Ross Memorial Mourns the Passing of Long-Time Doctor and Champion of Women's Health Dr. Gargi Bhatia
/Ross memorial hospital announced the passing of Dr. Gargi Bhatia on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of Ross memorial Hospital.
Peterborough Blogs
Record Influenza Vaccination Rates of Healthcare Workers Resulted in Zero Lab-Confirmed Cases Last Year
/Peterborough Public Health is hoping last year’s strong flu shot uptake among local healthcare workers portends similar vaccination rates this year for even better community protection.
Stock photo.
“Last year’s impressive influenza vaccination rates show that local healthcare workers understand that the vaccine is essential to protecting their patients and the community,” said Patti Fitzgerald, Manager of Infectious Disease Programs. “We appreciate their leadership as the flu vaccine starts rolling out across our region, and hope to see strong vaccination rates again this year for everyone’s benefit.”
Each year Peterborough Public Health produces a report on healthcare worker flu immunization rates focusing on those who work in long-term care facilities (LTCF), retirement residences, and at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
For the 2020-2021 influenza season, the median vaccination rate of all LTCFs was 87.2%, up 5.1% from the previous year. Influenza vaccination rates among PRHC staff also increased from last year, up 3.4% to 84.5%.
A total of zero lab-confirmed influenza cases were reported for the 2020-2021 surveillance season. Zero influenza outbreaks were reported in LTCFs, retirement residences, and the local hospital for the same period, compared to three outbreaks in these settings the previous influenza season.
This year’s flu vaccine has already been made available to healthcare workers and is currently publicly available through pharmacies and health care providers.
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Peterborough Public Health Highlights What Exiting Step-3 Means for Residents
/Peterborough Public Health is reminding local residents that continuing to follow public health measures is more important than ever as capacity limits ease in certain settings under the Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term.
File Photo
“By and large, our community has done a great job adhering to public health measures, and this commitment is a major reason why cases aren’t increasing,” said Donna Churipuy, Director of Public Health Programs. “If we keep up with these practices, such as screening for COVID-19 symptoms, providing proof of vaccination and wearing a mask, we can expect case counts to remain stable even with more social contacts.”
Churipuy noted that the latest Ontario Science Table report included a warning based on the experience of Nordic countries in Europe: lifting public health measures can drive a new wave, even with strong vaccine coverage because there are still too many people who are unprotected, and the virus can still circulate.
“We need to remember that this reopening plan has to be gradual. Even though many venues have increased capacity limits, which we all want, the entry requirements for clients and user groups remain the same,” said Churipuy.
“The relaxation of capacity limits within certain settings is a development made possible by our community’s collective hard work,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Local businesses and organizations must remain highly compliant with other workplace and sector-specific public health measures such as COVID-19 screening, masking, recording contact information and confirming proof of vaccination, so that we can enjoy increased social interaction over time.”
“Masks remain key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 both indoors and outdoors whenever physical distancing isn’t possible. It’s one of the measures that is going to help to keep us on the province’s proposed reopening timeline, and until we have a high vaccination rate among our five to 11-year olds, it will help protect them too,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health.
The province has made further amendments to O. Reg. 364/20 under the Reopening Ontario Act, 2020 to remove capacity limits for outdoor organized public events, such as parades, outdoor memorial services and other similar events. This amendment was published on Wednesday, October 27 and updates to appropriate sectors will be communicated over the next several days.
The latest information is always available on Peterborough Public Health’s website www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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Ontario Expands Paramedicine for Long-Term Care Program For Peterborough and Surrounding Area
/The province’s community paramedicine for long-term care program is being expanded announced by the Ontario Government at the Peterborough County-City Paramedics on Thursday.
As of June 2021, more than 38,000 people were on the waitlist to access a long-term care bed in Ontario. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“Seniors in our community deserve a patient-centred health care system; one that offers excellent, high-quality care in their homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities,” said MPP Dave Smith. “This new program will enable offer health care services in their homes, reduce emergency room visits and improve quality of life before they find a spot in long-term care.”
The program is already operational across 33 Ontario communities. It is being expanded to an additional 22 communities including Northumberland County, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes. The program was first piloted across five communities in October 2020.
The program works alongside primary care and home and community care to provide the following services to eligible seniors:
Access to health services 24-7, through in-home and remote methods, such as online supports
Non-emergency home visits and in-home testing procedures
Ongoing monitoring of vital signs to prevent escalation of chronic medical conditions
Assessments, referrals, diagnostic procedures and point-of-care testing
“To have this program be fully funded is great news”, said Warden, J. Murray Jones. “We have been strongly supporting this for a very long time. Our seniors community are our family members, our parents, our grandparents, and they deserve the best. We have the talent and skill and infrastructure that can provide access to 24-7 healthcare service that is second to none. Our seniors deserve to be able to stay home and have access to a health care system that puts them first.”
Early feedback from participating communities indicates a reduction in rates of hospital admissions and an increased integration with primary care according to the press release.
The program is fully funded by the provincial government and is operated in partnership with municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards.
“Community Paramedic programs have demonstrated that they are scalable and sustainable solutions which bridge identified gaps in care locally,” said Paramedic Chief Randy Mellow. “This investment will support seniors by providing quality care and service needed to live longer and in the comfort of their homes. It will provide our seniors, their families and caregivers comfort and peace of mind they deserve while potentially delaying the need for long-term care.”
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First Mobile Clinic For Mental Health and Addiction Coming to Peterborough Area
/A custom-built retrofitted bus for mental health and addiction services is coming to Peterborough and the surrounding area announced by the Ontario Government at the Knights of Columbus Doyle Hall on Thursday.
Hon. Michael Tibollo (left), Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions has previously spent a decade as an addiction counsellor. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The setup will have a team of nurse practitioners, social and service workers to provide resources, support — including psychiatric — with follow-ups as necessary. The bus is expected to be operating by roughly Jan. 1.
“The first mobile health unit to be deployed in the province of Ontario is being funded by the Ontario government,” Hon. Michael Tibollo, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. ”The unit will provide support and services to individuals to their local communities without having to have them come into the hospital or go to one of the other cities to get support for mental health and addictions.”
The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA-HKPR) will be responsible for overseeing the development and operation of the mobile mental health clinic in Peterborough. They provide programming and services to the counties of Haliburton, Northumberland, Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes,
The mobile unit reduces the need for people to travel to find services and can meet more clients in more places.
“Through our government’s Roadmap to Wellness we are committed to breaking down barriers to accessing high-quality mental health and addictions services where and when it’s needed,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This innovative partnership will help to bring needed mental health and addictions services directly to individuals living in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”
Thrilled to be with @DaveSmithPtbo to announce that our government is investing in the development of a mobile #MentalHealth and addictions clinic for #Peterborough & the surrounding region!
— Michael Tibollo (@MichaelTibollo) October 28, 2021
This clinic will bring MHA services directly to the communities that need them. pic.twitter.com/g0yUaYcxgR
“Since the release of Roadmap to Wellness last year, our government’s top priority has been to continue making critical investments that will fill urgent gaps in mental health and addictions care, reduce waiting lists and address extensive wait times,” said Tibollo. “Through the development of the mobile mental health clinic, clients and families in Peterborough and the surrounding region will have greater access to high-quality, evidence-based care in a setting where they are fully supported on their journey towards recovery.”
A second bus will be added through fundraising efforts from the CMHA. One for Peterborough and Northumberland County and the other for Haliburton and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The Ontario government will help fund the operation of both mobile units.
"Mental health is a pandemic,” said Hon. Michael Tibollo, Ontario’s Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “We have to remember that people's mental health is fundamental to any recovery."
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Tips for a Safe Halloween From Peterborough Public Health
/As Halloween approaches, Peterborough Public Health is sharing tips for how to plan fun and safe celebrations.
File Photo.
“Halloween is an exciting time of year for all ages, and it is important to plan COVID-19-safe Halloween activities while also remembering traditional Public Health ‘tricks’,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Whether you’re trick-or-treating or attending a party, be sure to follow the social gathering limits and avoid crowds.”
PPH advises families start the night with a nutritious supper with protein, whole grains and vegetables and fruit. Kids should decide how much candy to consume, so they learn the importance of self-regulation. An adult should check the candy for tampering and allergens before eating treats
For those trick-or-treating, PPH recommends:
• Screen for COVID-19 symptoms before trick-or-treating. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms or feel ill, even for minor symptoms like a runny nose.
• Wear a cloth face covering when knocking on a door or going inside. A costume mask should not be worn as a substitute or over a face covering.
• Make sure costumes are visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
• Avoid crowding in hallways or by doors.
• Wash or sanitize hands frequently. Make sure hands are clean before eating any treats.
• Throw away anything homemade or repackaged treats.
For those handing out treats, PPH recommends:
• Using tongs or other tools when handing out treats. Avoid leaving treats in a bowl for trick-or-treaters to grab.
• Wearing a face covering that fully covers your mouth, nose, and chin.
• If you hand out treats indoors, place a sign asking to knock instead of ringing the doorbell. If you do use a doorbell try to frequently disinfect it.
• Sanitize other frequently touched surfaces such as railings or doorknobs.
• Only offer commercially-packaged treats.
For anyone who is looking to attend a costume party or other similar gathering, PPH is reminding residents that private social gatherings must be limited to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings are encouraged over indoor gatherings.
Remember to wash hands frequently and avoid sharing food or drinks. Be aware of who your close contacts are, and maintain physical distancing. Hosts are encouraged to keep a list of guests in case contact tracing is needed.
Alternative options for those not comfortable going out include:
• Making spooky snacks at home with your household instead of going out.
• Decorating your house. Have a contest with your neighbours. Remember to physically distance if not part of the same household and wear a non-medical mask or face covering if you can’t keep two meters apart.
• Having an outdoor scavenger hunt with those in your household.
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Light the Way to 160k Receives $25,000 Donation to Assist Renovation of Opioid Response Hub
/Fourcast has announced a $25,000 contribution by the Brian and Lynne Kelly Family Fund of The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough to the Light The Way to $160K campaign, on Tuesday.
Site of the future Opioid Response Hub. Photo by Angela O’Grady.
This donation will go towards assisting with the renovation of the Opioid Response Hub at 220 Simcoe St. in downtown Peterborough.
“We hope this donation encourages others to learn about the opioid crisis and make their own contributions to the Light the Way Campaign,” said Brian Kelly.
“Brian and Lynne recognize that the opioid issue is destroying lives, shattering families and taking its toll on the entire community,” says Co-Executive Director of the Community Foundation, Jennifer DeBues. “Supporting the Opioid Response Hub is an active step towards creating solutions to the opioid crisis in Peterborough.”
Currently, 220 Simcoe Street is undergoing significant renovations that will provide members of organizations such as Fourcast, PARN, the 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (NPLC), as well as Peterborough County Paramedics and the Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT) to provide wraparound services and supports.
With the donation, the Light The Way to $160K campaign has reached over $70,000. The campaign runs until November 30th. To contribute to the Light the Way to $160K campaign, donations can be made at the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough web site at www.cfgp.ca/LightTheWay.
For those who prefer to mail or drop off cheques, please make the cheques out to ‘Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’ and include ‘CTS Fund’ in the memo. They can be addressed to the organization at 261 George St N Suite 202, Peterborough, ON K9J 3G9.
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Ontario Government Announces Arena Guidelines Changes
/The province has announced A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long Term according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH) announced Monday.
File Photo.
PPH has confirmed that facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities including areas for spectators within those facilities, can make updates to their facility safety plans. Below are some of the key highlights of the announcement:
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Mon. October 25th, 2021:
Proof of vaccination (POV) is required for every person 12+ entering the indoor facility unless they have an approved exemption.
In the Peterborough Public Health region, there is a letter of instruction in effect for indoor facilities where organized sports are played or practiced that must be implemented, which requires POV for coaches, volunteers, and officials 12 years of age and older (effective Oct. 18th), as well as for active participants 12-17 (which commences Nov. 26).
For more information about approved exemptions, refer to the guidance document, beginning on page 4.
Capacity limits for facilities can be removed; which means confirming proof of vaccine is exceptionally important.
Physical distancing requirements in spectator and non-spectator areas can be removed.
Contact tracing requirements remain for everyone entering the facility
Active screening requirements remain for everyone entering the facility
Facilities are still required to have safety plans
Organized sports leagues and organized events must submit a safety plan to the facility prior to being granted a permit to use the facility
Everyone must wear a mask indoors, limited exemptions apply (including when a person is engaged in athletic or fitness activity)
Enhanced cleaning & disinfection is still required
Photo Courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.
Reopening/Exit Step Guidelines-General:
1. Hand sanitization upon entry of the facility is highly recommended.
2. Masks are required in indoor areas. Some exemptions apply as per the provincial regulations.
3. All individuals entering must provide proof of vaccination (POV) before entering the facility. Individuals must be fully vaccinated (two doses plus 14 days) against COVID-19 and provide their proof of vaccination along with approved Identification in order to access all indoor sport and recreation facilities. Limited exemptions are permitted.
4. All individuals entering an arena facility must actively screen to record the name(s) and contact information of every member of the public entering the facility. This includes all participants including coaches, athletes, and spectators from both home and visiting teams, using the following link (https://www.peterborough.ca/ArenaScreen/). Confirmation is presented in digital (email/screenshot) or printed paper copy form to security/city staff prior to entry
5. Floor markers, signage and enhanced cleaning measures using disinfectant with a DIN# are implemented to control the risk of transmission.
6. An approved safety plan is required from each user group prior to facility access or rental
Reopening/Exit Step Guidelines- Arenas:
Groups are to enter using designated entry points and adhere to all directional signage and staff direction while inside and while exiting the facility.
Prior to entry, all individuals including players, coaches/trainers, instructors, officials/ timekeepers, and all spectators must provide POV and completion of screening to on duty security/city staff at designated entry points of each facility
No capacity limit to on ice participants, unless identified (i.e. Public Skating/Programs)
Full access allowed during the following hours (Mon-Fri 4pm-11pm or Weekends 7am-11pm), but designated entrances must be utilized
Controlled access is still effective for all nonprime hours Mon-Friday 6a-3pm. Access to be provided by city staff 30 mins prior to permitted time at designated point of entry.
Changerooms provided with no capacity restrictions. Please note rooms may not be available immediately but will be no later than 30 mins prior to permitted time
Changerooms are to be exited by all players/coaches 20 mins following permitted time to permit required cleaning and sanitizing by City staff.
Showers will be available to all user groups
Off-ice training and activities (i.e shooting pucks/balls) are not permitted inside the facility. Warm up activities such as stretching will be permitted but should be minimized within the facility.
All permit holders are responsible for ensuring their groups and participants adhere to all governing body sport regulations and policies (e.g., Hockey Canada, Ontario Hockey Federation, Skate Ontario etc.).
All permit holders must ensure that groups of participants and spectators adhere to all Arena Guidelines and Facility Code of Conduct.
Peterborough Public Health has Announced Influenza Vaccine Clinics in Time for Flu Season
/Peterborough Public Health announced on Monday it is holding several free influenza immunization clinics in the coming months targeted to groups who otherwise can not access the flu shot.
File Photo.
“While the flu shot is widely available for most residents through pharmacies and their healthcare provider, we recognize this isn’t the case for everyone and are pleased to offer these dedicated clinics to make flu vaccinations as accessible as possible,” said Patti Fitzgerald, Manager, Infectious Diseases Program. “Getting the flu shot is the best way to prevent you and your loved ones from feeling ill. The flu season can be unpredictable, and it remains important to keep people feeling well and out of hospitals.”
Fitzgerald noted that young children, pregnant women, and seniors are particularly at risk of complications from the flu.
A series of flu shot clinics are also taking place exclusively for families with children under two years old who do not have a healthcare provider (pharmacies do not vaccinate children under two years). Appointments can be booked by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 507, and all clinics take place at Peterborough Public Health on 185 King St. in downtown Peterborough. Booking will open up approximately three weeks before each clinic date:
Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
On Monday, November 15, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Public Health Nurses will be in Millbrook to provide flu vaccine to all area residents. The appointment-only clinic is taking place in the Community Hall in the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10 in Millbrook. Due to COVID-19 precautions, appointments are required and can be booked in advance by calling 705-743-1000, ext. 507. There will not be a walk-in option this year.
In addition to getting the flu shot, following current COVID-19 precautions can help prevent the spread of the flu:
• Stay home if feeling unwell
• Wash your hands frequently
• Clean and sanitize commonly-used surfaces frequently
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or tissue and washing hands afterwards
• Remain 2 metres distance from those outside of your household
• Wear a face covering
For more information, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
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Ontario Government Releases Plan For Province's Safe Reopening
/The Ontario Government plans to lift all COVID-19 public health measures including mask mandates by the end of March announced at a press conference in Queen’s Park in Toronto on Friday.
Screenshot.
