Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Risk Index Moves to High
/Peterborough Public Health (PHH) has reported that their Local COVID-19 Risk Index has moved from “moderate” to “high” on Wednesday.
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Peterborough Blogs
Locally Made Docuseries of Concussion Awareness Released for Rowan's Law Day
/In honour of Rowan’s Law Day to raise concussion awareness, local man Ryan Sutton and project leader Seth Mendelsohn have released a docuseries, ‘Recognize, Remove, Manage, Prevent’ for Peterborough schools and the general public on Wednesday.
Erica Evans, Trent University women’s field lacrosse head coach (pictured) is one of several Peterborough figures featured in the docuseries. Photo courtesy of PACA.
Rowan’s Law Day is named after Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old rugby player who died in May 2013 from sustaining multiple head injuries.
The docuseries was created just under two years ago where the title focuses on four key pillars of a concussion. All Peterborough schools within the Catholic and public school boards are It was created by Peterborough Athletics Concussion Awareness (PACA).
It is directed toward parents with children in sports, coaches, healthcare providers and anyone associated with youth sports.
The docuseries is focused on the Peterborough area with testimonials from local athletes, coaches and healthcare professionals. However, it is relevant to anyone involved in youth sport.
Mendelsohn and Sutton were former youth athletes. Both had suffered concussions at young ages and had to cope with their injuries growing up.
“We started to learn that although we both sustained concussions, both in high school, both from sports, the way they both presented each other was very different,” said Sutton. “Concussions are all unique to each person who sustains so that’s another thing that we always try and highlight. Just because someone sustained it in one way and maybe they recovered very quick, it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be like that for everybody.”
They created the docuseries roughly two years ago to provide free, accessible educational and awareness resources to understand how to recognize a concussion, what to do if you suspect one has occurred, how to manage its symptoms and ways to prevention.
Sutton has had eight concussions with five before the age of 20 and three in high school.
“As a young person going through the injury, you don’t really understand what’s fully happening,” he explained. “You don’t grasp the full scope of the injury itself and it’s really hard to navigate through social situations when you’re not feeling like yourself, you’re not feeling like being capable of being there even though you look like you’re able to be there.”
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Pfizer Vaccine Now Available to Children Ages Six Months to Five Years Old
/The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be available across Ontario for all children aged six months to five years old according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).
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The announcement was by the provincial government made on Sunday. This is a three-dose primary series with recommended intervals of two months (56 days) between each of the three doses according to PPH.
“Health Canada’s approval means that the vaccine is safe, effective, high-quality, and will ensure that these children are also protected from severe illness,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health.
They recommended that no other vaccine, unless urgently required, should be given within 14 days of receiving a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Ontario Government is discouraging the mixing of vaccine brands at this time for this age group.
Any child who receive the Pfizer vaccine must receive all three doses in order to complete their primary series. Parents and caregivers request a vaccine brand at PPH’s clinic but receive whichever vaccine is available.
Dedicated vaccination clinics for these children are offered at the Peterborough Square (lower level of 340 George St N.) clinic.
One-hour underground parking is available for residents attending the clinic. The PPH immunization schedule and clinic calendar are available for updates on eligibility and appointment availability.
Parents and caregivers are can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for children:
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
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Canada Removing COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures For October 1
/The federal government is removing COVID-19 entry restrictions to anyone entering Canada beginning on Oct. 1, announced on Monday.
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Any testing, quarantine and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada are being scrapped.
“We have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border,” said Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos,
minister of health. “However, we expect COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses will continue to circulate over the cold months so I encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination including booster doses and exercise individual public health measures.”
The government’s decision to lift restrictions was due to several factors including indications of Canada largely passed the peak of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 wave, Canada’s high vaccination rates, lower hospitalization and death rates, high availability and use of vaccine boosters, rapid tests and treatments for COVID-19.
“Canada’s travel measures successfully mitigated the full impact of COVID-19 for travellers and workers in the transportation sector, and helped keep communities safe,” said Hon. Omar Alghabra,
minister of transport.
“Since the start, our Government has taken the necessary steps to keep Canadians safe in the face of a global pandemic,” said Hon. Marco Mendicino, minister of public safety. “COVID-19 border measures were always meant to be temporary and we are making adjustments based on the current situation because that’s what Canadians expect.”
Starting on Oct. 1, all travellers, regardless of citizenship, will no longer have to:
submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website;
provide proof of vaccination;
undergo pre- or on-arrival testing;
carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation;
monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving in Canada.
Transport Canada is also removing existing travel requirements for the date mentioned above as travellers will no longer be required to:
undergo health checks for travel on air and rail; or
wear masks on planes and trains.
Anyone who entered Canada two weeks prior to Oct. 1 is not required to complete the remainder of their quarantine or isolation or complete their testing requirements.
Despite the lifted masking requirement, The Government of Canada strongly recommended that all travellers wear high-quality and well-fitted masks while travelling.
Cruise measures are also being lifted, and travellers will no longer be required to have pre-board tests, be vaccinated or use ArriveCAN. A set of guidelines will remain to protect passengers and crew, which will align with the approach used in the United States.
The federal government urges anyone to not travel if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you become sick while travelling and are still sick prior to arrival, inform a flight attendant, cruise staff or a border services officer when entering Canada. A quarantine officer could be referred to and decides whether the traveller needs further medical assessment as COVID-19 remains one of many communicable diseases listed in the Quarantine Act.
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Peterborough Public Health Reports First Influenza Case of the Season; Flu Shots Available This Fall
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has reported the first confirmed case of influenza in our region announced on Wednesday.
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This year’s case comes significantly earlier than those identified prior to the pandemic according to PPH. They reported the first confirmed case of the 2018-19 flu season on Dec. 3 and Nov. 1 in the following year.
“We are seeing a very early start to the season and want to caution our community that a confirmed case typically indicates that influenza is already transmitting,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “Following trends from the southern hemisphere, we anticipate that influenza will make a strong resurgence this season. We strongly encourage residents to follow guidance to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19. This includes getting vaccinated with the flu shot when it becomes available this fall and checking the COVID-19 risk index and guidance regularly.”
The flu shot will be available later this fall and is free to all eligible residents. Residents over the age of six months are eligible for the flu shot when available.
“Like COVID-19, the influenza vaccine is very important for preventing severe symptoms related to the viral infection,” said Dr. Piggott. “We are strongly encouraging those with weaker immune systems, those who are pregnant, older adults, young children and caregivers of these individuals to receive their flu shot this fall.”
Residents over five years are reminded by PPH that the influenza vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered. There is no specific time interval that is required to wait between doses.
Dr. Piggott says residents that COVID-19 prevention measures are also effective at preventing an influenza infection. PPH encourages residents to,
Get the flu shot when it becomes available
Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 and other routine vaccines
Follow risk guidance measures recommended in the Local COVID-19 Risk Index
Wear a tightly fitting N95/KN95 mask to prevent transmission in higher risk and indoor settings, when the risk index advises
Be mindful of indoor air ventilation, and open windows, run HVAC regularly and otherwise improve indoor air ventilation
Stay home if you are 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
Peterborough’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index is moderate.
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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert After Higher Number Reported Incidents
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings announced on Wednesday afternoon.
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PPH detected a higher than usual number of drug-related Emergency Department Visits on Tuesday.
There was a total of five drug-related poisonings that were treated by the emergency department according to PPH. They suspect it as a result of an opiate product with an increased level of toxicity. The number of emergency department visits has prompted PPH to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community.
“Peterborough Public Health has detected an increase in opioid-related harms,” said Joscelyn Qualthrough, PPH health promoter. “this is thought to be a result of a product recently sold as fentanyl which may be contaminated with toxic substances of inconsistent or increased potency.”
PPH is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances. Even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone if necessary as it may improve breathing but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.
“If you use substances, do not use drugs alone. Have a plan,” said Qualthrough. “Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Prevention Line at 1-888-688-6677. If you use with a friend, do not use it at the exact same time and always carry a Naloxone kit.”
If you use drugs, PPH recommends that you:
Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe St., open 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., seven days/week.
If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.
Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 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 cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.
PPH 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
Can’t wake the person up
Deep snoring or gurgling sounds
Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped
Pupils are very small
If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the 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.
Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be found by clicking here.
For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.
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A Second EarSense Location In Peterborough Allows Audiologist Judy Keith To Reach More Patients
/With over 30 years of experience under her belt, Dr. of Audiology Judy Keith is back in Peterborough and ready to serve new or returning clients, to help them stay connected to their world through hearing.
Photo by Luke Best.
Having recently opened a second location, EarSense is now ready to serve patients on Lansdowne Street West, and continue serving clients at their East City location.
“We are so happy to be here in Peterborough,” said Keith. “This location will mean that we can reach more of our patients, and make it easier for them to get to us.”
Keith will spend her time between both locations, as will Stephen Ward, a board certified Hearing Instrument Specialist.
Together they strive to provide their clients with compassionate care and the knowledge they need to maintain healthy hearing.
EarSense can provide patients with audiologic assessments for all ages including pediatric care, hearing aid prescription, fitting, service and repairs. Counseling, tinnitus therapy, industrial testing, ear wax removal, custom ear protection (Industrial, Noise, Music), battery sales, assistive listening devices (TV, Phone, Alarms) and home visits.
Their new location features state of the art equipment that, with Keith and Ward’s experience and knowledge, will offer clients the best treatment possible.
“Once a person takes action to address hearing loss they sometimes have to decide to invest in hearing aids, which can be quite a costly thing sometimes,” said Keith. “Our goal is to make sure they are delighted with that investment - because it’s an investment of their time and their money.”
EarSense’s new location is located at 999 Lansdowne St. W.
Ontarians 70 And Older Now Eligible For New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shot
/The provincial government announced that the new Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available to eligible Ontario residents on Monday.
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For the highest risk, the eligibility requirements starting Sept 12 include:
Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1952 or before)
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults (18+) and household members (18+)
Health Care Providers (18+)
Individuals who are pregnant (18+)
Individuals living in long term care, congregate settings, retirement homes and elder care lodges
Immunocompromised individuals (12+)
The Moderna Bivalent vaccine has been adapted from the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to target the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant.
All residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Bivalent vaccine on Sept 26.
Those eligible are encouraged to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving the bivalent vaccine.
Residents can book 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.
International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Commemorates Addicts; Bring Awareness and Reduce Stigma Of Addiction
/An International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost to drug overdose was held by Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday afternoon.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
