Local COVID-19 Risk Index Moves to “Very High”
Written by Comms Team, November 2, 2022
Risk of Respiratory Infection is High in the Region
Peterborough Public Health’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index has moved from “high” to “very high” this week as COVID-19 transmission continues in our community. We are detecting an increase in PCR testing percent positivity showing that the prevalence of COVID-19 cases is increasing.
“I am concerned that we are back up to very high transmission risk again in the region” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “As I have said, I anticipated the fluctuation from high to very high risk as the weather gets colder and there are fewer preventive measures in place. I am concerned we will see even higher rates of transmission with new COVID-19 variants looming while we are also dealing with other respiratory viruses circulating, including influenza.”
Peterborough Public Health is managing 13 outbreaks at high-risk settings. Dr. Piggott explains, “We are seeing outbreaks last weeks among our most vulnerable residents in high-risk facilities. Actions that we can take to prevent respiratory infections include ensuring we are up to date with COVID-19 vaccination especially now with the bivalent vaccine readily available and getting our fall flu shot. We also strongly recommend staying home when sick and wearing a KN95/N95 style masks in indoor settings. These protections are not only lifesaving for higher-risk individuals, but for the whole community as we try to prevent illness and the risk of Long COVID.”
For the best personal protection, residents are advised to use the Local COVID-19 Risk Index to make decisions about their health. Current guidance that is strongly recommended under the “very high” level is to wear a mask for all interactions with people outside of your household, avoid indoor social gatherings, and avoid attendance at high-risk settings. In addition, residents are reminded to screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before leaving the house and stay home if you are feeling even slightly unwell.
To find information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics
The COVID-19 Risk Index is updated weekly on Wednesdays after 4:00 p.m. and can be found on our website at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/ Communications Manager
705-743-1000 ext. 352