Local COVID-19 Risk Index Moves up to “Very High”
Written by Comms Team, October 5, 2022
Residents Encouraged to Protect the Most Vulnerable Ahead of The Holiday Weekend
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 all indicators and the Peterborough region now has the highest COVID-19 case rate in Ontario with 151.4 cases per 100 000 residents.
“After the summer, where we experienced steady rates of transmission, we are now seeing COVID-19 transmission increase in our community,” says Dr. Thomas Piggott, Medical Officer of Health. “We are cautioning the community to prepare for continued increase in transmission and cases as we move through the Fall.”
Peterborough Public Health is managing 12 outbreaks at high-risk settings. Dr. Piggott explains, “We are now seeing significant illness among our community’s most vulnerable residents which is contributing to an increase in deaths due to COVID-19. As we approach the holiday weekend, it is imperative that we work together to prevent transmission to our most vulnerable residents. If you choose to gather this weekend, try to gather outdoors or in areas that are well ventilated. Keeping the doors and windows open will help improve airflow indoors. I also strongly encourage everyone to stay home this weekend if they feel even slightly unwell. It is not worth the risk.”
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. Individuals who are at higher risk for complications related to COVID-19, such as those not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccines, older adults (60+), immunocompromised individuals or those with medical risk factors are strongly encouraged to follow this guidance for their personal protection.
Dr. Piggott emphasizes, “we are concerned that transmission rates will continue to increase in our region as we see transmission increasing across the province. In addition to the risk index guidance, we are strongly encouraging all residents to review the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility guidance and receive a booster dose if they haven’t received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last 6 months.” Residents 18 years of age or older are eligible to receive their bivalent booster dose. Peterborough Public Health is reporting that over 3000 residents have already received their bivalent vaccine. “The bivalent COVID-19 vaccine can provide better protection against variants that are currently circulating and against previous variants. It is very important that all eligible residents roll up their sleeves for their own health.”, Dr. Piggott explains.
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.
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For further information, please contact:
Sarah Gill
A/ Communications Manager
705-743-1000 ext. 352