COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index

Updated by 5:00 p.m. every Wednesday.

Information is also available over the phone and updated weekly. Call 705-743-1000 and press option 1 for the Risk Index update and guidance.


The COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index brings together all available local data for COVID-19 transmission, influenza and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) into two easy-to-understand five-point scales. One scale indicates the current risk level of COVID-19 transmission while the second indicates the current risk level of other respiratory virus transmission in the Peterborough Public Health Region.

Guidance

Click the ‘Guidance for ALL Risk Levels’ tab below for general recommendations to reduce your risk of respiratory illnesses. Then click on the tab that corresponds with the highest of the two current risk levels for risk specific guidance. We recommend checking the risk index weekly to assess your personal risk and make inform decisions for your health.

You can also call 705-743-1000 to hear a recorded message about the current risk level and guidance recommendations.

For all risk levels, we strongly recommend: 

  • Be up to date with your COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines 
  • Wear a mask when the risk level is elevated. Tightly and properly fitted masks (e.g., N95/ KN95) are recommended. Use this resource to learn more. 
  • Stay home when you are sick! Monitor for symptoms and seek testing/treatment as you are eligible. Use this resource for additional guidance on following infection control measures when you have a respiratory infection. 
  • Proper hand washing and cough etiquette are suggested for preventing the spread of multiple types of infections

Be mindful of your setting: 

  • Are you able to open windows and doors to improve ventilation? 
  • Are others you are gathering with, at an increased risk for getting COVID-19?  
  • Would virtual or smaller gatherings be safer? 
  • Is there another time, when it is less busy, that you can be in a space? 
  • Is everyone that will be in a space, up to date with their COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines? 

For more guidance in plain language format, use this resource. 

Guidance for General Population

  • Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction.  May continue to be required in certain settings.
  • Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.

Guidance for High-Risk Population**

  • Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction.  May continue to be required in certain settings.
  • Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.

Guidance for General Population

  • Mask: Wear if you prefer for risk reduction.  May continue to be required in certain settings.
  • Social Gatherings: Gather with people as you feel comfortable.
  • High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.

Guidance for High-Risk Population**

  • Mask: Recommended for high-risk indoor public spaces.  May continue to be required in certain settings.
  • Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are suggested. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Enter high-risk settings as you feel comfortable.

Guidance for General Population

  • Mask: Recommended for high-risk indoor public spaces or when interacting with high risk individuals. 
  • Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are suggested. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings. 

Guidance for High-Risk Population** 

  • Mask: Recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household. 
  • Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings. 

Guidance for General Population

  • Mask: Recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household. 
  • Social Gatherings: Outdoor or small group masked gatherings are recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Limit attending high-risk settings. 

Guidance for High-Risk Population** 

  • Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household. 
  • Social GatheringsOutdoor or small group masked gatherings, wearing tightly fitted masks, are strongly recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Avoid attending high-risk settings.

Guidance for General Population

  • Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household. 
  • Social GatheringsOutdoor or small group gatherings, wearing tightly fitted masks, are strongly recommended. If gathering indoors pay attention to ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*: Avoid attending high-risk settings. 

Guidance for High-Risk Population** 

  • Mask: Strongly recommended for all interactions with people from outside your household. 
  • Social GatheringsAvoid gathering indoors. If you are, masks and proper ventilation (through windows/doors/mechanical/air filtration means) are strongly recommended to decrease risks of transmission. 
  • High-risk Settings*Avoid attending high-risk settings. 

*A high-risk setting is a place where transmission levels could be higher due to large capacity limits, limited physical distancing, and poor ventilation.

**Individuals would be considered high risk if they fit in at least one of the following categories:

Please speak with your health care provider if you have questions about your personal health.

Additional Resources

For questions or a copy of the Technical Notes supporting the COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Risk Index, please email info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

For more information about COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 webpage.

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