Peterborough Public Health Issues Sixth Frostbite Alert of the Season

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has issued its sixth frostbite alert this season as wind chill values are forecast to drop below -27°C from 10:00 p.m. Friday and last at least until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

The first frostbite alert for Peterborough was issued on Jan. 7. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Extreme cold events are a potentially significant health risk and everyone is encouraged to take precautions to stay safe. Extreme cold temperatures can particularly impact the health of vulnerable populations including infants, the elderly, people with circulatory problems and the marginally housed. There are various emergency shelters available overnight in the City of Peterborough.

In order to protect the health of people in Peterborough County and City and Curve Lake and Hiawatha First Nations, Peterborough Public Health advises local residents to take the following precautions: 

• Check face and extremities frequently for signs of frostbite. Exposed skin can freeze in as little as 10 to 30 minutes. 

• Consider re-scheduling outdoor recreational activities, especially during the evening. There is a serious risk of hypothermia and frostbite if outdoors for long periods. 

• Use caution when shovelling snow especially for those that have heart, respiratory (breathing) problems or other medical conditions. Snow shovelling is strenuous and can cause an onset of heart or respiratory problems. 

• Check on the elderly or people with disabilities living alone.

Always wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Synthetic and wool fabrics provide better insulation. Some synthetic fabrics are designed to keep perspiration away from your body which keeps you dry and further reduces your risk.

PPH has issued the following tips:

• Dress in layers with a wind-resistant outer layer. You can remove layers if you get too warm (before you start sweating) or add a layer if you get cold.

• Wear warm socks, gloves, a hat and a scarf in cold weather. Be sure to cover your nose to protect it.

• If you get wet, change into dry clothing as soon as possible. You lose heat faster when you're wet.

Cold related illnesses include:

• Hypothermia: Symptoms/signs include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling/uncoordinated movements, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness.

• Frostbite: Symptoms/signs include: white/greyish skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, or numbness. Increases in other health problems can also be seen especially for those with other chronic medical conditions such as heart conditions.

Further information about the health risks of extreme cold and Peterborough Public Health’s Extreme Cold Response Plan can be found here or by visiting www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and searching for “extreme cold.”

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Ontario's Chief Medical Officer Highlights Loosened Restrictions For Monday

Dr. Kieran Moore highlighted the loosened COVID-19 restrictions that will come into play on Monday, during a briefing on Thursday.

Screenshot.

As a result of the additional public health measures enacted on Jan. 5, the province is beginning to see signs of stabilization in key public health and health system indicators.

Some surgeries paused due to a surge in COVID-19 cases will resume on Monday. Non-urgent surgeries were put on hold in early January to preserve hospital capacity, affecting an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 procedures a week.

Also effective as of Monday at 12:01 a.m. :

Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:

• Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

• Increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in indoor public settings, including but not limited to:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities;

• Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

• Shopping malls;

• Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms;

• Cinemas;

• Meeting and event spaces;

• Recreational amenities and amusement parks, including water parks;

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions; and

• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Religious services, rites, or ceremonies.

• Allowing spectator areas of facilities such as sporting events, concert venues and theatres to operate at 50 per cent seated capacity or 500 people, whichever is less.

Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.

The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that as of Wednesday, there were 3,645 people with COVID-19 in hospitals: down from 4,016 on Tuesday.

About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses while 44 per cent were already in hospital when they tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.

There were 599 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, a second straight day the overall number has fallen. It's down from 608 the day before but up slightly from the same time last week.

About 82 per cent of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.

The health ministry also reported another 70 deaths of people with the virus, bringing the official toll in the province to 11,230.

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Campbellford Memorial Hospital Surge In Admissions Sees Patient Volume Reach Over 100 Per Cent

As the Omicron Variant continues to spread throughout the community, Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) continues to see sustained patient volumes above 100 per cent of the hospital’s bed capacity. 

Photo courtesy of Campbellford Memorial Hospital.

This recent surge has seen hospital capacity reach as high as 140 per cent.  

In order to provide care for this increased volume of patients, CMH has temporarily converted the day surgery recovery area into acute care beds and plans are in place to convert the ambulatory care clinic to accommodate further acute care patients should the surge in patients continue to grow.

While increasing bed capacity is one challenge, staffing is another, particularity in light of a highly contagious variant that has required many staff to self-isolate.

“Our staff have been at this for nearly two years,” said CMH Interim President/CEO Eric Hanna. “They are exhausted and they continue to give it their all day in and day out. Our part-time and casual workers are putting in full-time hours; our full time staff are coming in on their off days, it’s truly been an all hands on deck effort.”

CMH reminds the community that although the worst of Omicron may be over soon, it is still very active in the community and it is important to follow Public Health advice such as washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated.

“Although we are seeing fully vaccinated patients presenting with COVID-19,” said Hanna, “I will note that the vast majority of severe COVID-19 cases that require admission to the hospital are in people who are not vaccinated. That’s why vaccination is so important, not only to protect you and your loved ones, but also to preserve hospital capacity.”

Community members could also expect to see slightly longer than normal wait times in the Emergency Department and those requiring non-urgent care are encouraged to seek out alternative options such as their family doctor, telehealth, or virtual care clinics.

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Walk In Opportunities Available For COVID-19 Vaccine On Anniversary Of First COVID-19 Vaccine Administered In The Area

To increase access to the COVID-19 vaccine, Peterborough Public Health (PPH) is expanding walk-in clinic opportunities to some eligible residents.

File Photo.

As of Wednesday:

• Residents 12 years of age or older who require a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents 18 years of age or older who require a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents 12 years of age or older.

• Residents ages 5-11 who require a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can walk-in to vaccine clinics designated for residents ages 5-11.

At this time, residents ages 5-11 who require a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are asked to book an appointment at available COVID-19 vaccine clinics.

Available COVID-19 vaccine clinics can be found here.. Appointments are still available for most COVID-19 vaccine clinics and can be booked through the provincial booking system online at www.ontario.ca/covidvaccine or by calling 1- 833-943-3900.

“We are aiming to reduce the barriers to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine by expanding walk-in opportunities for many residents,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Peterborough Public Health will continue to host vaccine clinics in the City of Peterborough and throughout Peterborough County to increase access to the vaccine.”

Today is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 vaccine administered in the Peterborough region. On January 26, 2021, Elizabeth Campbell was the first resident in Peterborough to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“In one year, all vaccination partners in our region have been able to administer 321,186 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. I want to thank our vaccinators, administrative support, volunteers, and every partner organization that have supported COVID-19 vaccine efforts across the region,” said Dr. Piggott.

For additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

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Peterborough Public Health Provides Guidance to Reduce COVID-19 Spread Schools to Families

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Peterborough Public Health’s (PPH) medical officer of health has outlined the steps he strongly recommends local school families take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools in a letter released Thursday.

Dr. Thomas Piggott (pictured) became Peterborough Public Health’s medical officer of health on Dec. 1. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

“This is a difficult time to be a parent and/or caregiver, and the return to in-person learning is a tough decision to make,” said Dr. Piggott. “I want to assure families that PPH, in partnership with district school boards, is working diligently to ensure protective measures are in place for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in schools.”

The full letter can be read here.

In his letter, Dr. Piggott described the recommendations that were developed for Peterborough County and City schools in consultation with the Provincial Government’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. They focused on the following key areas: 

• Close monitoring of school absenteeism rates, and the results of rapid-antigen tests including those submitted to PPH through this online survey (https://chkmkt.com/RAT21). If indicators demonstrate the spread of COVID-19 exceeds set thresholds, unvaccinated students will be recommended for dismissal for five days to self-isolate. 

• Submitting rapid-antigen test results (positive or negative) to PPH’s confidential online survey at https://chkmkt.com/RAT21

• Getting vaccinated with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for students aged 5 - 17 years. Second doses are available 56 days (eight weeks) after the first dose. Appointments are available through the provincial booking system https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling for assistance at 1- 833-943-3900.

At all local schools, wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, completing the daily screening tool and not attending school if students or a household member is symptomatic are key public health measures.

Dr. Piggott also encourages parents and caregivers to watch the webinar entitled “ABCs of Back to In-person Learning” he gave last Thursday answering their frequently asked questions about the reopening of schools to in-person learning.

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Ontario to Ease Restrictions Every Three Weeks Starting on January 31

The Ontario Government has outlined steps to ease public health measures and restrictions starting at the end of the month announced Thursday.

Doug Ford (pictured) had to reconsider lifting the mask mandate plan for the end of March due to the rise of the Omicron variant. Screenshot.

“The evidence tells us that the measures we put in place to blunt transmission of Omicron are working,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We can be confident that the worst is behind us and that we are now in a position to cautiously and gradually ease public health measures. While February will continue to present its own challenges, given current trends these are challenges we are confident we can manage.”

As a result of the additional public health measures enacted on Jan. 5, the province is beginning to see signs of stabilization in key public health and health system indicators.

Per cent positivity has fallen and new admissions to hospitals have started to stabilize with the length of stay shortening considerably according to the Ontario Government.

In the absence of concerning trends in public health and health care indicators, Ontario will follow a cautious and phased approach to lifting public health measures with 21 days between each step.

Jan. 31

Effective Jan. 31 at 12:01 a.m., Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to:

• Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

• Increasing or maintaining capacity limits at 50 per cent in indoor public settings, including but not limited to:

• Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments without dance facilities;

• Retailers (including grocery stores and pharmacies)

• Shopping malls;

• Non-spectator areas of sports and recreational fitness facilities, including gyms;

• Cinemas;

• Meeting and event spaces;

• Recreational amenities and amusement parks, including water parks;

• Museums, galleries, aquariums, zoos and similar attractions; and

• Casinos, bingo halls and other gaming establishments

• Religious services, rites, or ceremonies.

• Allowing spectator areas of facilities such as sporting events, concert venues and theatres to operate at 50 per cent seated capacity or 500 people, whichever is less.

Enhanced proof of vaccination, and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.

Feb. 21

Effective Feb. 21, Ontario will lift public health measures, including:

• Increasing social gathering limits to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.

• Removing capacity limits in indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is required, including but not limited to restaurants, indoor sports and recreational facilities, cinemas, as well as other settings that choose to opt-in to proof of vaccination requirements.

• Permitting spectator capacity at sporting events, concert venues and theatres at 50 per cent capacity.

• Limiting capacity in most remaining indoor public settings where proof of vaccination is not required to the number of people that can maintain two metres of physical distance.

• Indoor religious services, rites or ceremonies limited to the number that can maintain two metres of physical distance, with no limit if proof of vaccination is required.

• Increasing indoor capacity limits to 25 per cent in the remaining higher-risk settings where proof of vaccination is required including nightclubs, wedding receptions in meeting or event spaces where there is dancing, as well as bathhouses and sex clubs.

Enhanced proof of vaccination and other requirements would continue to apply in existing settings.

Mar. 14

Effective Mar. 14, 2022, Ontario will take additional steps to ease public health measures, including:

• Lifting capacity limits in all indoor public settings. Proof of vaccination will be maintained in existing settings in addition to other regular measures.

• Lifting remaining capacity limits on religious services, rites, or ceremonies.

• Increase social gathering limits to 50 people indoors with no limits for outdoor gatherings.

To manage COVID-19 over the long-term, local and regional responses by public health units may be deployed based on local context and conditions.

“Thanks to the sacrifices of Ontarians we are starting to see glimmers of hope. However we know the coming weeks will continue to pose challenges, especially for our hospital partners,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “As we continue to chart our path forward, we will continue to take a gradual and cautious approach to lifting public health measures to protect our hospital capacity and ensure patients can continue to access the care they need.”

“Thanks to the efforts of Ontarians going out to get their booster dose and adhering to current public health and workplace safety measures, we are in a position where we can begin planning to gradually and cautiously ease restrictions,” said Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “The months ahead will require continued vigilance, as we don’t want to cause any further disruption to people’s everyday lives. We must continue to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities by following the measures in place and by vaccinating those who have not yet received their doses.”

To support businesses required to close or reduce capacity due to the public health measures put in place to blunt the spread of the Omicron variant, the government has launched the Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program.

Through the new program, the government will provide eligible businesses with a rebate payment of up to 100 per cent for property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to these restrictions. Applications for the program opened on Jan. 18. Learn more about the program and apply here.

The government is also introducing a new COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant that will give businesses subject to closure under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen a $10,000 grant.

The money will flow to eligible businesses in February. In addition, the government is also improving cash flows for Ontario businesses by making up to $7.5 billion available through a six-month interest- and penalty-free period for Ontario businesses to make payments for most provincially administered taxes.

This penalty and interest-free period started on Jan. 1. This supports businesses now and provides the flexibility they will need for long-term planning.

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No COVID-19 Deaths and One Outbreak For January 19, 2022

No new deaths and one outbreak with 569 active cases have been reported by Peterborough Public Health on Thursday.

The one outbreak occurred at a congregate living setting on Wednesday with 31 cases reported.

There are 157 total hospitalizations and 27 total ICU admissions to date in Peterborough.

New COVID-19 cases by date. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

For more information visit: https://localcovidtracker.ca/

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Peterborough Plans To Address Doctor Shortage In Area With New Committee

A new committee is being formed in Peterborough in hopes to plan and implement strategies for family physician recruitment and retention, announced last week.

Stock Photo.

This committee is being formed to address a shortage of doctors in Peterborough and Peterborough County.

Currently, it is estimated that about 11,000 people in the area lack a family doctor, and it would take nine new full-time physicians to fill the gap.

The committee was presented at Peterborough City Council last Wednesday, and is still in the early stages of development. It is recommending increased funding from the county.

At a Nov. 3 county council meeting, Maria Gomez, a committee member of the education department of the Canadian Association of Staff Physician Recruiters and director for the West Northumberland Physician Recruitment, spoke to council regarding the lack of physicians in the area.

Gomez said that 20 per cent of the population is at risk of not having the required health care services.

The county, city and the Peterborough Family Health Team (PFHT) have a tri-party agreement for physician recruitment services, with the county contributing $14,980 annually and the city contributing $21,220 in 2021.

The November presentation recommended increasing their budgets to match competitive programs in other communities.

The city has since committed to funding $81,000 in 2022.

The funding request of $57,000 for the county in 2022 has been referred to the county 2022 budget.

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Ontario Government to Add Hospital Beds and Build Up Health Workforce

The Ontario government is planning to add hospital beds and build up the province’s health care workforce in a live-streamed announcement on Tuesday afternoon.

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health (pictured) was joined by Matthew Anderson, CEO of Ontario Health on the announcement. Screenshot.

The decision was made to ensure patients can continue to access the health care they need when they need it according to Ontario Government officials.

The province is collaborating with Ontario Health (OH) and the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) on initiatives to deploy internationally educated nurses to hospitals and other health care settings in need of staffing support to work as part of a team under the supervision of a regulated health care provider, such as a registered nurse or doctor.

More than 1,200 internationally educated CNO applicants have expressed interest in participating in these initiatives so far and matching with healthcare providers is expected to begin later this week, with onboarding new staff in the weeks ahead.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario’s hospitals and health care providers have worked tirelessly to protect the health and safety of patients,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our government has continued to make critical investments in our hospital and health workforce to ensure no resource goes untapped so that our hospitals have the staffing and resources they need to care for patients during this challenging time.”

Since March 2020, the government has launched emergency programs that have already added over 6,700 health care professionals to the system including acute care settings, long-term care homes and home and community care settings that help to preserve hospital capacity according to the release.

These programs will also provide hospitals with the capacity to add another 6,000 additional providers to high-need hospitals to support staffing pressures due to COVID-19 by Mar. 31 including the deployment of nursing students and other health care providers-in-training as stated by the Ontario Governemnt.

Since the start of the pandemic, $5.1 billion have been invested to add 3,100 beds across the province for a total of approximately 17,000 medical and surgical beds.

Through additional investments, Ontario has a total of 2,436 adult and pediatric ICU beds. Approximately 600 ICU beds remain available today, with the ability to add nearly 500 additional beds if required.

"More than ever, this wave of the pandemic will require us to work as a system, ensuring we utilize all of our provincial resources to meet the needs of patients," said Matthew Anderson, President & CEO of Ontario Health. "We are working closely with hospital and health care partners to maintain and protect capacity across the system."

These ongoing initiatives build on the government’s commitment as part of the 2021 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review: Build Ontario to invest $342 million over the next five years through immediate and longer-term recruitment initiatives which would add over 13,000 workers to Ontario’s health care system.

This includes over 5,000 new and upskilled registered nurses and registered practical nurses as well as 8,000 personal support workers.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for more staff on the front lines of our health care system,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “Our government committed to spare no expense in the fight against the pandemic to protect people’s health and the economy, which is why investing in the front lines of our health care system was one of the key pillars of our plan to Build Ontario.”

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