Ontario To Introduce New Measures To Protect Those Living And Working In Long Term Care Homes

In response to the evolving Omicron situation, the Ontario government is taking further actions to protect the health and safety of residents, staff and caregivers in long-term care homes, these new actions will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

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“We know that long-term care residents face an increased risk of COVID-19. Given the high community infection rates we’re seeing with the Omicron variant, the time for more action is now,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Long-Term Care. “In addition to the steps we’ve already taken, these new temporary measures will help keep residents safe and help critical staff remain on the job.”

The government will closely monitor the situation in long-term care homes and continue to adjust measures as necessary to keep residents and staff safe.

Effective on Thursday:

• Access to long-term care homes by general visitors will be paused. Designated caregivers may continue to enter long-term care homes.

• Day absences for all residents for social purposes will be paused.

Earlier this month, the government put in place policies in long-term care homes designed to optimize safety for residents and staff, including the requirement that all general visitors need to be fully vaccinated to enter a home.

The province is also requiring all staff caring for a resident with a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 to wear a fit-tested, seal-checked N95 respirator. However, the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant will likely mean staff being exposed to or contracting COVID-19 in the community and more outbreaks in long-term care homes.

This means that it is imperative to keep COVID-19 out of homes wherever possible and prevent spread within homes, with the most important objective being the prevention of severe outcomes for residents and staff.

“I understand that these new, temporary measures will impact residents’ ability to have close contact with many of their friends and family members,” said Minister Phillips. “We must remain vigilant against the Omicron variant to protect long-term care residents and staff.”

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Peterborough Regional Health Centre Adds Three Extra Days For COVID-19 Testing Pop-Up Clinic

Three additional days of a COVID-19 testing pop-up clinic by Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Peterborough Public Health (PPH) have been scheduled at St. Peter’s Secondary School announced Tuesday.

PRHC had run the clinic from Dec. 23 to 25 however the demand for COVID-19 testing has been extremely high in the past few weeks due to the Omicron variant.

It continues to spread across Ontario and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area have increased significantly according to the PRHC.

The details for the pop-up testing location are as follows:

• Dates: Dec. 29 - 31

• Location: St. Peter Catholic Secondary School, 730 Medical Dr.

• Available by appointment only through this link: https://bit.ly/3spXWWM

Criteria for testing at this site:

• You have been identified as a high-risk contact and directed to receive testing by Peterborough Public Health, Public Health Ontario or Provincial Work Force

• You have COVID-19 symptoms

• You have received a positive result on a rapid antigen test

Additional appointments are now available at the pop-up testing clinic for December 29, 30 and 31.

— PRHC (@PRHC1) December 28, 2021

Testing services continue to be offered through PRHC’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre however demand continues to be extremely high as stated by PRHC. 

More information about booking a test through the COVID-19 Assessment Centre can be found here:
https://www.prhc.on.ca/about-us/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/getting-tested-for-covid19/

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Peterborough Public Health To Host Walk-In Vaccine Clinics For Anyone 70+

Peterborough Public Health will be hosting a walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic at the Healthy Planet Arena on two separate days for anyone 70 or older announced on Monday.

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Residents over the age of 80 can have their booster dose administered on Thursday. Anyone from the ages 70-79 is eligible for the clinic on Saturday.

“Older adults in our community are at a heightened risk for complications related to a COVID-19 infection compared to the younger population,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, medical officer of health. “It is very important that we provide these residents with every opportunity to receive a booster dose.”

“These clinics will be accepting walk-ins based on age criteria,” said Dr. Piggot. “However, our other booster dose clinics are still only accepting residents who have booked appointments at this time.”

Residents are encouraged to attend if they do not already have a COVID-19 vaccine appointment booked and have experienced barriers to booking an appointment with the provincial vaccine booking system.

The clinic details are as follows:

Dec. 30 for residents ages 80 years or older. These residents can walk in at a specific time of arrival based on the first letter of their last name.

• Last Name – A-J – arrive between 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Last Name – K-R – arrive between 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Last Name – P-Z – arrive between 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Jan. 1 for residents ages 70-79. These residents can walk in at a specific time of arrival based on the first letter of their last name.

• Last Name – A-J – arrive between 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Last Name – K-R – arrive between 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

• Last Name – P-Z – arrive between 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Residents are reminded that they must wait at least 84 days (12 weeks) after their second dose before they are able to receive a booster dose. This guide can assist in determining the earliest date residents can receive their booster dose.

“As we are seeing a shortage in Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines across the province, residents will be receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at this walk-in clinic,” said Dr. Piggott, “The best third dose is the first one you can get, even if that means changing the mRNA vaccine brand that you previously received. I personally received the Moderna vaccine. It is an excellent vaccine along with the Pfizer vaccine.”

Residents who are not eligible for this clinic can book an appointment for their booster dose using the provincial booking system. Appointments can be booked:

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

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

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

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PRHC Temporarily Shifts To More Restrictive Visiting Policy

Peterborough Regional Health Centre will be moving to a more restrictive phase of temporary visiting policy on Dec. 23 as an additional measure to protect the health and safety of everyone at the hospital.

Photo courtesy of PRHC.

Under this phase of the temporary policy, the following key changes will take effect:

• A limited number of designated essential caregivers will be permitted for specific patient groups only. Designated caregivers must be registered to the patient to come to the hospital.

• The number of designated caregivers permitted in the patient’s room at one time will be limited to one (1) in most cases.

An essential caregiver or care partner is a person who provides support to an individual with limited capacity, an urgent medical condition, age-related issues, disability or chronic health concerns.

Caregivers may be family, friends or neighbours, and there is no age requirement to provide care. Young caregivers, adult children, spouses and peers can all provide support. These individuals are considered essential when their presence is deemed beneficial to the assessment, diagnosis, and physical and/or mental health care of the patient.

Designated essential caregivers coming to the hospital will continue to be screened at both public entrances and will be required to check in with their name and phone number at the hospital’s main information desk. They will be asked to wear a mask at all times when in the hospital, including in the patient/bed area, and to clean their hands well and frequently while at the hospital.

Visiting hours for designated essential caregivers will continue to be 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., subject to additional restrictions as detailed on PRHC’s website.

PRHC continues to strongly encourage the use of our Virtual Visiting program to support ongoing family presence while helping to keep our patients, staff and community safe. For more information about booking a visit through this program, read the FAQ document provided here.

This temporary visiting policy will remain in effect until further notice.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Emergency Room To Be Closed Christmas Eve

The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily closed on Dec. 24 beginning at 5:00 p.m. and re-opening at 7:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, due to staffing issues.

Photo courtesy of CMH.

A contingency plan has been implemented to deal with this temporary closure to ensure the impact to patient care is as minimal as possible. EMS and other emergency services are aware of the temporary closure and during these hours’ ambulances will take patients directly to the closest area hospital that offers emergency medical services.

In reaching this decision, CMH investigated all support options and opportunities available including reaching out to our sub-regional partners who, while incredibly supportive, shared their own health human resource challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly highlighted the implications of the shortage of health human resources throughout the Province,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO. “CMH is continuously re-evaluating our strategies to recruit and retain members of our team during these challenging times.”

Anyone requiring emergency health care treatment during the closure should call 911.

Anyone requiring urgent health care treatment should go directly to one of the following hospitals:

• Northumberland Hills Hospital, 1000 DePalma Drive, Cobourg

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King Street, Trenton

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas Street East, Belleville

• Peterborough Regional Health Centre, 1 Hospital Drive, Peterborough.

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CMHA HKPR Receives Combined $60K Donation From Two Local Organizations

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge branch (CMHAHKPR) received a $50,000 donation from the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough, and a $10,000 grant from the Peterborough Police Services Board Auction Fund.

Photo courtesy of CMHAHKPR

The donations, both received on Monday, will support the new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic being launched in 2022.

“We thank the Kinsmen Club of Peterborough for their generous donation which will support our new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic,” said Mark Graham, Chief Executive Officer, CMHA HKPR. “The new clinic will bring specialized mobile mental health and addictions care to underserviced and under-resourced communities.”

The clinic will operate within a custom-built retrofitted bus, travelling to communities across the Four Counties. With a multidisciplinary team and collaboration from community partners, it will provide individuals with a variety of services together under one roof, including mental health and addictions services, psychiatric support and follow-up, sexual health and addictions education and support, and basic primary care and health screening for vulnerable populations.

Photo courtesy of CMHAHKPR.

“We’re pleased to have been selected by the Peterborough Police Services Board as a recipient of the Auction Fund Grant, which will support our new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic,” said Graham. “The launch of this program is a monumental step in bringing specialized mobile mental health and addictions care to underserviced and under-resourced communities.”

“The Peterborough Police Services Board is pleased to support the Canadian Mental Health Association’s new Mobile Mental Health and Addictions Clinic with an auction fund grant. The Police Board and the Police Service recognize and understand the need for effective supports and programs that will help support our fellow citizens who are struggling with their mental health and/or addiction to substances,” said Bob Hall, Chair of the Peterborough Police Services Board. “The CMHA is to be commended for this project and we hope that this grant will be part of a community solution.”

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Drug Poisoning Alert

Peterborough Public Health issued an alert regarding a significant increase in suspected drug poisonings locally, on Monday.

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“Over the last two days, Paramedic Calls for Service and Emergency Department Visits for suspected drug poisonings have been consistently high,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “This has prompted us to proceed with issuing a public warning in hopes of preventing further harms in the community.”

Beginning Dec. 14 through to Dec. 21, local paramedics responded to 9 opioid related calls for service, and there were 12 opioid-related Emergency Department Visits.

Peterborough Public Health advises if you use substances:

o Don’t use drugs alone o If you use with a friend, do not use at the exact same time

o Have a plan – Ask someone to check on you or call the National Overdose Response Service 1-888- 688-6677

o Carry a naloxone kit, keep it visible and close to you

o Avoid mixing drugs

o Test your drug by using a small amount first

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

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

o Skin is cold and clammy

o Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

o Body is very limp

o Can’t wake the person up

o Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

o Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

o Pupils are very small

If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Stay with the person until help arrives.

“The mixture of opioids and other drugs, accidental or not, can increase the risk of overdose and death,” Said Dr. Piggott. “If you are using drugs right now, it is critical that you take action to stay safe. Use with a friend and do not use at the same time. You can also ask someone to check in on you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677.”

Peterborough Public Health also stressed that 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.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 3 drug poisoning deaths for every death attributable to COVID-19, Dr. Piggott explained.

“This serves to remind us that our community is confronted by two immediate and very significant threats to public health - the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing harms of substance use and the contaminated drug supply.”

For a list of local community agencies that are providing naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services over the holidays visit https://www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/stay-safe-over-theholidays/.

To access local data regarding opioid-related harms, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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Peterborough Drug Strategy Shares Holiday Closures And Safety Tips To Prevent Opioid Poisonings

With the holiday season approaching, Peterborough Drug Strategy partners are reminding community members about the importance of overdose prevention and not using drugs alone.

It is not uncommon to see drug poisonings and other harms increase over the holidays. This time of year can be difficult for many people, and can trigger sadness, stress, anxiety, and other difficult emotions. While people use drugs for many different reasons, this can lead to consuming more alcohol and other drugs in an effort to cope or manage these feelings.

Peterborough Drug Strategy suggests that individuals currently experiencing a mental health or substance use concern, or are working towards recovery, connecting with a trusted friend or family member and reaching out to them regularly may be helpful.

When using drugs, please remember these prevention tips:

• Don’t use drugs alone

• Use with a friend, but not at the same time

• If you are using alone, have a plan. Have someone check in with you or call the National Overdose Response Service at 1-888-688-6677

• Carry naloxone, keep it visible and close by

• Avoid mixing drugs

• Test your drugs 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

Community members are encouraged to know the signs of opioid poisoning and how to respond. An opioid poisoning may look like the following:

• 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 you suspect an overdose, respond quickly by calling 911 right away. Give naloxone if available, and stay with the person until help arrives.

While a number of local community agencies will be closed between Friday at 12 p.m. to Jan. 4, 2022, naloxone, harm reduction supplies, and overdose response services are available from the following agencies:

Naloxone and emergency overdose response

• Peterborough County-City Paramedics. All paramedics carry naloxone for distribution. When attending a drug-related 911 call, paramedics can provide naloxone kits to the patient whether or not naloxone has already been administered.

Naloxone and other Harm Reduction Supplies

• One Roof - 99 Brock Street. Open Daily 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and again from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Note: If there is an extreme cold event guests can request harm reduction supplies during the extended hours drop-in from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again from 3:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

• FourCast – 200-130 Hunter Street W. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• CMHA - 466 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1. Open Dec. 24 and December 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Open all other days from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• 360 Degree Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic - 360 George Street N. Closed from Dec. 25 to 28 and on Jan. 1 .Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Open Dec. 29 to 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Open Dec. 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

• Mobile Support Overdose Resource Team (MSORT) Open Dec. 24 and 31 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, call the MSORT mobile office at 705-760-0673.

• Elizabeth Fry Society - 150 King Street., 4th Floor. Closed from Dec. 25 to January 3. Open Dec. 24 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Elizabeth Fry’s peer support line will be available 24/7 for calling or texting throughout the holidays at 705-768-4334 for harm reduction supplies and naloxone.

• PARN. Closed from Dec. 24 at 12:00 p.m. to Jan. 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Addiction Treatment Services (Alcohol and Drug Use)

• Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic. Closed Dec. 27, reopens Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Crisis Response

• Four County Crisis. If you are in crisis, call 705-745-6484 or toll-free 1-866-995-9933. By phoning these numbers, you can access 24-hour, free, confidential crisis support.

• Telecare Distress Centre of Peterborough. Call 705-745-2273 for free, non-judgmental, and confidential crisis support available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

For more information about opioid-related harms data, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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COVID-19 Booster Dose Eligibility Expanded to 18 Years Old As Of Monday

Starting Monday, the provincial government will be expanding eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to all residents turning 18 years of age or older in 2021.

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In Peterborough region, this expanded eligibility and decreased interval will allow for around 59,000 residents to be eligible for a booster dose.

The province has also announced that the interval between second and third doses will be shortened to 84 days or 12 weeks instead of the previous 168 days.

With this eligibility expansion, the following residents can book a COVID-19 booster dose appointment for a date that is at least 84 days after a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was received:

• Residents 18 years of age or older (born in 2003 or before)

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis adults and their non-Indigenous household members

• Individuals who received two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

• Individuals who received one dose of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine

• Healthcare workers

Residents can determine the date when they become eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose using this guide.

“We are now considering the COVID-19 vaccine to be a three-dose vaccine,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “As we are seeing a substantial rise in COVID-19 cases, likely linked to the Omicron variant, we are strongly encouraging residents to receive their booster dose as soon as it is available to them.”

Dr. Piggott is urging residents to be patient as they book a booster dose appointment.

“There is overwhelming demand for booster doses among our residents. We ask that residents be patient when booking their appointment. Appointments are being added daily and more will continue to come in the new year.”

Residents are encouraged to reach out to loved ones and neighbours, particularly those who are elderly or otherwise at-risk of severe COVID-19, to share booking information and assist with booking an appointment if needed.

Residents can book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial vaccine booking system in the following ways:

• 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

Residents can also book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a local participating pharmacy.

Dr. Piggott is reminding residents that at this time they cannot walk-in to a COVID-19 vaccine clinic to receive a booster dose.

“We have been experiencing long lines at some of our vaccine clinics which has been primarily due to residents trying to receive their booster dose without an appointment. Staff at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be turning people away if they try to walk-in to a clinic for their booster dose.”

To prevent standing in line at a vaccine clinic, residents are asked to book an appointment and show up at the time of their scheduled appointment, not earlier.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, upcoming vaccine clinics, and booking a vaccine appointment visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.

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Ontario Government Placing Tighter Restrictions To Help Curb Omicron COVID Variant

The Ontario government is applying additional public health and workplace safety measures in order to limit the rapidly spreading and highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 announced Friday.

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The restrictions include capacity and social gathering limits to help curb transmission and continue to safeguard Ontario’s hospitals and ICU capacity as the province continues to rapidly accelerate its booster dose rollout.

“Throughout this entire pandemic, we’ve never faced an enemy like Omicron given how quickly it spreads,” said Doug Ford Premier. “We need to do everything we can to slow its spread as we continue to dramatically ramp up capacity to get as many booster shots into arms as possible. Doing so is the best way to safeguard our hospital and intensive care units.”

The latest modelling suggests that the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant could put additional strain on Ontario’s hospital capacity, making it critical to slow the spread as the government dramatically increases vaccine capacity and expands eligibility for third booster doses according to the Ontario Government.

The province recently doubled its vaccination capacity and continues to ramp up further to get as many vaccines into arms as possible. Over 156,000 doses were administered on Dec. 16 with capacity increased to 200,000 to 300,000 in the coming days.

To further strengthen its response to Omicron and reduce opportunities for close contact as the province gets as many vaccines into arms as possible, Ontario is introducing a 50 per cent capacity limit in the following indoor public settings:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments and strip clubs

• Personal care services

• Personal physical fitness trainers

• Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

• Shopping malls

• Non-spectator areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities (e.g. gyms)

• Indoor recreational amenities

• Indoor clubhouses at outdoor recreational amenities

• Tour and guide services

• Photography studios and services

• Marinas and boating clubs

These limits do not apply to any portion of a business or place that is being used for a wedding, a funeral or a religious service, rite or ceremony. Businesses or facilities will also need to post a sign stating the capacity limits that are permitted in the establishment.

To further reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, additional protective measures are also being applied:

• The number of patrons permitted to sit at a table will be limited to 10 people and patrons will be required to remain seated in restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs.

• Bars and restaurants, meeting and event spaces and strip clubs will be required to close by 11:00 p.m. Takeout and delivery will be permitted beyond 11:00 p.m.

• Dancing will not be allowed except for workers or performers.

• Food and/or drink services will be prohibited at sporting events; concert venues, theatres and cinemas; casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments; and horse racing tracks, car racing tracks and other similar venues.

• The sale of alcohol will be restricted after 10:00 p.m. and consumption of alcohol in businesses or settings after 11:00 p.m.

In addition, to mitigate COVID-19 transmission that can occur at informal social gatherings, the province is also reducing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

These restrictions will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday.

“This was not an easy decision to make before the holidays, but the evidence is clear that further public health measures are required to slow the spread of Omicron and prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we expand booster eligibility and continue our Team Ontario effort to get as many shots into arms as possible, I am urging every single person to get their vaccine if they haven’t already done so, and sign up for their booster shot as soon as possible.”

In addition, in response to emerging global evidence of substantial increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the Chief Medical Officer of Health is updating the personal protective equipment requirements outlined in Directive 5 to provide interim guidance to require N95s for health care workers providing direct care to or interacting with a suspected, probable or confirmed case of COVID.

“As the rapidly spreading Omicron variant becomes the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Ontario, it is necessary to apply additional public health and workplace safety measures to reduce transmission, protect our health system and save lives,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves, friends, families, neighbours and communities safe this holiday season. Please follow all public measures and get vaccinated with your first, second or booster dose if you have not done so already. Omicron will not take a holiday.”

The government and the Chief Medical Officer of Health will continue to monitor trends in key public health and health care indicators, including emerging data on the Omicron variant and will continue to take swift action to ensure the health and safety of Ontarians according to the press release.

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