Food Handler Courses Return at Peterborough Public Health

After two years of suspension, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is resuming registration for food handler training courses and certification exams will resume announced Wednesday.

The first food handler course takes place at the Venue on April 5 at 9 a.m. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Courses and exams will be limited over the next several months according to PPH. They encourage anyone interested to review the course schedule and register as soon as possible.

To register for one of the courses listed below, or for more information, contact the PPH office weekdays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (705) 743-1000.

• April 5, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 11, North Kawartha Community Centre Banquet Hall – 340 McFadden Rd. Apsley, ON K0L 1A0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• April 19, Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre Millennium Room – 88 Alma St. Norwood, ON K0L 2V0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• May 17, The Venue – 286 George St. N., Peterborough, ON K9J 3H2. 9 – 4 p.m.

• May 31, Cavan Monaghan Community Centre Community Hall – 986 County Rd 10 Millbrook, ON. L0A 1G0. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• June 7, Douro Community Centre Wellington Room – 2893 Highway 28, Douro, ON K9J 6Y2. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• July 6, Buckhorn Community Centre – 1782 Lakehurst Road, Buckhorn, ON K0L 1J0, West entrance. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

“Based on past experience, we know that this service is heavily used by people who live and work within the region and we are excited to begin resuming food handler courses and exams steadily and safely,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health. “We hope to increase the number of course and exam sessions once we reach the summer and fall months, depending on our COVID-19 redeployment and other demands for inspection services.”

PPH has increased accessibility to the limited courses for people living and working within the region, priority for registration will be provided to anyone who lives or works within the areas served by them including the City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

All public health measures are followed for courses and exams such as wearing masks and physical distancing.

Anyone uncomfortable attending in-person or unable to wear a covering is encouraged to explore other course delivery options including online options from an approved independent provider.

A list of courses and exams deemed to be equivalent to the PPH’s certification is available from the Ministry of Health.

The fees for PPH courses and exams remain unchanged. Courses, which include the certification exam are $20 for individuals living or working within the region served by PPH and $40 for individuals living and working outside of the region. Anyone wishing to study at their own pace may take the certification exam for $10.

For more information about food handler training and certification and for the full schedule, visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/clinics-and-classes/food-handler-course/ or call 705-743-1000, ext. 240.

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Ontario To End Mandatory Masking In Most Settings March 21

Ontario will end mask requirements in most public indoor settings, and schools, on March 21, sources say.

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Exceptions to this announcement include hospitals, congregate care settings and the long-term care system.

It is unsure whether users of public transportation will have to continue to wear masks.

Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore will provide his last scheduled update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Ontario Premiere Doug Ford is expected to make an announcement Wednesday at 10 a.m. No details have been provided on the topic of the announcement. Updates to come.

The fatality rate of COVID-19 has declined since January, though there are still dozens of COVID deaths per week.

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Peterborough Public Health Offers Workplace Guidance As Restrictions Loosen

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) recommends that workplaces continue vaccination-related measures as provincial public health regulations ease announced Monday.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

PPH urges the measures to continue to protect employees, patrons and all vulnerable residents from spreading COVID-19.

These measures include maintaining workplace vaccination policies and supporting businesses continuing vaccination proof requirements. Masking in public settings remains mandatory in Ontario.

“The loosening of provincial public health measures signals that we have reached a turning point of this pandemic such that our health system is not at risk of being overwhelmed,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still very much present in our community and transmission is still occurring. It is up to us as individuals and as a community to protect those at greatest risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19. Luckily, we have the tools available to do this.”

He noted that high vaccination rates continue to be the most important ways to prevent COVID-19 and is recommending for all workplaces and organizations to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy.

According to PPH, emerging evidence indicates that three doses of an mRNA vaccine is 60 per cent effective at reducing transmission and 90 per cent effective at reducing mortality from COVID-19 while simultaneously reducing the severity of illness and hospitalization.

PPH urges workplaces to require employees to have three doses. The Verify Ontario app is still available and the Ontario government will continue to provide access to COVID-19 vaccination certificates with a QR code.

Employees and patrons must wear a mask in public indoor spaces, including:

• public spaces (for example, inside stores, event spaces, entertainment facilities and common areas in hotels)

• workplaces, even those that are not open to the public

• vehicles that operate as part of a business or organization, including taxis and rideshares

“There isn’t a silver bullet or quick fix that will end this pandemic – it will be a series of public health measures implemented over a period time that will reduce the spread of the virus,” explained Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Wearing a tight-fitting mask when you are in indoor public places is one way though, that we can slow the spread of the virus.”

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Public Health Measures Eased as Ontario Moves to Next Reopening Phase

Ontario has removed proof of vaccination and indoor capacity limits for all public settings while maintaining mask mandates that took effect on Monday.

Indoor settings including restaurants were operating at half capacity since Feb. 17. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

“Local businesses and public facilities have done an amazing job for nearly two years implementing the public health measures needed to help keep our community safe,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “While most public health measures are no longer mandatory by law, we encourage residents to be kind and understanding as local businesses and facilities adapt to the relaxation of public health measures and determine whether they will choose to maintain any measures to provide enhanced protection for staff and patrons.”

Some businesses and organizations can optionally continue the requirements depending on their needs. Proof of vaccine may still be needed to access participating indoor facilities and businesses.

Peterborough Public Health is advising residents to have their enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code on hand and to check in advance for what public health requirements are still in place before visiting a public or private setting.

“Wearing a tightly-fitted mask will be important to protect yourself and others, as businesses and organizations return to full capacity,” said Ingram. “The bottom line is, COVID-19 is still present in our community.”

All residents are also reminded to self-screening and stay home when you are sick, even with mild symptoms. For more information about COVID-19 public health measures, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid19.

The following changes to public health and workplace safety measures are in effect as of March 1.

• capacity limits have been lifted in all indoor public settings

• proof of vaccination requirements have been lifted

  • businesses and organizations may choose to require proof of vaccination upon entry

• other protective measures, such as mask/face covering requirements and passive screening of patrons remain in place

• businesses and organizations that are open must continue to have safety plans in place

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Peterborough Public Health Warns Public of Increased Suspected Opioid Poisonings

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has detected increases in Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service from possible opioid poisonings.

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“Peterborough Public Health has seen an unusual increase in opioid-related harms,” said Jocelyn Qualtrough, PPH health promoter. “We have been communicating with partners and now we are reaching out to the public as part of our enhanced response in hopes to prevent further harm for the community.”

Six unique overdose-related incidents for which medical attention was sought, including Emergency Department Visits and Paramedic Calls for Service on Tuesday.

In the last week, there have been 13 overdose-related emergency department visits and ten opioid-related paramedic calls for service. Due to this increase, Peterborough Public Health is issuing a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harm in the community.

For the prevention of drug-related harms, Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

• Do not use drugs alone.

• If using with a friend, do not use at exactly the same time.

• If using alone, have a plan. Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone starts to show signs of an overdose and/or cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

Peterborough Public Health encourages everyone to recognize the signs of opioid overdose and know what to do:

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Cannot wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

“Recognize the signs of opioid overdose,” said Qualtrough. “If an overdose is witnessed, call 911, give naloxone and stay with that person until help arrives.”

Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

PPPH is also encouraging members of the public to use the recently launched ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. This tool is an anonymous survey to report overdose incidents and harms in the community.

Any information shared through the survey supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing overdoses in the Peterborough Area.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit PPH’s website and search for “Opioids.”

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Youth Aged 12 - 17 Are Now Eligible For Booster COVID-19 Vaccines

Starting Friday, residents aged 12-17 years are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster dose at a date that is at least six months after their second dose was received. Residents must be at least 12 years of age to book a booster dose appointment.

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At this time, residents 12-17 years of age who require a booster dose are asked to book an appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system. Appointments can be booked:

•  Over the phone by calling 1-833-943-3900 or,

•  Online at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

Residents can still receive a COVID-19 vaccine from participating pharmacies. Pharmacy locations can be found on the provincial webpage at https://covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.

“Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are no longer enough to prevent infection,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “We are seeing that three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are more effective at reducing a person’s risk of hospitalization. It is also more effective at preventing infection altogether.”

Peterborough Public Health will continue to host COVID-19 vaccine clinics throughout Peterborough County and City. Dr. Piggott encourages residents to review the COVID-19 vaccine clinic calendar to find a location near them

“The clinic calendar contains information on the COVID-19 vaccine clinics that we are hosting. We encourage residents to view the eligibility criteria and booking details for a clinic before attending,” said Dr. Piggott.

The COVID-19 vaccine clinic calendar can be found on the Peterborough Public Health webpage at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics

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Ontario To Ease COVID Restrictions Starting Thursday Eliminate Vaccine Passport As Of March

During Monday mornings announcement Doug Ford stated that the Ontario Government plans to lift capacity limits in indoor settings beginning this week and will scrap the province’s proof-of-vaccination system on March 1.

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Starting Feb. 17, capacity limits will be lifted in all settings where proof of vaccination is required, including restaurants, gyms, and cinemas.

Seating capacity at sports arenas, concert venues, and theatres will be increased to 50 per cent on Thursday and the province will also begin allowing larger social gatherings of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, including grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, and malls, will be maintained or increased to the number of people who can stay two metres apart.

On March 1, the province said remaining capacity limits will be removed in all indoor settings and the government will no longer require people to show proof of vaccination to enter non-essential businesses. Businesses may still choose to require proof of vaccination.

Masking rules will remain in effect but the province said a specific timeline for lifting masking mandates will be released at a later date.

The province also confirmed that it will be expanding booster dose eligibility to you aged 12 to 17 starting at 8 a.m. on Friday.

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Ontario Government Expands Access For Free Home Rapid Tests In Grocery Stores and Pharmacies

The Ontario government is expanding access to free rapid antigen testing kits to the public for home use at grocery stores and pharmacies.

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The expanded access began on Wednesday. Roughly 44 million test kits over the next two months to over 2,300 pharmacies and grocery stores with over five million tests will be distributed weekly throughout the province.

MPP Dave Smith warns that the rapid test measures if you have Covid at that particular point in time and not a certainty for the same result in the next few days.

“The rapid test may come back negative today and that just means you don’t have Covid right now,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Doesn’t mean you’re Covid-free two or three days from now. Don’t use it as that safety guard that you can go visit someone else, use it as a diagnostic tool when you have symptoms.

Box sets of five rapid tests will be given to each household per visit while supplies last. There is no purchase necessary to obtain the free tests.

Some stores may include rapid tests as part of their regular delivery service with a purchase from their respective businesses.

The following are a list of locations for free rapid tests:

City of Peterborough

• Charlotte Care Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy, 100-270 Charlotte St.

• Costco Pharmacy, 485 The Parkway

• Morello’s Your Independent Grocer Peterborough, 400 Lansdowne St. E.

• Lansdowne Pharmacy, 196 Lansdowne St. E.

• Metro, 1154 Chemong Rd.

• Real Canadian Superstore, 769 Borden Ave.

• Rexall, 85 George St. N.

• Rexall, 1154 Chemong Rd.

• Sherbrooke Heights Pharmacy, 1625 Sherbrooke St. W.

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 1875 Lansdowne St. W.

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 741 Lansdowne St. W.

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 250 Charlotte St.

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 971 Chemong Rd.

• Sobeys, 1200 Lansdowne St. W.

• Sobeys, 501 Towerhill Rd.

• The Clinic Pharmacy Rx, 26 Hospital Dr.

• Walmart, 1002 Chemong Rd.

• Walmart, 950 Lansdowne Street W.

County of Peterborough

• Village Pharmacy, 135 Queen St., Lakefield

• Keene Drug Mart, 1105 Heritage Line, Keene

• Centennial Family Pharmacy, 2375 County Rd. 45, Norwood

City of Kawartha Lakes

• Village Gate Pharm-Rx, 101 East St. S., Bobcaygeon

• Fenelon Falls Pharmacy, 53 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls

• MacArthur Drugs, 21 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls

• Sobeys, 15 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls

• Food Basics, 363 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Kawartha Lakes Pharmasave, 4A-55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay

• Loblaws, 400 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Pharmasave Integrated Care Pharmacy, 10 Moose Rd., Lindsay

• Remedy’s Rx On Kent, 108 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Rexall Pharma Plus, 401 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• RX Drug Mart Lindsay, 51 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 343 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 74 Kent St. W., Lindsay

• Little Britain Pharm, 415 Eldon Rd., Little Britain

• Kinmount Pharmacy, 503-31 County Rd., Kinmount

Northumberland County

• Brighton Clinic Pharmacy, 4 5-46 Prince Edward St., Brighton

• Pharma Plus, 1 Main St., Brighton

• Sobeys, 14 Main St., Brighton

• Maclaren Pharmacy, 79 Bridge St. E., Campbellford

• Rx Drug Mart Campbellford, 16 Grand Rd., Campbellford

• Cobourg Care Pharmacy, 5A-609 William St., Cobourg

• Cobourg Pharmacy, 6A-9 Elgin St. E., Cobourg

• Metro, 1111 Elgin St. W., Cobourg

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 270 Spring St., Cobourg

• Walmart, 73 Strathy Rd., Cobourg

• York Super Pharmacy, 500 Division St., Cobourg

• Davis’ Your Independent Grocer, 20 Jocelyn Rd., Port Hope

• Food Basics, 125 Hope St. S., Port Hope

• Health Centre Pharmacy, 5-15 Henderson St., Port Hope

• Warkworth Pharmacy, 26 Main St., Warkworth

 Haliburton County

• Todd’s Your Independent Grocer Haliburton, 5121 Country Rd. 21, Haliburton

• Rexall, 224 Highland St., Haliburton

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 186 Highland St., Haliburton

• Highland Remedy Rx, 33 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden

• Minden Pharmacy, 110 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden

Hastings County

• North Hastings Family Pharmacy, 217 Hastings St. N., Bancroft

• Shoppers Drug Mart, 118 Hastings St. N., Bancroft

• Johnston’s Pharmacy, 6 Front St. E., Hastings

• Johnston’s Pharmacy, 57 St. Lawrence St. E., Madoc

• Marmora Pharmacy, 38 Forsyth St., Marmora

• Nickle’s Pharmacy, 26 Forsyth St., Marmora

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