COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index Moves to “Moderate”
Written by Comms Team, February 22, 2023
Risk of Respiratory Infection is Increasing in the Region
Peterborough Public Health’s Local COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index has moved from “low” to “moderate” this week as respiratory virus and COVID-19 transmission continue in our community.
“After one week with lower transmission detected in our region, we are moving back to moderate risk for COVID-19 and respiratory virus infections.” says Donna Churipuy, Director of Health Protection. “Unfortunately, we are seeing all COVID-19 indicators increasing including case rates and wastewater signals.”
Ms. Churipuy continues to remind residents to protect themselves against severe COVID-19 illness. “The XBB.1.5 variant is circulating in Ontario with the Public Health Agency of Canada reporting high transmissibility and immune evasion potential. This means that a COVID-19 infection can reduce a person’s immune response to other pathogens and leave residents more susceptible to other infections.”
Residents are encouraged to take action to prevent respiratory infections include ensuring they are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations. For best protection when the risk is moderate, residents are encouraged to stay home when feeling unwell, wear a KN95/N95 style mask in high-risk indoor settings, and gather outdoors or in spaces with proper ventilation. These protections are not only lifesaving for higher-risk individuals, but for the whole community as we try to prevent illness and the risk of Long COVID.
To find information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics
The COVID-19 Risk Index is updated weekly on Wednesdays after 4:00 p.m. and can be found on our website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
705-743-1000 ext. 352