or 3-metres as required for specific activities) of physical distance from people outside of your household.
  • Wear a mask or face covering when physical distance of 2-metres cannot be maintained.
  • Limit social gatherings to outdoor spaces and practice physical distancing.
  • Practice good hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Get tested if you experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

To learn more, please read the revised Section 22 Class Order available at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca under the section “COVID-19” and subsection “Public Health Orders.  To learn more about COVID-19 and vaccines in Peterborough City and County visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence, Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

 

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Safely Interchangeable for Adults 18+

Supply Changes Means Second mRNA Dose Could Be Different from First Dose

 Pop-Up First-Dose Clinic for Youth Aged 12-17 on Saturday, June 26

Peterborough Public Health is advising local residents, that with the exception of our youth 12-17 years of age, anyone who books a first dose or second dose of an mRNA will be guaranteed an mRNA vaccine, which could be either Moderna or Pfizer. Based on the interchangeability of the vaccines and our current vaccine supply, we cannot guarantee a specific mRNA vaccine. This will impact our mass vaccination clinics beginning this week.

“Locally, our shipment of Pfizer has been delayed and as such we are closely monitoring our supply and will be providing Moderna as the primary vaccine at upcoming clinics. We are no longer in a position to match first and second doses,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “The good news is that it is safe to mix mRNA vaccines, and with this greater flexibility, this will help us provide second doses more quickly.”

On June 20, Peterborough Public Health opened up 17,500 new vaccination appointments, and as of the morning of June 22, there were still 10,000 appointments available for local clinics.

Dr. Salvaterra noted that with the ability to adjust mRNA vaccines for adult clinics, it also means Pfizer doses can be reserved for youth aged 12-17, as this is the only vaccine currently approved for this age group. PPH is holding a pop-up vaccination clinic for first doses only for local youth aged 12-17 and their families on Saturday, June 26 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Evinrude Centre, located at 911 Monaghan Road, Peterborough. This clinic is open only for residents of Peterborough City, County of Peterborough and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations. No appointment is required, but Ontario health cards must be presented to receive a vaccination.

As of June 21, anyone who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 9 to book for their second dose of an mRNA vaccine at mass vaccination clinics, pharmacies and primary care providers. During the week of June 28 (exact date TBD), the province will open up second doses to all residents 18 years of age and older who have received a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. To be eligible, second dose appointments must be booked at least 28 days after your first dose appointment. Residents who are booking a first dose appointment will be able to book a first and second dose at a 28-day interval.

Residents are reminded that protection from the vaccine takes 14 days from the time of vaccination. Despite the vaccine rollout, please continue to practice public health measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community:

  • Maintain a 2 metre distance from others.
  • Limit your contacts to your household only.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Use a medical or non-medical mask (e.g., cloth) in public settings.
  • Cover mouth & nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Stay home and do not go to work or school if you are sick.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine booking and eligibility, please visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccine-info/. For comprehensive information about COVID-19 vaccines including facts, myths, FAQs, vaccination statistics, and more, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

 

Residents Who Received AstraZeneca as a First Dose Can Choose an mRNA or AstraZeneca Vaccine For Their Second Dose

People who received two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine can rest assured that the vaccine provides good protection against infection, and very good protection against severe disease and hospitalization.

“For everyone, receiving the second vaccine dose is essential to provide better and longer-term protection against COVID-19 for individuals and for the entire community,” said Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “Data from the UK suggests that a second dose is even more important in preventing infection from the now-circulating Delta variant.”

Yesterday, the province announced the updated plan for vaccine eligibility for an accelerated second dose. The plan is as follows:

  • Starting June 21 at 8:00 a.m., residents who have received a first dose of a messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine before May 9 are eligible to book their second dose appointment for an appointment that is at least 28 days after their first dose appointment.
  • Starting the week of June 28 (exact date and time to be determined), all residents 18 years of age and older who have received a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are eligible to book their second dose appointment for an appointment that is at least 28 days after their first dose appointment. Residents who are booking a first dose appointment will be able to book a first and second dose at a 28-day interval.
  • As of now, residents who received the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as the first dose are eligible to receive a second dose as early as 8 weeks after the first dose appointment.

In an effort to deliver second dose vaccines to residents as quickly as possible, Peterborough Public Health will be offering both mRNA vaccines, Pfizer or Moderna, at mass immunization clinics. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) continues to closely monitor the evolving evidence on COVID-19 vaccines, and updated its recommendations yesterday to emphasize the interchangeability of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Either one of these authorized mRNA vaccines can be used for either the first or second dose, depending on local availability.

“For many, this will mean your second dose vaccine may be a different brand from the first dose,” said Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “In routine immunization, it is common for brands of vaccines to be used interchangeably to complete a vaccine series. It is safe to do and will provide the same protection as receiving a second dose of the same brand.”

People who received a first dose of AstraZeneca are eligible to receive a second dose between 8 to 12 weeks after their first dose. They can choose whether to receive a second dose of AstraZeneca or to switch to a mRNA vaccine. NACI has recommended that a second dose with a mRNA vaccine may provide a “potentially better immune response” based on research where the blood of recipients was examined to quantify the types and quantity of immune cells. However, there is no clinical evidence yet to indicate that immunity is better or longer lasting. For this reason, individuals will be offered both vaccines, AstraZeneca and Moderna, and will be asked to make an informed decision.

That means that patients with their second AstraZeneca dose appointment already booked at the Primary Care Evening Vaccination clinic between June 15 and June 30 will be contacted by email to advise them that clinics will have both vaccines on hand. There will be sufficient vaccine at the clinic to accommodate either choice. Patients will be provided access to a health care provider to assist with making the best choice for them.

Starting July 5, Peterborough’s primary care providers will be holding Moderna-only clinics for AstraZeneca patients who have already decided to switch to an mRNA vaccine for their second dose.

While it is important to receive the vaccine as soon as you are able to, Peterborough Public Health is asking residents to be patient when booking a vaccine appointment. Vaccine supply and clinic capacity is limited while the demand for the vaccine is still very high. Residents are encouraged to check local pharmacies for appointments. Residents can also keep up to date with appointments opening at Mass Immunization Clinics in Peterborough by following @ptbohealth on social media.

For more information about booking a second dose appointment, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/seconddose or call the provincial vaccine inquiry line at 1-888-999-6488.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

High-Risk Contacts Asked to Get Tested and Self-Isolate

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is advising members of the public who attended Pine Crest Golf Club from June 11-13 and who meet the criteria of a high-risk exposure to get tested for COVID-19 following confirmation of a positive staff case.

Pine Crest Golf Club is located in the Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan at 2455 Base Line, Peterborough, ON.

To be considered a high-risk exposure, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Attended Pine Crest Golf Club from June 11-13
  • Did not wear a mask
  • Conducted a transaction with the mobile beverage cart operator (e.g. purchased an item, gave a tip, or conversed with the cart operator, etc.)
  • Were not fully immunized. (To be fully immunized, you must have received your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on May 28 or earlier.)

Individual who meet ALL of the above criteria are recommended to self-isolate immediately, arrange for COVID-19 testing as soon as possible, and monitor for symptoms. Testing appointments can be booked online here or visit https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/ for testing options in Peterborough.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include: 

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough or shortness of breath
  • Muscle aches, joint pain and tiredness
  • Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
  • Sore throat or difficulty swallowing
  • Headache
  • Runny nose or stuffy (congested) nose
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea)
  • Pink eye
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Falling down often (for older people)

Based on its case investigation, Peterborough Public Health is considering this situation to be a low-risk exposure for most people who attended Pine Crest Golf Club from June 11-13 and has already contacted members and staff with instructions. However, in the absence of contact information for members of the public who may have attended those days, Peterborough Public Health is issuing this public notification, as a high-risk exposure with the potential for transmission cannot be ruled out.

Those with personal health questions are asked to follow up with their healthcare provider. Information about self-isolation, COVID-19 testing and workplace safety can find this at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. As Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 hotline is still closed, those with questions can email to covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

 

Residents & Visitors Asked to Follow all Public Health Measures

Peterborough Public Health, Peterborough County OPP, Peterborough Police Service and all 10 local municipalities are coming together to issue a joint statement encouraging residents and visitors to follow public health measures and make responsible choices when attending local beaches. This will help to ensure these beautiful spaces remain open for enjoyment.

Over the last two weeks, enforcement agencies in the city and county of Peterborough have received an increase in the number of complaints and concerns from the public regarding gatherings at public recreational areas, including local beaches.

“While it is exciting that Ontario is once again reopening, all residents and visitors are reminded that this is intended to be a gradual and safe reopening – public health measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 must still be followed,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “If you arrive at the beach and it is crowded, be a responsible citizen and consider returning at another time. Physical distancing is still required as we progress through the steps of reopening.”

Ms. Ingram noted that there are 21 beaches across the region that are currently open to the public. “If the parking lot is full when you arrive, the beach is at capacity. You are urged to leave and consider attending another location – all local beaches are listed on the PPH website along with their water quality status.”

“Peterborough County OPP actively patrols local beaches, parks and neighbouring areas. The safety of our community members and visitors remains a top priority and the OPP encourages everyone to follow emergency measures and health recommendations,” said Staff Sergeant Chris Galeazza. “Officers continue to respond to complaints and concerns from the public. You can make a report by calling 1-888-310-1122 or 9-1-1 in emergency. Please stay safe.”

“In collaboration with our community partners with regard to keeping our beaches safe and open, we encourage residents and visitors to follow provincial guidelines and health measures,” added Inspector John Lyons, Peterborough Police Service.

In addition to avoiding crowded places and maintaining physical distancing, residents and visitors are reminded to take further actions to be safe when attending beaches and local recreational areas:

  • Do not go out if you are sick or unwell. Always conduct a COVID-19 self-assessment before leaving your home.
  • Follow all parking restrictions in the area.  If the parking lot is full when you arrive, the beach is at capacity. Do NOT park on the roadway.
  • Always keep 2 metres of physical distance from anyone who you don’t live with.
  • Pack your hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and bug spray.
  • Be aware that the Smoke-Free Ontario Act and municipal smoking by-laws restrict smoking and vaping at area beaches, parks, playgrounds and sports fields. Any person who sees people smoking, vaping, or using cannabis at beaches and within park boundaries may report a violation by phoning the PPH Tobacco Enforcement Officers at (705) 743-1000 or reporting the offence online at peterboroughpublichealth.ca/sfoa.

 

Peterborough Public Health has begun surveillance and beach water sampling for this year’s swimming season. Beaches open to the public across the region will be regularly tested to ensure water quality conditions are safe for recreational use.

The routine inspection program for all public beaches started early June and will run until at least the end August. City beaches at Rogers Cove and Beavermead Park are sampled Monday through Friday.  Public beaches in the county are sampled at least once a week, except for Chandos Beach, Quarry Bay Beach, White’s Beach, Belmont Lake Beach and Kasshabog Lake Beach which are sampled at least once in June, July and August.

For a complete list and an interactive map of all the beaches that will be tested for the 2021 summer months, as well as the sampling status, please visit the Beach Testing page on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to follow Peterborough Public Health on Twitter @Ptbohealth for beach updates throughout the summer.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

Board of Health Honours Student Nutrition Program Champion Mary Cozzarini

The Board of Health recognized Principal Mary Cozzarini from the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) for her 29 year-long commitment to local student nutrition programs. Ms. Cozzarini started organizing student breakfast programs at her school in 1992, based on the idea of feeding hungry children before the start of the school day. In 1996, she was instrumental in the first Breakfast for Learning Grant that brought our community together with a shared vision that eventually became the Food For Kids program. The immediate years following saw the growth of a network of more schools, volunteers, funders, and organizations. Ms. Cozzarini’s passion and advocacy skills helped secure annual funding from the school board to support school student nutrition programs and create board-wide school nutrition policies, which together led to student nutrition being included as a valued part of each school day. Today, the Food for Kids partnership includes 51 of the 53 local publicly-funded schools, and last year served almost 1.5 million meals to 19,313 students.

2020 Consolidated Audited Financial Statements

The 2020 consolidated financial statements for Peterborough Public Health were audited by Baker Tilly KDN LLP in accordance with the Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. The audit concluded that the 2020 financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Peterborough Public Health in accordance with the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards.

COVID-19 Update

Dr. Salvaterra shared the latest local data from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the community is in a much better situation than it was last month. The numbers of new cases reported daily have dropped to single digits for the past two weeks. The arrival of the Delta variant in Ontario is impacting the provincial vaccine rollout plan as one dose is not protective enough. The Ontario Science Table has used modelling data to recommend that the province strive to achieve 25% two dose vaccination rates by the end of June, with 45% two dose coverage in Delta hotspots. As of June 9, a total of 72.2% of local residents 18 years and over and 29.2% of youth aged 12-17 years have received their first dose.

PPH has recruited 301 additional staff and volunteers to support vaccine rollout locally, and volunteers have contributed more than 5,000 hours towards the vaccination effort so far. On June 11, the province enters the first step the Reopening Plan. Instructions were issued to businesses with public health measures required to protect workers and the public.

Board of Health Chair Report

Board of Health chair Mayor Andy Mitchell thanked Peterborough Public Health (PPH) staff for their hard work and continuous efforts addressing the Herculean task of managing the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in our community. He noted that things had dramatically changed since mid-February when businesses were starting to reopen to now with the April stay at home order and school closures across the province. Our community has not been spared the effects of the third wave: in the first 13 days of April, we have seen 13% of all total cases of the pandemic to date. When this emergency is over, there will be significant load on the board to address items that have been set aside in order to focus on the pandemic.

COVID-19 Update

Dr. Salvaterra reported that the exceptional number of cases and high-risk contacts presently indicates that this third wave is going to be our worst. In April, PPH has seen its highest single-day case count and highest weekly case count since the beginning of the pandemic. The community is also experiencing the most outbreaks to date, fortunately fewer have been in seniors congregate living settings in comparison to last year. There are large numbers of high- and low-risk contacts linked to school cohorts. All PPH staff are fully deployed. PPH is experiencing now what we thought would happen last spring. For the week of April 4-10, the local case incidence rate is 53 cases per 100,000, the reproductive rate is over 1, and test positivity rate is 2.3%. Wastewater surveillance is now part of our surveillance efforts to help us predict in a non-invasive and equitable way how the outbreak is unfolding by detecting the virus in wastewater samples. PPH is targeting certain locations such as Trent University and three retirement homes. It has never been more dangerous for people to go outside their homes. The number of cases where there is no known epidemiological link (i.e. not exposed from a high-risk contact) have doubled over the past week.

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

Peterborough’s vaccination plan follows the same framework as the Ontario plan. Phase 1 is not completed yet as the second dose interval has been extended. All residents in long-term care homes, retirement homes and other seniors’ congregate settings have been offered vaccinations. Close to 9,000 healthcare workers have received their first dose including staff in long-term care and retirement homes. Second-dose clinics were completed in Curve Lake First Nation; second-dose clinics in Hiawatha First Nation will be done before the end of April. PPH staff are waiting for lists from the Central East LHIN of chronic home care recipients that require in-home vaccination. Those who are mobile are booked into the Peterborough Regional Health Centre clinic, and those who remain housebound will be vaccinated by PPH mobile teams.

Phase 2 was supposed to start when vaccines began to flow in more abundance, but we have not experienced this yet.  PPH is 12,000 doses short this month in order to complete 60+ adults by April 30. AstraZeneca supplies are going out through pharmacies and primary care providers. Those with highest-risk health conditions are starting to receive vaccine, and PPH is planning a clinic in the new Brock Mission for the homeless population. Earlier this week the province extended eligibility for special education teachers. Some of these teachers are booking into May, and others are on the list of “last call” doses at the end of a clinic should vaccine be available to avoid wastage. Clinics have taken place in the County in Norwood, Apsley and Buckhorn. PPH has administered more than 42,600 doses to date, this includes doses given to those who live in other regions. Nearly 39,000 local residents have received their first dose, and 2,400 have received both first and second dose. Approximately one-third of the total eligible population has been vaccinated in our region with at least one dose. The Evinrude clinic will soon reduce to four days/week due to limited vaccine supplies. Every vaccination appointment is booked up until May 14.

COVID-19 Public Education Efforts

PPH holds two media briefings each week that are well attended by media and local elected officials and First Nations partners. These keep our key messages in the news and are posted afterwards on the PPH YouTube channel. PPH has also partnered with the County and City to deliver an ongoing marketing campaign that adjusts messaging as COVID-19 communications needs evolve. Currently there are two campaigns in market, one focuses on the stay at home order/safe shopping guidance, the second one promotes the Notify Me system. This system enables residents to sign up to receive an email notification when it’s their turn to get vaccinated. So far 18,700 people have signed up, and notifications have gone out to more than 10,000 residents. These communication efforts are in addition to sector-specific education delivered by the Operations Team.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Opioid Harms Status Report

The board also received the latest report on the effect of the opioid harms in the community from the period of October 1 to December 31, 2020.  It covers the number of paramedic calls, visits to the Emergency Department, and deaths due to opioid poisonings.

Next meeting: The Board of Health meets next virtually on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Please click here for a list of Board of Health meeting dates and location details.

Section 22 Order Served to Operator of Who’s Next Barber Shop

Peterborough Public Health officials served a Section 22 order today to the operator of the Who’s Next Barber Shop requiring him to close his premises as required by the provincial shutdown ordered by the Ontario government.

“Personal service settings like hair salons and tattoo parlours are high risk for COVID-19 transmission because of the inability to maintain two meters distance. In fact, there is currently an active outbreak linked to another local personal service setting that has resulted in eight cases so far,” explained Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “We had to serve this barber shop operator with a Section 22 order because he has been willfully defying the provincial order to close, despite warnings and charges laid under the Reopening Ontario Act.”

The Who’s Next Barbershop is located at 72 Hunter St. E. in Peterborough. Dr. Salvaterra noted that failure to comply will lead to an escalation of measures necessary to ensure that public health measures are being followed. This could include a fine of up to $5,000 for every day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

Barber shops are personal service settings and were ordered closed by Premier Ford as part of the provincial emergency brake that came into effect last Saturday.

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For further information, please contact:

Brittany Cadence

Communications Manager

705-743-1000, ext. 391

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