Local COVID-19 Risk Index Moves up to “High”
Written by Comms Team, August 31, 2022
Residents Encouraged to Stay Up-to-Date with COVID-19 Vaccines
Peterborough Public Health’s Local COVID-19 Risk Index has moved from “moderate” to “high” this week as COVID-19 transmission continues in our community. We are seeing an increase in wastewater data, RAT counts, and deaths. Hospitalizations remain at a moderate risk level, while case rates and percentage of positive PCR tests remain at high risk.
“It is important to be aware of the increase risk of COVID-19 in our community, especially with the start of the new school year and as cooler weather results in more indoor gatherings,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “We know measures that can protect us and it’s important that we layer them on again now.”
Residents are advised to use the Local COVID-19 Risk Index to make personal decisions about their health as we learn to live with fluctuating transmission levels. Current guidance recommended under the “high” level is to wear a mask for all interactions with people outside of your household, limit indoor social gatherings and attendance at high-risk settings. Increased precautions are important for those at risk of severe disease including those who are not yet vaccinated or are not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, older adults (60+), immunocompromised individuals or those with medical risk factors for severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19.
Residents are also encouraged to stay-up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines. To find information on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics please visit: www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/vaccineclinics.
The COVID-19 Community Risk Index is updated weekly on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. and can be found on our website at 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