Stay The Heck Home, Mayor Therrien Says, Declaring State Of Emergency For Peterborough

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“Stay the heck home Peterborough.” That’s the message from Mayor Therrien, who along with Peterborough County, declared a State of Emergency on Monday (March 23rd).

The declaration was made after careful consideration of the increasing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding need for people to take necessary precautions. This decision follows declarations made by the Province of Ontario for the entire province as well as numerous other municipalities that have declared local states of emergency.

Mayor Therrien declaring State of Emergency

“By declaring an emergency, we are clearly stating as a community that our efforts are focused on the COVID-19 pandemic for the health and safety of everyone,” says Therrien.

“For the safety of yourself and everyone, you need to stay home except for essential outings, follow social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of illness; and if you’re asked to self-isolate—you must do so. If you have returned from travel outside of Canada, you are, and everyone you live with is, required to self-isolate for 14 days. Refusing to do so is irresponsible and places our community at increased risk. Do your part to flatten the curve.”

The declaration of an emergency is available to municipalities under the Provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It may provide access to provincial funding for actions related to the emergency and relief, should funding become available.

EMERGENCY SERVICES CONTINUE TO OPERATE

Emergency services including Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Fire Services, and Peterborough County-City Paramedics continue to operate. The City continues to provide core services with some adjusted service levels.

For questions about COVID-19, people are encouraged to refer to health officials for up-to-date, reliable information. Peterborough Public Health provides information and links to provincial and federal resources at peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Cavan FC Players Are Keeping The Ball Moving In Awesome Way To Stay United During Social Distancing

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Liz Shaughnessy, who coaches in the Cavan FC league near Peterborough, got to thinking there must be a great way to galvanize all the Cavan FC players in this COVID-19 social distancing phase.

So to lift their spirits—and in lieu of doing laps—she put out a call to send her videos of how they were keeping the ball moving as a Keep The Ball Moving Challenge.

Coach Liz

“I expected a few video submissions to be sent to me but not the one hundred and fifty plus I received,” Coach Liz tells PTBOCanada.

“What I was reminded of is that your sports teams are part of your family and we are all missing each other right now in this normally busy pre-season!”

Coach Liz says the video submissions weren’t just from the soccer players. “We had some moms, dads, siblings of players—even a dog—get in on the action. And several of our men and women’s team players participated as well.”

We love this video so much—try not to smile as you watch it.

Watch it on YouTube below and share on Facebook…

When Coach Liz put out a call to all Cavan FC players to keep the ball moving she thought this was a fun way to unite our club but wasn't expecting over 150 ...

You can also watch it on Instagram here…

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How Community Can Support Patients & Frontline Healthcare Workers During COVID‐19 Crisis

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The PRHC Foundation has announced that effective immediately, anyone wishing to support Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) patients, frontline healthcare workers and staff during the COVID‐19 crisis can now do so with a dedicated donation.

PRHC Foundation President & CEO Lesley Heighway says that the COVID‐19 crisis will bring unprecedented challenges to PRHC. “Your hospital needs you now more than ever,” says Heighway. “We must ensure our frontline healthcare professionals and staff have the tools, technology and supports they need to care for their sickest patients—and themselves—during this difficult time.”

Photo via PRHC Foundation

With key needs ranging from lifesaving equipment and technology, to supports for patients and frontline healthcare workers and staff, critical funds are required now to ensure PRHC can respond quickly to their fast‐evolving needs as the impact of this virus is felt.

“PRHC’s expert healthcare professionals, staff and leaders are on the frontline of this crisis and they’re mobilizing,” adds Heighway. “They’re ramping up to ensure the right resources are in place, getting ready to take care of us and the people we love with the same expertise, compassion and dedication they demonstrate every day.”

“In the same way that PRHC’s teams are mobilizing to support you, we’re mobilizing now so we can be ready to support them as soon as help is needed,” she adds. “We must act quickly and do whatever we can to lessen the impact on our community, our hospital, its patients, and our frontline healthcare professionals. By making a donation and/or sharing a message of hope and thanks, you’ll be standing behind our frontline healthcare workers as they respond to the challenge ahead, helping to ease their burden.”

For more information or to donate over the phone, call (705) 876‐5000. To donate online, send a Grateful Hearts message, or send a message without a donation, visit prhcfoundation.ca. Donations will also be accepted by mail c/o PRHC Foundation, 1 Hospital Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7C6.

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An Enhanced COVID-19 Assessment System Has Been Launched in Peterborough Area

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Local healthcare partners have launched an improved way to assess and test residents for COVID-19 who live in the City and County of Peterborough, and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations.

The new model, developed in partnership by Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Peterborough Paramedics and Peterborough Public Health, now includes in-home assessment and testing for COVID-19 for residents who cannot travel to one of the existing assessment centres in Peterborough, or who should remain self-isolated.

Residents who have recently travelled and have symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath are asked to contact their doctor or nurse practitioner or consult with a nurse at Peterborough Public Health by calling 705-743-1000 or emailing covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Peterborough Public Health building

Based on the results of the screening, patients who require further assessment will either be referred to Peterborough Public Health for testing or to Peterborough Paramedics who will dispatch a special unit of paramedics to perform the testing in their home.

“We are very proud that our paramedics can now bring COVID-19 assessment and testing to residents in their homes upon referral by local healthcare providers,” says Randy Mellow, Chief of Peterborough Paramedics. “This new system will improve case detection while serving the needs of patients who are immobile or too sick to leave their homes.”

“I’m pleased that we’re able to activate this approach right as the first local cases are starting to make themselves known,” adds Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “I also want to remind people that 80 percent of people ill with COVID-19 can manage with self-care only and that not everyone will be tested.”

Residents who require urgent care, such as breathing difficulties, are asked to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the emergency department. Peterborough Regional Health Centre has set up an assessment centre on site to test people for COVID-19 by appointment only.

Those who are concerned about being exposed to COVID-19 are encouraged to take the online self-assessment tool for COVID-19 available at peterboroughpublichealth.ca entitled “Do I Have COVID-19?”

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A Porch Food Drive Launches As Peterborough Rallies Behind Kawartha Food Share

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A citywide food drive to restock the dwindling shelves at Kawartha Food Share has begun.

On Monday, March 23rd starting at 9 a.m., citizens throughout Peterborough (not Peterborough County at this time) are asked to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on their front porch to be picked up by volunteers.

This ask is made of anyone who is not ill or in self-isolation to leave a bag of non-perishable food items on your front porch that morning. Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers will drive around the city and collect the items, and deliver them to the warehouse.

Kawartha Food Share

The shelves at Kawartha Food Share are perilously low, and need to be restocked for those in need. Many people have stocked their pantries with ample stores of canned goods and washrooms with excess rolls of toilet paper. The idea is if we all give one bag back, we’ll be doing a little bit that will go a long way.

WHAT ORGANIZERS NEED

Please place one or two rolls of toilet paper in a ziplock bag if you have one, or another bag that keeps it separate. Add the TP to a larger bag of canned goods. Leave it at your door and volunteers will do the rest!

Helpful Items Include:

·      Canned tuna

·      Pasta and pasta sauce

·      Alphagetti, Kraft Dinner and Chef Boyardee, (things that are easy and that kids like)

·      Breakfast cereal – a lot of children will be without school breakfast programs for the foreseeable future

·      Peanut Butter – there are currently zero jars on the shelf

·      Any non-perishable fruit and vegetable items

·      Rice

·      Canned soup/stew

·      Feminine hygiene products

·      Baby formula

Kawartha Food Share

Consider Donating An Old Cellphone

 If you have an unused cellphone with a charger that you could donate, that would also be helpful. Greenwood Coalition is distributing cell phones to our vulnerable neighbours to keep an open channel of communication with people most in need.

As public buildings have closed, access to computers, internet and information is limited for many people. If we can provide a person with a free phone so they can text service providers (through free wifi), it is an important first step in making sure our neighbours are safe. If you can help, please leave the phone and charger in the donation bag and we’ll make sure it gets to Greenwood Coalition.

 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

* Our fellow citizens need to eat, we cannot abandon them. This method limits exposure for all, but still meets the needs of our most vulnerable.

* It is safer than shopping at a grocery store. There will be no face-to-face contact between those donating and those picking up.

* Volunteers will be on their own in their own vehicles. They will be wearing gloves and will observe all necessary and suggested safety protocols.

* The warehouse is empty of agencies on Monday afternoon. There will be limited staff to accept the donations.

*  If you are ill, please do not leave a bag outside of your home.

* Putting the toilet paper inside a ziplock bag minimizes touching of the product.

* This method limits the number of visitors to the Food Share warehouse, thus limiting exposure.

If you’re self-isolating, you can donate online here. If you’re a business and want to help for larger donations email here to arrange for a bulk pick up.

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The PTBOCanada Boredom Buster List

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Need a break from binge-watching the latest Netflix series and a reprieve from social media during this vital “social distancing” phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when you’re at home? Here are some ideas…

Cooking/Baking Since you’re not as rushed during meal times, take the time to make a twist on a normal meal with the kids. Just for fun, we followed this super simple recipe to make Baked French Toast. It turned out crispier and far tastier than the regular pan fried method.

Seeds Get a jump start on the season’s gardening. Even through Seedy Sunday was cancelled, you can still purchase seeds through many local vendors (and check out the seed swap page on Facebook).

Go for a hike Head to Jackson Park (and bring the pooch, if you have one) for some fresh air while still being able to socially distance yourself from everyone. Fresh air and some sunshine will really boost your mood. The Trans Canada Trail isn’t too icy, but grab your YakTracks for the side trails.

Restaurants/cafes Don’t forget to support local. You can purchase gift certificates from them for when they re-open, and many restaurants are still offering take-out/curb-side pickup as well as delivery.

Games Dust off those board games out of the closet for family night or test your memory by turning our Fun Facts About Peterborough into a quiz show.

To-Do List Check one thing off your Spring-To-Do list like finally clean out the garage or basement. You don’t have to go all Marie Kondo on your pantry, but purging is good for the soul.

Watch a locally made movie Check out local filmmaker Adriano Ferreri’s movie E.M.P. 333 Days on Amazon Prime.

What ideas can you add to the list? Go to our Facebook page post, or email us at tips@ptbocanada.com.

—by Evan Holt, PTBOCanada.com

 

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Restaurants & Cafes Are Making Amazing Donations To Kawartha Food Share During COVID-19

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Many local restaurants, cafes and other businesses have been donating to Kawartha Food Share in this time of crisis, as this powerful #caremongering phase shows the love and support this community is providing to each other.

Look at what Berc’s Steakhouse dropped off…

And Publican House…

And the Starbucks at Trent University…

And thanks to East City Coffee Shop, Kawartha Food Share is delivering these home fries down to their friends at One Roof to serve for dinner…

Shorelines Casino stepped up in a big way as well…

Many more are doing so as well! Well played Peterborough!!

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) Opens COVID-19 Assessment Centre, Will Move To Mobile Unit Soon

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To respond to the increasing need for COVID-19 assessment in Peterborough City and County, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has opened a COVID-19 Assessment Centre (the assessment centre will be moved to a mobile unit outside of the main hospital building on Monday, March 23rd).

If you suspect you might have COVID-19:

1. Complete the COVID-19 Self-Assessment on the Ontario.ca/coronavirus page

2. Based on the results of your self-assessment, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 x. 401

3. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your travel history and symptoms

HOW THE COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE AT PRHC WORKS

The Assessment Centre is currently located within a dedicated area inside the hospital’s Emergency Department at 1 Hospital Drive in Peterborough.

Assessments are available by appointment only after following the steps outlined above. Patients should attend the assessment centre only as directed by Peterborough Public Health or Telehealth Ontario. 

Members of the public who come to the Assessment Centre without an appointment will not be seen. 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT PRHC’s COVID-19 ASSESSMENT CENTRE

  • Patients who have had an assessment scheduled by Peterborough Public Health or Telehealth Ontario should present to the entrance of the Emergency Department at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time and follow the direction provided by the person screening patients and visitors.

  • Patients coming for assessment should clean their hands and apply a face mask as directed when entering the hospital. From there, they will be redirected to the COVID-19 assessment area, where hospital staff will complete the assessment. Testing will be administered according to Ministry of Health guidelines according to the results of the assessment; not all patients who are assessed will be tested for COVID-19.

  • Following their assessment, patients will be directed on next steps, which may include self-monitoring instructions, returning home to self-isolate while waiting for test results, or remaining in the Emergency Department for further assessment.

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StoosNews Spotlight: Check Out The Business Beat Featuring Watson & Lou, 100 Kids & More!

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PTBOCanada is delighted to to be running StooNews columns each week here, spotlighting new businesses and startups in Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Here is this week’s edition…

Thomas Elmourne recently launched his own company. Called LT Contracting and Services, Thomas specializes in repairs, renovations or installations of bathrooms, tile work, kitchens, drywall, painting, as well as building maintenance and cleaning. Thomas brings over 20 years of broad experience and covers Peterborough City and County. Call 705-772-1197.

100 Kids Peterborough was launched last week. The organization mirrors the 100 Women and 100 Men organizations, who both do great work supporting local charities and not for profits. Organizer Faith Dickenson and her advisory team want to build future leaders in the community by engaging young people between the ages of 5 and 13 in philanthropy. Check it out online at 100kidspeterborough.ca.

Watson and Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt recently introduced a cool new concept called an Economic Nutrition Label. Modelled after the typical nutrition label you’ll find on food packaging, the Economic Nutrition Label breaks down where the money goes when you buy something at their downtown store. It’s a great idea, that demonstrates the importance of buying locally… LoveLocalPtbo! Check it out at 383 Water Street or watsonandlou.com.

And congratulations to Seana Collins Mander and Marie Claire Ruttan, the owners of RMT Ptbo. Formerly 360 Wellness, the new location of the business is 150 Lansdowne Street, inside Fandango, across from TSC. They focus on expert, effective registered massage therapy care, through a clinical approach. They can also direct bill their clients and you can book your appointment online. Rmtptbo.ca

”Like” StoosNews page on Facebook here!

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UPDATED: The First Positive Case Of COVID-19 In The Peterborough Area Confirmed

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This is a developing story… Check back for updates.

[UPDATE (March 16): The confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with Trent University's Peterborough campus. Read the message sent to all students, faculty and staff by Trent President & Vice-Chancellor Leo Groarke here.]

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On Sunday (March 15th), Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health for Peterborough Public Health, confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19  in the Peterborough area. 

Peterborough Public Health reports that on March 12th, a male in his 30s presented himself at Peterborough Regional Health Centre's emergency department with a travel history to Spain and Portugal. As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was tested for COVID-19. The man was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where he remains with follow-up from Peterborough Public Health. The patient experienced fever, dry cough, and headache.

Peterborough Public Health is actively engaging in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and his close contacts.

“Having a confirmed case in our area is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus around the world,” says Dr. Salvaterra. “As a community and as a health system, we have been preparing for COVID-19. Hopefully this news about the first local case helps reinforce the importance of public health measures in place such as school closures and event cancellations, as well as personal precautions like social distancing and regular handwashing.”

HOW PRHC RESPONDED

"The team at PRHC responded quickly and professionally with the appropriate precautions and protocols to ensure the safety of those in the Emergency Department and the hospital," adds Dr. Lynn Mikula, Chief of Staff and Chief Medical Officer of PRHC.

"Beginning Monday, March 16th, patients and visitors will see additional active screening measures, limited hospital entry points and restrictions for visitors and volunteers, and we continue to ask people to delay coming to the hospital for any non-urgent appointments, procedures or visits. Thank you in advance to the people of our community and region for their cooperation and diligence, including practicing excellent hand cleaning and social distancing, as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our patients, visitors, healthcare professionals, staff and volunteers safe."

IMPORTANT: If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have recently travelled, contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 401 or covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For medical advice after these hours, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007).

Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you visited. If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them that you have a respiratory illness. If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

Visit peterboroughpublichealth.ca to learn more about COVID-19 and how you can prepare. Future positive cases of COVID-19 will be reported on www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca as well.  

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