December 1 Proclaimed World AIDS Day in Peterborough

Mayor Diane Therrien officially proclaimed Dec. 1 as World AIDS Day in Peterborough on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PARN.

In a tweet by Therrien, she noted that an estimated 68,000 people worldwide died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2020.

Photo courtesy of Mayor Diane Therrien.

To commemorate the day, Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN) placed red scarves around the city and invites anyone that is cold to take one.

Thank you to everyone who crafted and donated scarves to PARN for our Red Scarf Project. The scarves have been placed in the community today for World AIDS Day. If you are cold, take a scarf today! pic.twitter.com/1Ihl4kCyok

— PARN (@PARN4Counties) December 1, 2021

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Dr. Thomas Piggott Welcomed as Peterborough Public Health’s New Medical Officer of Health

Dr. Thomas Piggott arrived early Wednesday morning to a warm staff welcome and full slate of community health briefings to start his first day on the job as Peterborough Public Health’s new Medical Officer of Health and CEO.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

“I’m excited to finally be here and join the tremendous team at Peterborough Public Health,” said Dr. Piggott. “My top priority is to connect with as many of our stakeholders as possible to understand local priorities and how together we can strategically advance the public health of our community.”

In addition to taking over as Incident Commander for the local COVID-19 Emergency Response, Dr. Piggott will be meeting with representatives across every sector in the community in the coming weeks, including local Indigenous leaders, municipalities, healthcare and social service organizations, education institutions, businesses, environmental groups, and many more. He will also serve on numerous provincial committees as well, including the Council of Ontario Medical Officers of Health.

“While there are many pressing issues locally and opportunities for positive change, addressing the opioid crisis and responding to climate change are areas I expect will become a major focus for us in the years ahead,” stated Dr. Piggott. “There is already a great deal of good work happening on these fronts and I want to help our team focus on equity, or fairness, in these areas and all of the work we do. For now, the priority will be the continued pandemic response and I commit to evidence-based and transparent local decision-making to guide collaborative efforts in keeping this community safe and healthy.”

Dr. Piggott’s first public speaking engagement will take place on Thursday at the next bi-weekly COVID-19 media briefing.

He will also be presenting a virtual education session on Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. for parents and caregivers with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 years.

He is planning to attend several local upcoming municipal council meetings as well, starting with a budget presentation to the County of Peterborough Council on Dec. 15.

“There's a lot of work to do, but for today, I'm just excited to start getting to know the fantastic team that I'm joining and the people and organizations in this wonderful community.”

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Peterborough Public Health Activates Extreme Cold Response Plan

With an early start to the winter and colder weather ahead, Peterborough Public Health has activated its Extreme Cold Response Plan (ECRP) to advise residents on the best way to protect their health when temperatures plummet.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough

“We all need to take precautions during cold weather to prevent illness and injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Most healthy people can tolerate a short period of cold weather if they are dry and properly dressed. Our alert system is designed to advise the public when there is an increased risk and what actions they can take to prevent cold weather-related injuries.”

Ingram noted that trend data indicates a doubling in the rate of local emergency department visits related to cold exposure between 2009 and 2018. In addition, between September 2020 and October 2021, there were 26 emergency department visits in the Peterborough area related to cold exposure.

People who are more vulnerable to the risks of cold temperatures include the elderly, infants less than one year old, people with a history of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes, and people who are homeless or marginally housed. People who are homeless in particular spend long periods of time outside and can suffer increased health effects from the cold even at warmer temperatures.

Peterborough Public Health’s ECRP has three levels of notification:

• Frostbite Alert

• Frostbite Warning

• Cold Weather Emergency

The most common form of extreme cold notification is a Frostbite Alert. Last season, there were four Frostbite Alerts issued, and none from the other two categories. Frostbite alerts are issued when temperatures are forecasted to be from -27° to -38° Celsius or a wind chill of -27° to -38° Celsius. In these conditions, exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• cover unprotected skin

• avoid prolonged outdoor exposure

• drink warm fluids

• check on neighbours

• maintain a warm indoor environment (ideally 20° Celsius or warmer)

Notifications of frostbite alerts and warnings will be posted on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and Peterborough Public Health’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as issued to the media and stakeholder groups when the forecasted temperature or wind chill may result in an increased risk of frostbite. Most townships and Curve Lake First Nation post extreme weather alerts on their websites and social media channels.

City of Peterborough Social Services also has a Cold Weather Protocol that takes effect in cold weather, which may trigger extended hours of operation for the Drop-In program.

When Social Services activates their Cold Weather Protocol they will share information regarding the locations and times of emergency shelters and any relevant outreach programs, as well as reminders to get out of the cold during periods of extreme cold.

A cold alert will be issued by Social Services when the temperature drops below -15° Celsius with a wind chill.

One Roof Community Centre drop-in at 99 Brock St. will extend their hours of operation during a cold alert from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Normal hours of operation for drop-ins is from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a take away meal available between 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

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Free Online Information Session About COVID-19 Vaccine for Ages 5-11

A free online information session regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11 will be held by Peterborough Public Health announced Monday.

Stock Photo.

The live online session will be on Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. on Peterborough Public Health’s YouTube channel. Dr. Thomas Piggot, local medical officer of health, for parents and guardians about the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine will be on the stream to field questions and address the public.

“Dr. Piggott is looking forward to connecting with parents, caregivers and youth and sharing the latest information on the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine,” said Donna Churipuy, public health programs director. “This will be one of his first opportunities to engage with the community and address the questions residents have about the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine as we work together to keep everyone safe from the coronavirus.”

Dr. Piggott will be joined by local paediatrician, Dr. Henry Ukpeh. Dr. Ukpeh will share his professional experience and knowledge of paediatric vaccinations to help parents and guardians make an informed choice about permitting their children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine for those aged 5-11.

Their presentation will cover the latest updates on the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in children ages 5-11 and wrap up with a section on frequently asked questions.

Dr. Piggott and Dr. Ukpeh invite residents to ask questions in advance. They will try to address as many questions in their presentation. Residents who wish to submit questions in advance will be invited to do so as part of the online registration process. Residents who do not wish to submit a question can tune into the Peterborough Public Health YouTube channel on Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. for a live stream for the event.

Online registration is available on www.eventbrite.ca and search for “5-11 COVID-19 Vaccine information Session” or clicking here. The event will be lived streamed for free on Peterborough Public Health’s YouTube channel.

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PRHC 50/50 Campaign Helps Keep Patients Close to Home

The PRHC Foundation November 50/50 campaign will end Nov. 29 at midnight.

Stock Photo.

PRHC Foundation launched their first 50/50 lottery in September and has seen tremendous support thus far! They awarded Judy Johnston from Peterborough with the Grand Prize of over $66,000 + a Bonus Prize!

On Nov. 18 Ruth Passant of Peterborough won the November program’s first Early Bird prize of $1,000 and on Nov. 25 Rebecca Schillemat of Peterborough won the second Early Bird prize of $1,000.

The Grand Prize deadline is Nov. 29 at midnight and the winner will be drawn on Nov. 30 at 9:30 a.m. The winner will take away 50 per cent of all November sales, plus their choice of a $2,500 Resorts of Ontario gift certificate or $2,000 cash.

The proceeds from the 50/50 Lottery will help fund the equipment and technology that form the foundation of patient care. They’ll help bring new lifesaving services to our region, and enable PRHC to attract the best doctors, nurses and staff to our hospital.

“There are significant investments needed to fund the technological advancements and essential medical equipment required to support great patient care,” said Lesley Heighway. PRHC Foundation President & CEO, “That’s why the support of the community is so important. When people buy their 50/50 Lottery tickets, they’ll have the added comfort of knowing that thanks to their support, our loved ones, friends and neighbours can always find the world-class care they need and deserve right here at home.”

Tickets are 10 for $10, 40 for $20, 160 for $40 and 400 for $75 and can only be purchased online at https://www.prhcfoundation5050.com/

Lottery Licence RAF1216339

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Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Coming to Local Schools

Peterborough Public Health has planned COVID-19 vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 at local schools throughout Peterborough County, in partnership with local district school boards.

All COVID-19 vaccine clinics being hosted at local schools will be held outside of school hours.

Five clinics are now open for booking on the Ontario COVID-19 vaccine booking system, with more to follow as locations are confirmed:

• Norwood District High School, 44 Elm St, Norwood, ON

Dec. 3, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Apsley Public School, 238 Burleigh St, Apsley, ON

Dec.r 10, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• St. Martin Catholic Elementary School, 531 Ennis Rd, Ennismore, ON

Dec.r 17, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Millbrook/South Cavan Public School, 47 Tupper St, Millbrook, ON

Dec. 20, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

• Lakefield District Public School, 71 Bridge St, Lakefield, ON

Dec. 29, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

.Residents turning 5-11 years of age in 2021 can book their first dose appointment through the provincial COVID-19 vaccine booking system. This can be accessed:

• Online at https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ OR

• Over the phone by calling 1-833-943-3900.

So far, more than 1,700 appointments have been booked by parents and caregivers for their children aged 5- 11 years of age.

“We want to ensure children feel comfortable in the clinic environment,” said Donna Churipuy, Incident Commander for the COVID-19 Emergency Response. “Our vaccine clinics will be designed for safety and comfort for the children. Hosting a clinic in a familiar setting like a school may help to reduce hesitancy a child has about receiving a needle.”

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Peterborough Public Health Announce Youth COVID-19 Vaccines Can Be Booked This Week

Peterborough Public Health announced today that booking will open on Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. for youth aged five to 11 years to receive the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine at local clinics starting Nov. 29.

Stock Photo.

The provincial government announced on Friday that Health Canada has authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty for use in all children 5-11 years of age. In Ontario, all children born between 2010 and 2016 are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dedicated vaccination clinics for children aged five to 11 years will be offered at the Healthy Planet Arena and in schools throughout the County and City of Peterborough. Residents over the age of 12 will not be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at these designated pediatric clinics.

“This is an exciting day. Vaccinating young residents is another huge step in protecting our community against COVID19,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “Health Canada’s approval means that the vaccine is safe, effective and high-quality, and will ensure that these children also are protected from severe illness.”

Starting Tuesday, the provincial booking system will have appointments available for children aged five to 11 years, enabling parents and caregivers to book a local appointment for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Appointments will be offered Mondays through Thursdays and on Saturdays at the Healthy Planet Arena, as well as at schools throughout the county and City of Peterborough over the coming weeks.

Residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment:

• Online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ OR

• Over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900

For more information about the Youth COVID-19 Vaccine click here.

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First Local Case of Seasonal Influenza Reported by Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health reported the first local lab-confirmed case of seasonal influenza in our area on Friday.

File Photo.

“The case is lab-confirmed for influenza, and we now know that seasonal influenza is circulating in our community,” said Dr. Ian Gemmill, Acting Medical Officer of Health. “Usually there are more cases of influenza in the community than are reported by the lab, so we strongly encourage residents to get their influenza vaccination to protect themselves and others, as it’s still early in the season.”

Dr. Gemmill noted that this year’s first lab-confirmed case is the influenza A strain. The flu shot protects against two types of influenza A and two types of influenza B strains.

This is the first lab-confirmed case reported by Peterborough Public Health since early 2020. A total of zero lab confirmed influenza cases were reported for the 2020-2021 surveillance season.

Zero influenza outbreaks were reported in long-term care facilities, retirement residences, and the local hospital for the same period, compared to three outbreaks in these settings the previous influenza season.

Flu shots are available at many local pharmacies (for individuals age 2 years and older) and physician offices.

Peterborough Public Health is holding flu shot clinics for children under 2 and their families without a primary healthcare provider on Dec. 18 and Jan. 13, 2021 for children that require a second dose.

To book an appointment call 705-743-1000, ext. 507.

For a listing of pharmacies offering free flu shots, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/flu.

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Peterborough Public Health Announces Free Healthcare Provider Consultations For Vaccine Questions

Questions about COVID-19 vaccines can now be answered by phone through a free consultation service announced by Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Friday.

Stock Photo.

Residents with personal health questions or other concerns about COVID-19 vaccines can book a private phone consultation with either an Ontario physician or pediatric nurse to get answers.

 "We know there are many residents who just want clear and straightforward answers about COVID-19 vaccines especially if they have health conditions they want to discuss,” said Brittany Cadence, PPH communications manager. “We understand many are trying to weigh the risks and benefits to getting vaccinated against getting sick and spreading the disease itself."

These services are being offered by two provincial healthcare partners – the Scarborough Health Network and Toronto SickKids Children’s Hospital. Their contact information can be easily accessed by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/consultation.

“We want to ensure anyone with concerns about the vaccine knows about these services, especially parents of younger children, as we expect they’ll have lots of questions once the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is authorized by Health Canada,” said Donna Churipuy, director of public health programs.

"With the imminent authorization of pediatric COVID-19 vaccines, we expect parents and caregivers will have lots of questions to make an informed choice for their children,'“ added Cadence. “Youth over 12 years of age and over can also speak with a  pediatric nurse from Toronto Sick Kids Hospital."

The Scarborough Health Network provides private, non-judgmental phone consultations with a physician through their service called VaxFacts.

Toronto SickKids Hospital has a team of pediatric nurses available to speak with anyone over the age of 12 about the COVID-19 vaccine. Both services are available free of charge, by appointment.

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