Campbellford Memorial Hospital Applying Additional Visitor Restrictions In Response to COVID-19 Outbreak

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With continuing challenges by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak within their Inpatient Unit (IPU), Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) is adding additional measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients, staff and visitors effective immediately.

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Further restrictions are applied to visitation to the Inpatient Unit. Until further notice, only one individual, classified by the patient as an essential caregiver, will be permitted to visit patients in the Inpatient Unit.

The hospital considers caregivers as individuals crucial to the patient's well-being, providing support that contributes to their assessment, diagnosis, physical and mental health during their hospital stay. These individuals offer ongoing support to the patient and are likely to continue assisting in discharge. Caregivers will have access to patients during evenings, weekends, and other times when they desire their presence. 

Exceptions to this policy will be considered for palliative patients, subject to approval from the IPU manager or Chief Nursing Executive (CNE).

“We understand that these measures may cause inconvenience, but the safety of our patients and the community remains our top priority," said Heather Campbell, VP of Patient Care. "We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our patients, their families, and the broader community as we continue to respond to this outbreak.”

Services in the Emergency Department remain unaffected by this outbreak and community members in need of emergency care should not hesitate to seek assistance.

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PRHC Closing COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic March 31; Alternative Assessment and Treatment Available

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With declining patient volumes and a shift from acute crisis management to an integrated chronic approach for treating COVID-19, the Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s (PRHC) COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic (previously the COVID-19 Assessment Centre) will close on March 31.

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PRHC’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre opened in April 2020 to respond to the community need for COVID- 19 assessment and testing. Since then, it has provided safe and timely access to PCR testing, clinical assessments by nurses, paramedics and physicians, and treatment for COVID-19.

In December 2022, the clinic expanded its services to provide assessment, testing and treatment for patients with respiratory symptoms, including COVID-19, cold and flu.

“The work done to launch and operate PRHC’s COVID, Cold and Flu Clinic over the last three years represents a truly community effort, with a number of healthcare partners coming together to make this service possible for patients,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC’s current Chief of Staff and incoming President & CEO. “I am incredibly proud of the work of this clinic, and I want to thank everyone who has been involved in its success – including every physician and staff member who stepped forward to provide their service and support at a very challenging and uncertain time for all of us.”

The Assessment Centre will remain open through to March 31. After this date, community members are encouraged to take advantage of one or more of the following services:

  • Primary care provider (family doctor)

  • For those individuals without a primary care provider, visit PRHC's website to see a list of care alternatives in the community for unattached patients.

  • Call 811 or visit the Health811 website for safe, high-quality care from a registered nurse.

  • Visit a local pharmacy. Many prescribe and dispense Paxlovid and offer onsite PCR and rapid testing.
    As respiratory illnesses continue to circulate in the region, vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against viruses. All approved COVID-19 vaccines used in Canada are effective at helping to protect against severe illness, including hospitalization and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines remain available to the public through Peterborough Public Health and participating pharmacies.

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Campbellford Hospital Situation Reaches Lowest Point After Oct. 27 Outbreak

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The COVID-19 outbreak first declared on Oct. 27 has reached its lowest point at the Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) with the South Wing of the Inpatient Unit having been declared over, announced on Tuesday.

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Visitor restrictions remain in place until the outbreak on the East Wing is lifted. Due to continued capacity issues and difficulties in isolating COVID positive patients, the Endoscopy Surgical Suite remains closed until further notice as the Day Surgery area remains repurposed as patient rooms to help alleviate capacity pressures on the Inpatient Unit.

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David Tuan Bui


Electric City Culture Council Cancels Upcoming Artsvote Meeting

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The Electric City Culture Council (EC3) has cancelled the Artsvote Peterborough candidates meeting for this Tuesday due to COVID-19.

Open Mic poetry at the Silver Bean Café on May 4. Photo courtesy of EC3 and Andy Carroll.

This decision comes as Peterborough Public Health raised the COVID-19 Risk Index to ‘very high’ on Wednesday and recommends people avoid indoor social gatherings.

EC3 staff are currently dealing with COVID-19-related illnesses.

Due to the nature of the event, where the public and candidates sit together face-to-face to have discussions, EC3 says they felt it is best to make this call.

EC3 and the Artsvote Peterborough Coalition are currently developing an alternate plan for candidates to speak on these important issues, with more details to come.

The Electric City Culture Council is a not-for-profit organization supporting the arts and culture community in Peterborough.

They provide strategic leadership, research, grants, professional development and partnerships that build and strengthen the arts sector in our community.

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Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 Risk Index Moves to High

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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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“We are seeing high rates of COVID-19 circulating in our community,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “However, COVID-19 is not the only respiratory illness that has started to circulate. We know that COVID-19 measures can protect us against respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza and it’s important that we get back to the basics to prevent further transmission.”

Public health is detecting an increase in all indicators including wastewater data, PCR test positivity, RAT count, case rate and hospitalizations.

In the last week, four COVID-19 related deaths were reported.

Current PPH guidance under the high level is to wear a mask for interactions with people outside of your household, limit indoor social gatherings and avoid high-risk settings.

Individuals who are at higher risk, such as those not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, older adults (60+) and immunocompromised individuals are especially encouraged to take additional precautions, such as wearing a mask for all interactions with people outside of your household and avoiding indoor social gatherings.

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Felicia Massey


Canada Removing COVID-19 Border and Travel Measures For October 1

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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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David Tuan Bui


Children Ages 5-11 Eligible for COVID-19 Booster Dose

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The provincial government announced that children aged 5-11 are now eligible for a third dose (first booster) of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Wednesday.

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To be eligible, children must have received their second dose at least 6 months (168 days) prior to receiving the third dose. Any child with immunocompromising conditions is now eligible for a fourth dose (first booster).

Proof of eligibility is required at their appointment. A referral form from a health care provider or proof of prescription medication can be accepted. Eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines is based on birth year.

The provincial booking system will have appointments available for children aged 5-11 for the PPH COVID-19 Vaccination clinic. It is located on the lower level of Peterborough Square at 340 George St.

PPH encourages anyone to review their immunization schedule and clinic calendar for updates on eligibility and appointment availability. COVID-19 vaccine appointments can be booked:

“With back to school around the corner, it is important to ensure all children are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. “As a reminder, it takes approximately 14 days for a dose to take full effect. Getting the vaccine now will provide an additional layer of protection for children returning to school in September.”

For more information visit the PPH youth and COVID-19 vaccine webpage.

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Five Day Isolation No Longer Necessary For COVID Positive Ontarians

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Ontarians that test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days and instead are advised to isolate until their fever has cleared and symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours.

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This announced was made on Wednesday by Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore at a press briefing.

“The main guidance now for the fall has to apply to all respiratory illnesses. So we need to have an approach that will decrease the transmission of RSV, influenza and COVID,” Moore said.

Moore noted that the ‘general advice’ is to stay at home when sick with any sort of virus or sickness.

He also highlighted that this news applies to the general public but for those working and living in high-risk facilities like long-term care and acute care facilities a ten day isolation period will still be in effect.

Moore confirmed at the press briefing that this announcement means those testing positive for COVID-19 can return to school or work if they are no longer experiencing symptoms, but individuals should continue to wear a mask in public for ten days from symptom onset.

He also noted that with a return to school and weather changing, Ontario is entering respiratory virus season.

Proper handwashing, improved ventilation in schools and workplaces and increased precautions should help prevent all respiratory viruses.

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Peterborough COVID-19 Risk Index Remains in “Moderate”

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Peterborough’s COVID-19 Risk Index remains in the “Moderate” level this week as reported by Peterborough Public Health (PPH) on Thursday.

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“I am cautiously optimistic to see that transmission is remaining steady,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “However, with colder weather around the corner, we anticipate transmission will increase as more people are gathering indoors.”

Dr. Piggott is reminding residents to revisit COVID-19 prevention measures to protect themselves against the virus.

“Let’s get back to the basics,” he said. “Mask use, outdoor gatherings, staying home when you are sick and staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines continue to be very effective tools to keep you safe against COVID-19.”

Dr. Piggott emphasized the importance of the Local COVID-19 Risk Index as a tool to help individuals make personal decisions about their health. Current guidance recommended under the “Moderate” level is to:

  • wear a mask in high-risk indoor settings or when interacting with high-risk individuals

  • limit indoor social gatherings to no more than 25 people, and

  • limit attendance at high-risk indoor settings

Increased precautions are important for those at risk of severe disease including those not yet vaccinated, with medical risk factors for severe disease, immunocompromised states and the elderly according to PPH.

Dr. Piggott emphasized the importance of remaining up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations.

“The COVID-19 vaccine remains the best protection against severe disease related to a COVID-19 infection,” explained Dr. Piggott. “At this time, residents six months of age and older can walk in for their COVID-19 vaccines at the Peterborough Public Health COVID-19 vaccine clinic.”

For COVID-19 vaccine eligibility guidance and clinic calendar and clinic location, visit PPH’s website.

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Ontario Launches Its "Plan to Catch Up" After Two Pandemic-Disrupted Years of Education

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After COVID-19 disrupted the last two years of education, the Government of Ontario launched its ‘Plan to Catch Up’ for the 2022-23 school year to return students to a full curriculum and experience announced on Monday.

Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes (left) with Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae (right) as Hon. Stephen Leece, Minister of Education at Viola Desmond Public School’s library. Screenshot.

In attendance to make the announcement were Ajax MPP Patrice Barnes, Perth - Wellington MPP Matthew Rae and Minister of Education, Hon. Stephen Leece at Viola Desmond Public School in Ajax.

Students can engage in extracurriculars like clubs, band and field trips with the plan according to Leece.

“Our government is looking ahead as we remain squarely focused on ensuring students receive the best stable learning experience possible and that starts with them being in class, on time, with all of the experiences students deserve,” said Lecce. “We have a plan for students to catch up including the largest tutoring program in Ontario’s history, a modernized skills-focused curriculum to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, and enhanced mental health supports.”

Ontario’s ‘Plan to Catch Up’ is comprised of five key components:

  1. Getting kids back in classrooms in September, on time, with a full school experience that includes extra-curriculars like clubs, band and field trips

  2. New tutoring supports to fill gaps in learning;

  3. Preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow;

  4. Providing more money to build schools and improve education; and

  5. Helping students with historic funding for mental health supports.

According to a press release, the government has made key investments that students and educators are already benefiting from, including:

  • More than $26.6 billion in funding for the 2022-23 school year, the highest investment in public education in Ontario’s history.

  • Investing more than $175 million for enhanced tutoring support programs delivered by school boards and community partners, with a focus on reading, writing and math.

  • $304 million in time-limited funding to support the hiring of up to 3,000 frontline staff, including teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, and other education workers.

  • Investing $14 billion to build state-of-the-art schools and classrooms and renew and repair existing schools, including $2.1 billion for the 2022-23 school year.

  • Allocating $90 million for mental health initiatives and supports for students, a 420 per cent increase from 2017-18.

  • Additional funding to support students with exceptionalities through a $93 million increase in funding for the Special Education Grant and over $9 million in funding to support the new de-streamed grade nine program, with an emphasis on supporting students most at risk including students from racialized, Black, immigrant and Indigenous communities.

“With almost 50,000 children benefiting from Ontario’s tutoring investments every week, and summer learning programs underway province-wide, Ontario’s plan is getting students back on track,” said Lecce. “With an emphasis on getting back to basics, our government is focused on strengthening life and job skills in the classroom, so that students graduate as financially literate, technologically savvy, emotionally intelligent leaders, ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”

The full ‘Plan to Catch Up’ can be found online.

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