Ontarians 70 And Older Now Eligible For New Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Shot

The provincial government announced that the new Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine will be available to eligible Ontario residents on Monday.

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For the highest risk, the eligibility requirements starting Sept 12 include:

• Residents 70 years of age or older (born in 1952 or before)

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Adults (18+) and household members (18+)

• Health Care Providers (18+)

• Individuals who are pregnant (18+)

• Individuals living in long term care, congregate settings, retirement homes and elder care lodges

• Immunocompromised individuals (12+)

The Moderna Bivalent vaccine has been adapted from the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to target the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as the Omicron (BA.1 variant) variant.

All residents over the age of 18 will be eligible to receive the Bivalent vaccine on Sept 26.

Those eligible are encouraged to wait at least 6 months after their last dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before receiving the bivalent vaccine.

Residents can book online at covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or over the phone by calling the provincial vaccine booking call centre at 1-833-943-3900.

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International Overdose Awareness Day Memorial Event Commemorates Addicts; Bring Awareness and Reduce Stigma Of Addiction

An International Overdose Awareness Day memorial service honouring those lost to drug overdose was held by Moms Stop The Harm Peterborough at the Silver Bean Café on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

During the event, stories of how speakers’ loved ones were lost or affected by drug addiction, claiming that there should not be a stigma for it.

Between January 1 and July 31, 2022, Peterborough paramedics responded to 234 suspected opioid-related 911 calls and drugs were responsible for 343 emergency department visits according to Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“The drug poisoning crisis is taking a significant and unacceptable toll on Peterborough’s region and community members,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, PPH medical officer of health. Drug poisonings are a public health issue. We know we need to do more to prevent further harms and deaths.”

This year, 31 people are suspected to have died as a result of drug poisonings with five of these deaths happening over a 10-day period this month according to the same report.

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Five Day Isolation No Longer Necessary For COVID Positive Ontarians

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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Emergency Department At Campbellford Memorial Hospital Closed For The Night Due To Unexpected Nurse Shortage

The Emergency Department at Campbellford Memorial Hospital (CMH) will be temporarily closed from 6:30 p.m. on Thursday until 7:30 a.m. on Friday due to an unexpected nursing staff shortage.

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According to a statement by the hospital, a contingency plan has been implemented to deal with this temporary closure to ensure the impact on 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 options available, including reaching out to regional partners who, while incredibly supportive, shared their own health human resource challenges.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has 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 Dr., Cobourg

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Trenton Memorial Hospital, 242 King St., Trenton

• Quinte Healthcare Corporation - Belleville General Hospital, 265 Dundas St. E., Belleville

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

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Peterborough COVID-19 Risk Index Remains in “Moderate”

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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Peterborough Public Health Confirms West Nile Virus In Local Mosquitoes

Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has confirmed that City of Peterborough mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) that were trapped from Aug. 8 to last Thursday.

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This is the first positive mosquito pool found in Peterborough this year according to PPH. As of Aug. 6th, there have been 14 WNV-positive mosquito pools in Ontario but none in humans as stated by Public Health Ontario. During the summer and early fall months, PPH sets traps weekly throughout the City and County of Peterborough to gather mosquito specimens for WNV testing.

“Now that we’ve identified mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus in our area, it’s especially important that residents take care to prevent mosquito bites,” said Joshua Laite of the health unit’s Vector-borne Disease Program. “This is a good reminder for residents to get rid of any standing water in their yards and to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

Laite noted that the majority of WNV cases do not show symptoms. About 20 per cent of infected people may have a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and body aches. Occasionally there can be a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes or other non-specific symptoms that last several days. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting or eye pain. Less than one per cent of infected people will develop the neuro-invasive disease, with older age groups and males disproportionately affected.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, prevention against mosquito bites is the best protection. Individuals can protect themselves from bites in several ways:

• Cover up when going outside between the hours of dusk and dawn. Remember to wear:

  • a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants (tucked into your socks for extra protection)

  • light-coloured clothing so mosquitoes are easily spotted o Wear special clothing that is designed to protect you from bugs when you know you’ll be outdoors for an extended period of time

  • Use insect repellant containing DEET. (DEET is a powerful chemical. Always read the label directions for use. Or, ask your pharmacist for help when choosing a DEET product.)

• Clean up:

  • once a week, get rid of standing water around your home (mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, even small amounts)

  • keep bushes and shrubs clear of overgrowth and debris (adult mosquitoes like to rest in dense shrubbery)

  • turn your compost pile often

“To prevent this virus from spreading, we're encouraging any residents to get rid of any standing water on their property to remove breeding pools,” said Sarah Gill, PPH communications manager. “For personal protection, use clothing to cover bare skin and use mosquito repellent when heading outdoors.”

The City of Peterborough has historically used the application of larvicides in the catch basins in the City and County according to PPH. This is to help control the local population of mosquitoes to help protect the public from WNV.

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Peterborough Public Health Issues Warning After Suspected Drug Poisoning In The Area

Peterborough Public Health has issued a warning following an increase in suspected drug poisonings in the Peterborough area.

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On Friday and Saturday (August 12-13), Peterborough Public Health detected a higher than usual number of opioid-related Paramedic Calls for Service. Over these two days, there were a total of 9 drug poisonings that were treated by paramedics and the emergency department. This is presumed to be the result of a product that may contain benzodiazepines. A benzo-related overdose may last for hours and make it hard to wake up an individual.

This high number of paramedic calls for service has prompted Peterborough Public Health to issue a public warning in the hopes of preventing further harms to the community. Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public that street drugs may be cut or mixed with toxic substances.

Beware that using even a small amount of drug can be fatal. Give Naloxone. This may improve breathing, but may not help the individual regain consciousness. It is important to call 911, and continue to monitor breathing until medical help arrives.

If you use drugs, Peterborough Public Health recommends that you:

• Don’t use drugs alone. Visit the Consumption Treatment Services site at 220 Simcoe Street (open 9:30am-8pm, 7 days/week).

• If using with a friend, do not use at the exact same time.

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

• Carry a naloxone kit. Keep it visible and close by.

• Avoid mixing drugs.

• Test your drug by using a small amount first.

• Call 911 immediately if someone cannot be resuscitated after naloxone is administered.

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

• Skin is cold and clammy

• Fingernails or lips are blue or purple

• Body is very limp

• Can’t wake the person up

• Deep snoring or gurgling sounds

• Breathing is very slow, erratic or has stopped

• Pupils are very small

• If an overdose is witnessed: Call 911. Give naloxone. Continue to check for breathing. Stay with the person until help arrives.

• Under Canada’s Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act, anyone who seeks medical help for themselves or for someone else who has overdosed, WILL NOT be charged for possessing or using drugs for personal use.

Residents can anonymously report drug poisonings and other bad drug reactions using the ‘Drug Reporting Tool’. Any information shared through the tool supports Peterborough Public Health and community partners in responding to and preventing drug poisonings in the Peterborough area. The Drug Reporting Tool can be accessed by clicking here.

For more information, or to find out how to access naloxone, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Opioids” or click here.

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PRHC Emergency Department Pressured With Max Bed Capacity and Staffing Shortages; Urge Patients to See Other Clinics If Possible

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is experiencing heavy pressure having to operate with staff shortages, deal with constant maximum in-patient capacity and have COVID-19 outbreaks announced in a Zoom conference on Thursday morning.

There were 191 patients admitted to PRHC on July 17 which is considered a high number. Photo by Luke Best.

Dr. Lynn Mikula, chief medical executive and chief of staff issued says the pressure has been ongoing for a number of months that preceded the pandemic but COVID-19 has made the situation more serious.

“We are seeing higher patient acuity meaning that more people who come to the emergency department (ED) are sick enough to need admission to the hospital,” she said.

On July 17, PRHC reported that 191 patients needed to be admitted which is a high number according to Dr. Mikula. She continued saying last month would on average take a person eight hours from entering the ED to departure.

Dr. Mikula urges incoming patients to seek other forms of medical attention that can be treated outside the ED if possible but PRHC will not redirect patients if they deem an ED trip is not necessary.

She suggests using Telehealth Ontario to triage the severity of a condition to go to the emergency room or seek an alternative form such as a family doctor, walk-in clinic or virtual clinic.

“As a general rule of thumb, I think people know if they’re really ill,” she said. “If it’s a more mild condition that you would see your family doctor for, even if you can’t reach your family doctor, explore some of those other options.”

When questioned if Monkeypox has played a role in the contributing pressure, Dr. Mikula said it was an ‘evolving situation,’ they are not yet affected but will notify the public if and when it does.

PRHC has been dealing with staff shortages, especially in the nursing department but is also hiring ‘basically everybody’ according to Dr. Mikula. Roles include technologists, allied health staff and environmental and accountants.

As of June 2022, PRHC had a total of 275 vacancies with a 9.25 per cent vacancy rate for all hospital positions according to Michelene Ough, PRHC director of communications.

“Like other hospitals, we also have ongoing staffing shortages, said Dr. Mikula. “This has required us to focus our limited ED resources where they are most needed. The hospital is very full, operating at or above 100 per cent of its in-patient bed capacity.

On June 5, 2019, the provincial government imposed Bill 124 that wage-suppressed healthcare workers to only a one percent increase over three years. Dr. Mikula suggests that the bill partially affected the shortage but says they need a whole “coordinated system response” to help rectify the problem.

COVID-19 has been a contributing factor to the occupied bed capacity. PRHC reported an outbreak from two patients as of Wednesday and holds 18 people total who are infected with the infamous virus.

Dr. Mukula assured the public that PRHC is prepared in case of another COVID-19 wave or strain hits Peterborough.

“We continue to have our incident management system monitor COVID-19, meet regularly, look at the infection control measures and the other measures that we have in place. We’re ready to scale them up if needed,” she said. “I would say if that’s one thing the last two years have taught us, it’s that we need to be prepared to manage another wave at any time and there are a lot of people who are predicting another wave in the fall so ready and we’re waiting.”

PRHC stated they have explored several recruitment avenues such as the international nurse graduate program to help fill the void. They have been actively recruiting nurses during their pressured months.

“The problem is that every other hospital in Ontario is doing exactly the same thing so we’re all basically competing now for a limited pool but not only nurses but technologists and all the other support staff,” said Dr. Mukula.

Last fall, the federal government imposed mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers at the risk of losing their jobs for anyone failing to comply.

Mukula estimated over 95 per cent of healthcare workers were vaccinated at the time of the mandate and PRHC enforces a policy where all current employees are vaccinated.

“That is not one of the factors that have landed us in the staffing shortages situation we are facing today,” said Dr. Mukula.

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