Testing for COVID-19 at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has increased considerably over the past week with more than 100 people now being tested daily — a considerable increase from the 20 to 40 people being tested just a week ago.
During a media briefing held Monday morning (April 20), Dr. Lynn Mikula, the hospital’s vice-president, chief medical executive and chief of staff, said the increase is “due to the fact we have opened testing up to more people” at the hospital’s COVID-19 assessment centre.
“With provincial guidance, last week we opened up the testing criteria considerably,” says Dr. Mikula, noting that more than 1,700 tests have been done at the hospital to date.
“We’re now testing people with even very mild symptoms and we’re not asking people to first go through the online screening tool. They can call the assessment centre directly and then come in for an appointment.”
An appointment with the PRHC assessment centre can be made by calling 705-876-5086. The centre is open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meanwhile, PRHC continues to treat two COVID-19 patients in its intensive care unit. Dr. Mikula says she is unable to comment on their clinical condition.
Four hospital staff members who earlier tested positive continue to self-isolate at home.
Dr. Mikula also announced the formation of a new COVID-19 Mobile Assessment Plus Response Team that is working with local long-term care homes, providing clinical assessment and testing for mildly symptomatic residents where they reside as well as provide education on infection prevention and control practices.
As for those who need to visit the hospital’s emergency department for non COVID-related treatment, Dr. Mikula says “an unfortunate trend” is being seen.
“Some people seem to be avoiding calling their doctor’s office or coming to the emergency room for care. Waiting too long for care can have negative consequences. Both the hospital and your GP (General Practitioner) are open and have taken steps to make sure it is safe for you to obtain medical care. If you need to see a doctor, please do so.”
While Dr. Mikula was delivering the briefing, Ontario’s public health officials released new modelling projections showing that the community spread of COVID-19 in Ontario appears to have peaked — although the number of cases in long-term care homes continues to climb, with half of Ontario’s COVID-19 deaths to date occurring in the homes.
As of Monday morning (April 20), Peterborough Public Health reported a total of 56 positive COVID-19 cases in Peterborough city and county, Curve Lake and Hiawatha. However, 326 test results are still pending.
There has been one local COVID-19 related death: Peterborough photographer and retired psychologist Dr. George Dimitroff, 68, died on Sunday, April 12th at PRHC.
Across Ontario, again as of Monday morning (April 20), the total number of positive cases stood at 11,184 with 5,515 of those resolved and 584 deaths linked to COVID-19. A total of 164,840 people have been tested with results awaited on 3,799 tests.
