Peterborough Blogs
Ontario To End Mandatory Masking In Most Settings March 21
/Ontario will end mask requirements in most public indoor settings, and schools, on March 21, sources say.
Stock Image.
Exceptions to this announcement include hospitals, congregate care settings and the long-term care system.
It is unsure whether users of public transportation will have to continue to wear masks.
Ontario Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore will provide his last scheduled update regarding the COVID-19 pandemic at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Ontario Premiere Doug Ford is expected to make an announcement Wednesday at 10 a.m. No details have been provided on the topic of the announcement. Updates to come.
The fatality rate of COVID-19 has declined since January, though there are still dozens of COVID deaths per week.
Peterborough Public Health Offers Workplace Guidance As Restrictions Loosen
/Peterborough Public Health (PPH) recommends that workplaces continue vaccination-related measures as provincial public health regulations ease announced Monday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
PPH urges the measures to continue to protect employees, patrons and all vulnerable residents from spreading COVID-19.
These measures include maintaining workplace vaccination policies and supporting businesses continuing vaccination proof requirements. Masking in public settings remains mandatory in Ontario.
“The loosening of provincial public health measures signals that we have reached a turning point of this pandemic such that our health system is not at risk of being overwhelmed,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still very much present in our community and transmission is still occurring. It is up to us as individuals and as a community to protect those at greatest risk of severe health outcomes from COVID-19. Luckily, we have the tools available to do this.”
He noted that high vaccination rates continue to be the most important ways to prevent COVID-19 and is recommending for all workplaces and organizations to have a COVID-19 vaccination policy.
According to PPH, emerging evidence indicates that three doses of an mRNA vaccine is 60 per cent effective at reducing transmission and 90 per cent effective at reducing mortality from COVID-19 while simultaneously reducing the severity of illness and hospitalization.
PPH urges workplaces to require employees to have three doses. The Verify Ontario app is still available and the Ontario government will continue to provide access to COVID-19 vaccination certificates with a QR code.
Employees and patrons must wear a mask in public indoor spaces, including:
public spaces (for example, inside stores, event spaces, entertainment facilities and common areas in hotels)
workplaces, even those that are not open to the public
vehicles that operate as part of a business or organization, including taxis and rideshares
“There isn’t a silver bullet or quick fix that will end this pandemic – it will be a series of public health measures implemented over a period time that will reduce the spread of the virus,” explained Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “Wearing a tight-fitting mask when you are in indoor public places is one way though, that we can slow the spread of the virus.”
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Public Health Measures Eased as Ontario Moves to Next Reopening Phase
/Ontario has removed proof of vaccination and indoor capacity limits for all public settings while maintaining mask mandates that took effect on Monday.
Indoor settings including restaurants were operating at half capacity since Feb. 17. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“Local businesses and public facilities have done an amazing job for nearly two years implementing the public health measures needed to help keep our community safe,” said Julie Ingram, Manager of Environmental Health. “While most public health measures are no longer mandatory by law, we encourage residents to be kind and understanding as local businesses and facilities adapt to the relaxation of public health measures and determine whether they will choose to maintain any measures to provide enhanced protection for staff and patrons.”
Some businesses and organizations can optionally continue the requirements depending on their needs. Proof of vaccine may still be needed to access participating indoor facilities and businesses.
Peterborough Public Health is advising residents to have their enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code on hand and to check in advance for what public health requirements are still in place before visiting a public or private setting.
“Wearing a tightly-fitted mask will be important to protect yourself and others, as businesses and organizations return to full capacity,” said Ingram. “The bottom line is, COVID-19 is still present in our community.”
All residents are also reminded to self-screening and stay home when you are sick, even with mild symptoms. For more information about COVID-19 public health measures, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid19.
The following changes to public health and workplace safety measures are in effect as of March 1.
capacity limits have been lifted in all indoor public settings
proof of vaccination requirements have been lifted
businesses and organizations may choose to require proof of vaccination upon entry
other protective measures, such as mask/face covering requirements and passive screening of patrons remain in place
businesses and organizations that are open must continue to have safety plans in place
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City Of Peterborough Adjusts COVID-19 Protocols As Province Moves To next Phase In Reopening
/On Thursday the City of Peterborough will adjust its COVID-19 protocols in recreation facilities following the Province of Ontario’s announcement moving Ontario to the next phase of reopening.
A full house at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, 2018. As of Thursday arenas may operate at 50 per cent capacity. File photo.
Capacity limits for entertainment and sporting venues will move to 50 per cent, and masking requirements remain in place in accordance with new Provincial regulations.
Arenas
In accordance with provincial regulations, the following measures for community use at all arena facilities are in effect as of Thursday:
Proof of Vaccination using enhanced vaccine certificate with QR code and Active Screening are still required for entry.
Masks/face coverings are required at all times, limited exemptions apply.
Spectator capacities will be increased to 50% capacity for all spectating areas.
No capacity limits in non-spectating areas (i.e., change rooms/on ice)
Food and beverage consumption is permitted, masks to be worn at all times while not consuming.
Safety plans are required for permitted users/groups using the facility.
Skating programs will remain registered and with capacities, for more information visit peterborough.ca/skate.
Healthy Planet Arena will continue to be used for vaccination clinics. Please visit the Peterborough Public Health website for clinic information.
Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre
In accordance with provincial regulations, the following measures for the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre are in effect as of Thursday:
Organized public gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors, and 100 people outdoors.
Active Screening and Proof of Vaccination requirements remain in effect, with government-issued photo ID and QR Code Proof of Vaccination required.
Masks/face coverings are required unless participating in active sport or fitness activities.
There are no guidelines related to physical distancing.
Spectators observing sporting events within the Centre are limited to 50 percent of the seating capacity.
Recreation Programs and Downtown Youth Space
The provincial regulations allow recreation facilities to have indoor capacity limits for organized events limited to 50 people indoors and no capacity limits for organized public events outdoors. Social gatherings are limited to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities
The provincial regulations allow outdoor recreation facilities to have no capacity limits in place for organized public events. Social gatherings are limited to 100 people outdoors.
Ontario To Ease COVID Restrictions Starting Thursday Eliminate Vaccine Passport As Of March
/During Monday mornings announcement Doug Ford stated that the Ontario Government plans to lift capacity limits in indoor settings beginning this week and will scrap the province’s proof-of-vaccination system on March 1.
File Photo.
Starting Feb. 17, capacity limits will be lifted in all settings where proof of vaccination is required, including restaurants, gyms, and cinemas.
Seating capacity at sports arenas, concert venues, and theatres will be increased to 50 per cent on Thursday and the province will also begin allowing larger social gatherings of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
Capacity limits in other indoor public settings, including grocery stores, pharmacies, retail stores, and malls, will be maintained or increased to the number of people who can stay two metres apart.
On March 1, the province said remaining capacity limits will be removed in all indoor settings and the government will no longer require people to show proof of vaccination to enter non-essential businesses. Businesses may still choose to require proof of vaccination.
Masking rules will remain in effect but the province said a specific timeline for lifting masking mandates will be released at a later date.
The province also confirmed that it will be expanding booster dose eligibility to you aged 12 to 17 starting at 8 a.m. on Friday.
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Ontario Government Expands Access For Free Home Rapid Tests In Grocery Stores and Pharmacies
/The Ontario government is expanding access to free rapid antigen testing kits to the public for home use at grocery stores and pharmacies.
File Photo.
The expanded access began on Wednesday. Roughly 44 million test kits over the next two months to over 2,300 pharmacies and grocery stores with over five million tests will be distributed weekly throughout the province.
MPP Dave Smith warns that the rapid test measures if you have Covid at that particular point in time and not a certainty for the same result in the next few days.
“The rapid test may come back negative today and that just means you don’t have Covid right now,” said MPP Dave Smith. “Doesn’t mean you’re Covid-free two or three days from now. Don’t use it as that safety guard that you can go visit someone else, use it as a diagnostic tool when you have symptoms.
Box sets of five rapid tests will be given to each household per visit while supplies last. There is no purchase necessary to obtain the free tests.
Some stores may include rapid tests as part of their regular delivery service with a purchase from their respective businesses.
The following are a list of locations for free rapid tests:
City of Peterborough
Charlotte Care Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy, 100-270 Charlotte St.
Costco Pharmacy, 485 The Parkway
Morello’s Your Independent Grocer Peterborough, 400 Lansdowne St. E.
Lansdowne Pharmacy, 196 Lansdowne St. E.
Metro, 1154 Chemong Rd.
Real Canadian Superstore, 769 Borden Ave.
Rexall, 85 George St. N.
Rexall, 1154 Chemong Rd.
Sherbrooke Heights Pharmacy, 1625 Sherbrooke St. W.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 1875 Lansdowne St. W.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 741 Lansdowne St. W.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 250 Charlotte St.
Shoppers Drug Mart, 971 Chemong Rd.
Sobeys, 1200 Lansdowne St. W.
Sobeys, 501 Towerhill Rd.
The Clinic Pharmacy Rx, 26 Hospital Dr.
Walmart, 1002 Chemong Rd.
Walmart, 950 Lansdowne Street W.
County of Peterborough
Village Pharmacy, 135 Queen St., Lakefield
Keene Drug Mart, 1105 Heritage Line, Keene
Centennial Family Pharmacy, 2375 County Rd. 45, Norwood
City of Kawartha Lakes
Village Gate Pharm-Rx, 101 East St. S., Bobcaygeon
Fenelon Falls Pharmacy, 53 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
MacArthur Drugs, 21 Colborne St., Fenelon Falls
Sobeys, 15 Lindsay St., Fenelon Falls
Food Basics, 363 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Kawartha Lakes Pharmasave, 4A-55 Angeline St. N., Lindsay
Loblaws, 400 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Pharmasave Integrated Care Pharmacy, 10 Moose Rd., Lindsay
Remedy’s Rx On Kent, 108 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Rexall Pharma Plus, 401 Kent St. W., Lindsay
RX Drug Mart Lindsay, 51 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Shoppers Drug Mart, 343 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Shoppers Drug Mart, 74 Kent St. W., Lindsay
Little Britain Pharm, 415 Eldon Rd., Little Britain
Kinmount Pharmacy, 503-31 County Rd., Kinmount
Northumberland County
Brighton Clinic Pharmacy, 4 5-46 Prince Edward St., Brighton
Pharma Plus, 1 Main St., Brighton
Sobeys, 14 Main St., Brighton
Maclaren Pharmacy, 79 Bridge St. E., Campbellford
Rx Drug Mart Campbellford, 16 Grand Rd., Campbellford
Cobourg Care Pharmacy, 5A-609 William St., Cobourg
Cobourg Pharmacy, 6A-9 Elgin St. E., Cobourg
Metro, 1111 Elgin St. W., Cobourg
Shoppers Drug Mart, 270 Spring St., Cobourg
Walmart, 73 Strathy Rd., Cobourg
York Super Pharmacy, 500 Division St., Cobourg
Davis’ Your Independent Grocer, 20 Jocelyn Rd., Port Hope
Food Basics, 125 Hope St. S., Port Hope
Health Centre Pharmacy, 5-15 Henderson St., Port Hope
Warkworth Pharmacy, 26 Main St., Warkworth
Haliburton County
Todd’s Your Independent Grocer Haliburton, 5121 Country Rd. 21, Haliburton
Rexall, 224 Highland St., Haliburton
Shoppers Drug Mart, 186 Highland St., Haliburton
Highland Remedy Rx, 33 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden
Minden Pharmacy, 110 Bobcaygeon Rd., Minden
Hastings County
North Hastings Family Pharmacy, 217 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Shoppers Drug Mart, 118 Hastings St. N., Bancroft
Johnston’s Pharmacy, 6 Front St. E., Hastings
Johnston’s Pharmacy, 57 St. Lawrence St. E., Madoc
Marmora Pharmacy, 38 Forsyth St., Marmora
Nickle’s Pharmacy, 26 Forsyth St., Marmora
Local Restaurants Planning First Super Bowl Weekend Under COVID-19 Restrictions
/Since the Ontario Government lifted restrictions for in-house dining on Jan. 17 at half capacity, local restaurant owners are excited to be open for Super Bowl Sunday weekend.
This is the first Super Bowl that Ontario will have in-house dining under COVID-19 restrictions. Last year, restaurants were only available for take-out and delivery. In 2019, they operated at full capacity, one month before the province went into lockdown. In spite of the restrictions, restaurants have made more food orders — especially chicken wings and beer — in preparation for the event.
Maple Moose Pub opened last year and will host its first Super Bowl weekend in Peterborough. Angie Poucher, general manager says despite the restrictions, the exciting atmosphere for restaurants will be present.
"It's definitely going to be more exciting. A big difference between watching the Super Bowl at home with your friends and being in a bar is the dynamic," said Poucher. "You almost get that energy like you're at the game. Like you're in the stadium because it's loud. Every TV will be on the Super Bowl and it will be cranked."
Other restaurants that have been in Peterborough for several years are thankful to be open for dine-in regardless of the restrictions.
"It's an amazing feeling (to be open) with what we've been through,” said Franz Roessl, One-Eighty owner. "It's good to see people back and definitely here to celebrate the Super Bowl. It’s nice to see people come through the doors again."
"It's nice to get back to normality, I think that's a huge thing on everyone's radar," said Addison Brown, Dr. J's BBQ & Brews owner. "To be able to have people in here, separated with their friends, having drinks, watching great football and enjoying barbeque, nothing goes better than football, barbeque and beers."
However, the restrictions have created challenges and obstacles for some owners. Staffing, omitted features and short-notice planning were examples some owners had to face.
"With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," said Roessl. “Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out.”
One Eighty is not doing their annual outdoor pig roast as a result of the half-capacity seating.
In their first year, Maple Moose Pub has had a difficult time building its brand due to the quickly-changing restrictions according to Poucher. The pub currently occupies the space that was formerly the nightclub Aria.
"It’s a big space,” she said. “It's hard to build a clientele when people can come and then they can't come. We are starting to build up a nice clientele but it will take a while. The first year is always hard, period, let alone in the middle of COVID but we're definitely getting there."
There are positives stemming from the restrictions. With only half-capacity allowed for restaurants, Roessl says there is a lot less to manage and plan for the upcoming weekend.
“With the limited tables, I only need so many servers and the bad side of this is a lot of servers haven't been brought back right now just because there's not a ton of work for them right now," Once these restrictions open up a bit, it'll help us out."
Dr. J’s has not had any problems despite the restrictions and Brown is grateful to have his business open.
“They've closed us down five times and we've opened up five times so we've got it down pat,” said Brown. "To have the regulars back and all the other customers, it's special to us and we're just going to keep moving forward.”
One Eighty will hold an NFL squares pool, cooler raffles, merchandise giveaways and beer specials. Dr. J’s will feature four different Super Bowl platters. Maple Moose Pub will have special Super Bowl platters, swag giveaways, prizes, pre-order takeout specials and a television raffle.
This year’s Super Bowl features the Cincinnati Bengals led by second-year quarterback and former number one overall pick Joe Burrow. They will face the Los Angeles Rams with former number one overall pick and former Detroit Lion Matthew Stafford. This is the first Super Bowl appearance for both players.
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Chief Medical Officer Of Ontario Says COVID-19 Situation Is Improving
/Health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province. Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said in a press conference on Thursday.
File Photo.
Although the province reported 75 more deaths related to COVID on Thursday, Dr. Moore said that health-care indicators suggest a general improvement in the COVID 19 situation in the province.
The Ministry of Health said Thursday morning that as of Wednesday there were 2,797 people with COVID-19 in the province's hospitals. That's down from 2,939 the day before and 3,645 at the same time last week.
About 56 per cent of those patients were admitted for COVID-related illnesses. 44 per cent were already in hospital, then tested positive for the virus, according to the ministry.
The number of patients with COVID-19 in intensive care is also declining. There were 541 patients with COVID-19 who required intensive care, down from 555 the day before and 599 the same time last week.
Roughly 83 per cent of the people with COVID-19 in ICUs were admitted for reasons directly related to the virus.
The additional 75 COVID-19 deaths reported Thursday pushes the province's official toll to 11,651.
Dr. Moore’s announcement came after the province loosened many restrictions on Monday.
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Organizations, Parents And Kids Celebrate As Youth Sports Resume In Peterborough
/As of Monday youth sports may resume in Ontario, as part of the provinces slow ease in restrictions. Sports have been put on hold since Jan. 5.
Photo courtesy of Time 2 Hoop.
