106 Year Old Elizabeth Campbell First To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine In Peterborough

Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home (LTCH) was the first facility to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in the Peterborough region.

Elizabeth Campbell, aged 106, a resident at Fairhaven LTCH, received the first dose on Tuesday afternoon (January 26th) from Lori Rowsell, Infection Prevention and Control Practitioner at Fairhaven.

“This is an exciting day for Peterborough,” says Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Rosana Salvaterra. “Immunizing long-term care home residents with the COVID- 19 vaccine is the first step to seeing our vulnerable populations protected against COVID-19.”

Lori Rowsell administering Moderna vaccine to Elizabeth Campbell (photo courtesy Peterborough Public health)

The Ministry of Health prioritized LTCHs as the first setting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario. All public health units are required to vaccinate LTCH residents with their first dose by February 5th.

Depending on vaccine supply coming into the region, Peterborough Public Health will be vaccinating the entire population of LTCH residents (approximately 1,100 individuals) in the coming two weeks.

The Peterborough Interagency COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Team is working to determine the next population in Peterborough to receive the vaccine. This will depend on a number of criteria including provincial guidelines, COVID-19 risk for each population, and supply of the vaccine locally.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Region Just Received Its First Supply of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are pleased to share that the first local supply of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has been received.

The supply was delivered to PRHC on Monday morning (January 25th) and administration of the vaccine to long-term care home (LTCH) residents is set to begin on Tuesday (January 26). In alignment with provincial strategy, PRHC and PPH will work together to support the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. The first 500 doses of the vaccine are to be administered to long-term care home residents.

Photo courtesy PRHC

in this community. LTCHs and Retirement Homes deemed high-risk have been prioritized in the province as the population with highest risk for COVID-19 related complications. It is for this reason that LTCHs will be the first to receive the vaccine in Peterborough. There are no high-risk retirement homes in Peterborough.

Logistical planning for phase 1 of the vaccine rollout began in late December 2020. PPH and PRHC in collaboration with various other community groups are continuing this planning to expand immunization as supply allows. Communication on further expansion of COVID-19 immunization in Peterborough will be released as plans become finalized, according to Peterborough Public Health.

Learn more about Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination program and the rollout of the vaccine locally by visiting peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Schools To Reopen January 25th With Enhanced Public Health Measures

Publicly-funded elementary and secondary schools in Peterborough City and County will be permitted to resume in-person learning on January 25th.

After reviewing the most recent COVID-19 data and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is one of the seven public health units given the green light to allow students return on Monday.

This means that most schools in the following schools boards will resume in-person learning:

• Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (Peterborough City and County, Northumberland County, Hastings County only)

• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (Peterborough City and County, Northumberland County and Kawartha Lakes only)

• Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (Peterborough City and County only)

In a media release by Peterborough Public Health, Dr. Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, explains that local COVID-19 rates in children haven’t risen as much as in other areas to warrant keeping area schools closed.

“In our community, the testing positivity rate is relatively low at 1.1%,” she says. “We are closely following our numbers and monitoring the trends. If the situation in our region changes, we will take appropriate action.”

For local students and staff currently exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms, Dr. Salvaterra strongly encourages them to get tested now so they have their test results before school resumes on January 25th. Even though schools will reopen for in-person learning, staff and students must stay home if they have symptoms and while waiting for test results.

Dr. Salvaterra also notes that the provincial shutdown with enhanced measures as well as the stay at home order remains in effect for all of Ontario until at least February 11th, which means no socialization or gatherings before or after school even with cohorts.

With this reopening, the province requires schools to add additional public health measures, such as masking in younger grades and enhanced screening requirements to ensure students can safely return to school and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

For an entire, detailed breakdown of the enhanced measures being put in place, click here.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

PRHC Radiation Treatment Centre Reopens Following Replacement Of Linear Accelerator

Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Lakeridge Health have announced that the radiation treatment facility at PRHC resumed operation on Monday, January 11th, following the replacement of the medical linear accelerator (LINAC) technology in late 2020. (A LINAC is the device most commonly used for external beam radiation treatments for patients with cancer, and delivers high-energy x-rays or electrons to the region of the patient's tumour in a way that destroys the cancer cells while sparing the surrounding normal tissue.)

“We are pleased to welcome patients back to PRHC for their radiation treatments this week,” says Brenda Weir, Vice President, Regional Programs at PRHC. “The new LINAC has been made possible through our partnership with Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health. Regular renewal of our equipment and technology helps us to maintain high-quality care for patients, and to keep PRHC’s radiation treatment facility consistent with a provincial standard of care.”

“The installation of the radiation facility at PRHC in 2013 has brought cancer treatment closer to home for more than 2,000 patients and families in Peterborough and the surrounding communities in the years since it was first opened,” says Lesley Heighway, President of the PRHC Foundation.

“The installation of this facility was made possible at the time through the generous support of PRHC Foundation donors, and we are excited about this further provincial investment into state-of-the-art radiation technology that will ensure patients in our community continue to receive the best cancer care possible, closer to home,” Heighway adds.

Construction to replace the LINAC began in September 2020. Throughout the fall and early winter, patients who would normally receive their treatment at PRHC have received their treatment at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Hydro One & GlobalMedic Deliver 500+ Critical Aid Kits To Curve Lake First Nation

Hydro One and GlobalMedic—a registered Canadian charity specializing in disaster relief—have announced the delivery of more than 500 critical aid kits of food and safety supplies to Curve Lake First Nation to support those in need.

Photo courtesy Hydro One

A total of 13,500 kits made up of staple food items, reusable face masks and soap will be provided to Indigenous communities across the province.

Curve Lake First Nation will be distributing the kits at their physically distant Celebration of Sharing event on December 17th, where community members can access additional supports including meals for the holidays.

Kits of critical aid packed by Hydro One volunteers and GlobalMedic. (photo courtesy Hydro One)

“Given the unprecedented nature of this pandemic, we are grateful to have the support of community partners such as Hydro One and GlobalMedic,” says Chief Emily Whetung, Curve Lake First Nation.

“With the higher rates of complicating health factors in First Nation communities, every little bit of support we can provide goes a long way,” she adds. “Distributing these kits at the start of the holiday season will help create a sense of security and support the health and wellbeing of our residents.”

Photo courtesy Hydro One

"We are grateful to work with Indigenous communities during this challenging time," says Penny Favel, Vice President Indigenous Relations, Hydro One.

"Extending our partnership with GlobalMedic is one way we are able to support Indigenous communities and families, including Curve Lake First Nation, to help meet immediate needs.”

Photo courtesy Hydro One

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough’s Eastgate Memorial Park COVID-19 Testing Site Relocating Back To Northcrest Arena For Testing Inside

The COVID-19 testing centre currently located at Eastgate Memorial Park will relocate to Northcrest Arena at 100 Marina Blvd. effective Monday, October 26th to accommodate colder weather through the fall and winter seasons.

Once relocated, this site will no longer offer drive-through testing; individuals with appointments will be asked to come inside the arena for their test.

Operating hours will continue to be 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and testing is available by appointment only. The final day of operations at Eastgate Memorial Park will be on Friday, October 23.

The link to the booking tool is available through the PRHC website and on the Peterborough Public Health website. If you are looking to book an appointment for the Northcrest Arena site, you must meet at least one of the following screening criteria: 

• You are showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 

• Peterborough Public Health has informed you that you have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19

• You have received a notification through the COVID-19 Alert App 

• You are part of an outbreak investigation as informed by Peterborough Public Health

• You are required to be tested routinely, such as staff at long-term care and retirement homes

• You are planning an indoor visit with a loved one at a long-term care home

• You are a traveler without symptoms and require a test to confirm you do not have COVID-19 before travelling internationally

• You have been advised by a medical professional that testing is required prior to a procedure

• You are required to be tested before admission to a congregate setting or other facility
  

HOW IT WORKS WHEN ARRIVING AT NORTHCREST ARENA FOR TESTING

-> Arrive inside the main entrance at Northcrest Arena five minutes in advance of your booked appointment. 

-> Clean your hands as you enter the arena and wear a mask inside at all times except when you are being tested. Please also keep a physical distance of two metres between yourself and other people. Remember to bring your Ontario Health Card and driver’s licence with you.

-> With the new, appointment-based system in place, traffic issues are not expected to be a concern as the COVID-19 testing service returns to the Northcrest site.

You can access your test results online using your Ontario Health Card number at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/  or by calling your healthcare provider.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Public Health Launches Handy New Local COVID-19 Data Tracker Tool

Peterborough Public Health has launched a new local COVID-19 data tracker available at localcovidtracker.ca.

This interactive online tool is updated by 5:00 p.m. daily, and allows residents to stay on top of all COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and related statistics for the Peterborough area.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

“This COVID-19 Tracker allows residents to sort local data by different filters, such as time frame and type of outbreak,” says Jane Hoffmeyer, Manager of Foundational Standards, whose team developed the COVID-19 Tracker.

“It also uses charts and other graphics to visualize the data, making it easier to understand how the pandemic is affecting us locally,” adds Hoffmeyer.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

The COVID-19 Tracker includes local data on:

• New, active and resolved cases

• Sources of exposure

• Hospitalizations

• Outbreak information for long-term care, retirement homes, and schools

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

Hoffmeyer notes that Peterborough Public Health’s current COVID-19 case status webpage sees more than 4,500 unique views daily, and recently spiked at 7,265 views following reports of the first local school-related COVID-19 case.

Screengrab from localcovidtracker.ca on October 9th, 2020

Peterborough Public Health’s COVID-19 Tracker is the community’s central repository for local COVID-19 data. It also includes links to data resources available on provincial and federal websites and from neighbouring public health units.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Reimagined Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure This Year In Peterborough & Beyond

For almost 30 years, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure has united a collective of Canadians who are a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer.

This year, being physically apart won’t stop them from coming together to make a difference. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC are inviting local residents to join the reimagined CIBC Run for the Cure, taking place on Sunday, October 4. 

Every day, more than 75 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer. As a higher risk population, people living with cancer rely on the same healthcare system that is still responding to COVID-19 and its impacts. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

“Now more than ever, the CIBC Run for the Cure needs your support to ensure that no Canadian has to face breast cancer alone,” says Nicole Kirton, Volunteer Run Director, Canadian Cancer Society. “Cancer doesn’t stop being a life-changing and life-threatening disease in the middle of a pandemic and that’s why we will never stop running to support people affected by breast cancer.” 

The 2020 CIBC Run for the Cure has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind experience with both physical and virtual components. Through their refreshed, easy-to-use mobile app and website, participants can create and customize their own virtual runner, fundraise to unlock rewards and track their activity. On Run Day, participants will join the online opening ceremonies before heading out to walk or run in their neighbourhood. 

Photo from 2019 courtesy CIBC Run for the Cure Peterborough

The opening ceremonies will be livestreamed on Canadian Cancer Society’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 11:30 a.m. EST and will be hosted by Jully Black, the award-winning singer-songwriter dubbed Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul. Viewers can also expect performances from Barenaked Ladies, Jess Moskaluke and Carolyn Dawn Johnson. 

The Run is the largest single-day, volunteer-led event in Canada in support of the breast cancer cause. Canadians can register for or donate to the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run For The Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Site Is Relocating From Northcrest Arena To Eastgate Memorial Park

In response to higher-than-usual testing volumes over the last week, Peterborough’s drive-through COVID-19 testing centre will relocate to Eastgate Memorial Park (2150 Ashburnham Drive) effective, Monday, September 21st. Operating hours for the testing site will remain Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The move to this new location will help to accommodate higher-than-normal testing volumes seen at the drive-through since Labour Day. On Tuesday, September 15th, more than 420 people were tested.

Photo at Northcrest Arena courtesy PRHC

Lines at testing centres in communities across Ontario have grown longer in recent days, and testing capacity is limited in many areas. People should first seek testing options within the area where they live, work, or attend school.

Peterborough’s drive-through testing centre is intended for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, contact PRHC’s Assessment Centre directly by phone at 705-876-5086 to determine whether an appointment is required. If you have been advised to be tested due to an exposure, seek testing and follow public health recommendations to self-isolate or self-monitor. 

Photo courtesy PRHC

The final day of operations at Northcrest Arena will be Friday, September 18th.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough’s Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Centre First In Province To Use Handheld Devices For Lab Automation

Peterborough’s drive-through COVID-19 testing centre is the first in the province to implement new handheld devices to digitize COVID-19 lab requisitions—an important step forward in improving the quality and performance of end-to-end testing for patients, care providers and labs.

Working with Ontario Health, Peterborough County/City Paramedics, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC), Peterborough Public Health (PPH) and the City of Peterborough have partnered to introduce handheld technology and barcoded labels for all COVID-19 tests done at the centre. Staff can now collect a patient’s information by scanning their health card and driver’s license, capturing everything required for a digital lab requisition. 

Photo courtesy PRHC

The drive-through testing centre implemented the handheld devices on Wednesday, September 2nd, and in the first five days of use, 1523 people were scanned.

The benefits of the handheld devices include: 

• More complete and higher-quality data when capturing patient information

• Faster processing and easier matching of the requisition to the test

• More legible requisitions, making it easier for laboratory staff to process each test

The testing clinic is now located at Northcrest Arena. Operating hours continue to be 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.