Local COVID-19 Risk Index Moves Up to “Moderate”
Written by Comms Team, June 29, 2022
Case Rates, Hospitalizations, and Wastewater Data Show Increases; Individuals Advised to Take Precautions
Peterborough Public Health’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index has moved up to the “Moderate” level this week as the COVID-19 virus shows increases in transmission in our community.
“Across the province we are seeing indication that the BA5 COVID-19 variant is causing a summer wave,” said Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “I urge residents to start taking personal precautions again as we are seeing the early signs of increased transmission in our region and these measures can help to prevent it from worsening.”
Dr. Piggott emphasized the importance of the Local COVID-19 Risk Index as a tool to help individuals make personal decisions around their health as we learn to live with fluctuating transmission levels. Current guidance recommended under the “Moderate” level is to wear a mask in all indoor settings, limit indoor social gatherings to no more than 25 people and avoid attending high-risk 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.
Dr. Piggott added, “Unfortunately this is the beginning of another wave, while we hope it will be limited we strongly encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions now to reduce transmission. This includes wearing a mask indoors, gathering outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, and remaining up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.”
Dr. Piggott also reminded residents that it is very important to stay home if any symptoms present. Current guidance from the Ontario Science Table noted RATs are less sensitive in detecting the Omicron variant, and recommends when symptomatic people take at least two RATs separated by 24 hours to be confident they are not infected.
For further information about the COVID-19 Community Risk Index, please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/covid-risk-index.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/ Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 352