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Ontario reports 1,780 new COVID-19 cases and Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton move to ‘Yellow-Protect’ level

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Ontario is reporting 1,780 new COVID-19 cases today, with the average number of daily cases over the past seven days decreasing by 10 to 1,759. Hospitalizations and ICU admissions of patients with COVID-19 continue to rise.

There are 15 new cases to report in the greater Kawarthas region, with the total number of active cases in the region decreasing by 3 to 99. Today, the Ontario government announced the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit region — which includes Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton — will be moving into the more restrictive “Yellow-Protect” level effecting 12:01 a.m. on Monday (December 7).

“We are seeing more COVID-19 activity in our region, so the move into Yellow is not a surprise,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health with Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. “The new measures in the Yellow level are not much different than what we currently have in place but will enhance our ability to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.”

Most of the increased COVID-19 activity in the health unit region has been in Northumberland County, with cases increasing by more than double in the past month. When deciding to move a health unit into another level, the province reviews factors such as case counts, outbreaks, percent positivity of tests, and capacity of local hospitals and health units.

VIDEO: Dr. Lynn Noseworthy explains impact of move into “Yellow-Protect” level

With the addition of Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, all three health units in the greater Kawarthas region are now in the “Yellow-Protect” level.

Health units stay in their level for a minimum of 28 days, or two COVID-19 incubation periods, at which time the province assesses the impact of public health measures to determine if the health unit should stay where they are or be moved to less restrictive or more restrictive level.

For more information on how the “Yellow-Protect” level will affect residents and businesses in Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton, visit hkpr.on.ca/2020/12/04/current-colour-code-for-local-covid-19-restrictions-2/

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Most of the new cases reported today in Ontario are in Toronto (633), Peel (433), and York (152). There are double-digit increases in Durham (94), Windsor-Essex (68), Halton (51), Hamilton (43), Simcoe Muskoka (41), Waterloo (40), Middlesex-London (39), Ottawa (36), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (25), Niagara (21), Southwestern Public Health (20), Thunder Bay (13), Brant County (11), Huron Perth (10), with smaller increases in Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington (7), Grey Bruce (7), and Hastings and Prince Edward (6).

The remaining 14 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with only 3 health units (all in northern Ontario) reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 53% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (687) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 546 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,553 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases remains unchanged at 84.8%. The average positivity rate across Ontario has decreased by 0.8% to 3.6%, meaning that 36 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on December 3.

Ontario is reporting 25 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 15 in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have increased by 6 to 674, with 12 additional patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs and 9 additional patients on ventilators.

A total of 56,001 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 4,083 to 62,403.

There are 129 new cases in Ontario schools today, an increase of 7 from yesterday, with 102 student cases and 27 staff cases. There are 20 new cases in licensed child care settings, an increase of 3 from yesterday, with 10 cases among children and 10 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 15 new cases to report, including 8 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (most in Belleville), 4 in Peterborough, and 3 in Northumberland. There are no new cases to report in Kawartha Lakes or in Haliburton.

An additional 8 cases have been resolved in Northumberland, 5 in Hastings and Prince Edward, and 1 in Peterborough. A duplicate case in Kawartha Lakes has been identified and removed.

None of today’s reported new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 96 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 39 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 26 in Peterborough, 23 in Northumberland, 7 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 225 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (194 resolved with 5 deaths), 202 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (176 resolved with 32 deaths), 104 in Northumberland County (80 resolved with 1 death), 27 in Haliburton County (26 resolved with no deaths), and 166 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (119 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 23.

Province-wide, there have been 123,526 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,780 from yesterday, with 103,239 resolved cases (84.8% of all cases), an increase of 1,553 from yesterday. There have been 3,737 deaths, an increase of 25 from yesterday, with 2,357 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 15 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 10 to 674, with 12 additional patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs and 9 additional patient on ventilators. A total of 6,462,656 tests have been completed, an increase of 56,001 from yesterday, with 62,403 tests under investigation, an increase of 4,083 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 12 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day. There may be discrepancies between the Ontario data reported today (which is from yesterday) and the local health unit data reported today (which is from today).

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 225 (increase of 4)
Active cases: 26 (increase of 3)
Close contacts: 44 (decrease of 2)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Resolved: 194 (increase of 1)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)*
Total tests completed: Over 37,100 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

*The health unit is no longer reporting the total number of hospitalizations.

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 333, including 202 in Kawartha Lakes, 104 in Northumberland, 27 in Haliburton (net increase of 2, including 3 in Northumberland)*
Active cases: 31, including 7 in Kawartha Lakes, 23 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (decrease of 6)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 178, including 26 in Kawartha Lakes, 148 in Northumberland, and 4 in Haliburton (net increase of 22)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 282, including 176 in Kawartha Lakes, 80 in Northumberland, 26 in Haliburton (increase of 8, in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

*One duplicate case in Kawartha Lakes has been identified and removed.

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 166 (increase of 8)
Active cases: 39 (decrease of 5)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Currently hospitalized: 0 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 0 (no change)
Resolved: 119 (increase of 5)
New swabs completed: 70 (decrease of 4,966)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 123,526 (increase of 1,780)
Resolved: 104,792 (increase of 1,553, 84.8% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 674 (increase of 8)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 207 (increase of 12)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 116 (increase of 9)
Deaths: 3,737 (increase of 25)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,357 (increase of 15)
Total tests completed: 6,462,656 (increase of 56,001)
Tests under investigation: 62,403 (increase of 4,083)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 3 - December 3, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 3 – December 3, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 3 - December 3, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 3 – December 3, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Confirmed case of COVID-19 at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough

By kawarthaNOW -
St. Peter Catholic Secondary School is located at 730 Medical Drive in Peterborough. (Photo: Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board)

There’s been a confirmed case of COVID-19 at St. Peter Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough, located at 730 Medical Drive.

“In line with Ministry of Education reporting requirements, we need to let you know that Peterborough Public Health has notified us of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in our school community,” principal Shannon Brady says in a letter to students, staff, and families on Thursday (December 3). “The identity of the individual is protected by privacy legislation and will not be shared.”

In the letter, Brady does not indicate whether the infected person is a student or staff member.

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Brady says the person has been isolating at home and did not attend school while they were infectious.

She adds the individual will remain at home until the health unit advises they may return to the school,

“The health unit has confirmed that this case does not pose a risk to St. Peter CSS students or staff,” Brady says. “No students or staff need to isolate and everyone can continue to attend school and work as usual.”

Ontario reports 1,824 new COVID-19 cases, including 10 in greater Kawarthas region

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Ontario is reporting 1,824 new COVID-19 cases today, although this number includes 127 cases from Middlesex-London Health Unit reported over the previous three days that, due to a data processing error, were not included in previous daily reports. The average number of daily cases over the past seven days has increased by 49 to 1,769.

There are 10 new cases to report in the greater Kawarthas region, with the total number of active cases decreasing by 5 to 99.

Most of the new cases reported today are in Peel (592), Toronto (392), York (187), and Middlesex-London (127). The cases in Middlesex-London, which are the total cases reported over the past three days, work out to an average of 42 cases per day.

There are double-digit increases in Waterloo (87), Halton (68), Windsor-Essex (62), Durham (57), Hamilton (56), Ottawa (41), Niagara (25), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (23), Eastern Ontario Health Unit (19), Thunder Bay (13), and Simcoe Muskoka (11), with smaller increases in Huron Perth (9), Southwestern Public Health (8), Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (7), and Leeds, Grenville & Lanark (6).

The remaining 15 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with 6 health units reporting no new cases at all.

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Of today’s cases, 54% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (728) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 499 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,541 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases remains unchanged at 84.8%. The average positivity rate across Ontario has decreased by 0.3% to 4.4%, meaning that 44 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on December 2.

Ontario is reporting 14 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 11 in long-term care facilities. Hospitalizations have increased by 10 to 666, with 12 additional patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs and 1 additional patient on a ventilator.

A total of 52,873 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 8,746 to 58,320.

There are 122 new cases in Ontario schools today, a decrease of 44 from yesterday, with 94 student cases and 28 staff cases. There are 17 new cases in licensed child care settings, a decrease of 11 from yesterday, with 11 cases among children and 6 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 10 new cases to report, including 4 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (almost all in Belleville), 3 in Northumberland, 2 in Peterborough, and 1 in Kawartha Lakes. There are no new cases to report in Haliburton.

An additional 9 cases have been resolved in Hastings and Prince Edward, 3 in Northumberland, and 3 in Peterborough.

The new cases in schools reported by Ontario include 1 student case at St. Paul Catholic Elementary School in Asphodel-Norwood. In addition, St. Peter Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough is reporting a confirmed case, but has not identified whether it is a student or staff member.

None of the reported new cases in child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 99 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 39 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 28 in Northumberland, 23 in Peterborough, 8 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 221 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (193 resolved with 5 deaths), 203 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (176 resolved with 32 deaths), 101 in Northumberland County (72 resolved with 1 death), 27 in Haliburton County (26 resolved with no deaths), and 158 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (114 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 23.

Province-wide, there have been 121,746 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,824 from yesterday. This number includes 127 cases from Middlesex-London Health Unit reported over the previous three days that, due to a data processing error, were not included in previous daily reports. There are 103,239 resolved cases (84.8% of all cases), an increase of 1,541 from yesterday. There have been 3,712 deaths, an increase of 14 from yesterday, with 2,342 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 11 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 10 to 666, with 12 additional patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs and 1 additional patient on a ventilator. A total of 6,406,655 tests have been completed, an increase of 52,873 from yesterday, with 58,320 tests under investigation, an increase of 8,746 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 12 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day. There may be discrepancies between the Ontario data reported today (which is from yesterday) and the local health unit data reported today (which is from today).

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 221 (increase of 2)
Active cases: 23 (decrease of 1)
Close contacts: 46 (decrease of 4)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Resolved: 193 (increase of 3)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)*
Total tests completed: Over 37,000 (increase of 100)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

*The health unit is no longer reporting the total number of hospitalizations.

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 331, including 203 in Kawartha Lakes, 101 in Northumberland, 27 in Haliburton (increase of 4, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes and 3 in Northumberland)
Active cases: 37, including 8 in Kawartha Lakes, 28 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (increase of 1 in Northumberland)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 156, including 22 in Kawartha Lakes, 128 in Northumberland, and 6 in Haliburton (increase of 39, including 8 in Kawartha Lakes and 31 in Northumberland)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 274, including 176 in Kawartha Lakes, 72 in Northumberland, 26 in Haliburton (increase of 3 in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 158 (increase of 4)
Active cases: 39 (decrease of 5)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Currently hospitalized: 0 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 0 (no change)
Resolved: 114 (increase of 9)
New swabs completed: 5,036 (increase of 68)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 121,746 (increase of 1,824)*
Resolved: 103,239 (increase of 1,541, 84.8% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 666 (increase of 10)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 195 (increase of 12)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 107 (increase of 1)
Deaths: 3,712 (increase of 14)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,342 (increase of 11)
Total tests completed: 6,406,655 (increase of 52,873)
Tests under investigation: 58,320 (increase of 8,746)

*This number includes 127 cases from Middlesex-London Health Unit reported over the previous three days that, due to a data processing error, were not included in previous reports.

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 2 - December 2, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 2 – December 2, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 2 - December 2, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 2 – December 2, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

Shop local this holiday season with these eco-friendly stocking stuffers from the GreenUP Store

By GreenUP -
Your stockings can hold the best gifts, including what's best for the planet. The GreenUP Store has plenty of green gifts as well as gift certificates, available in-store at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough and online at shop.greenup.on.ca. (Photo: Ben Hargreaves)
Each week, GreenUP provides a story related to the environment. This week’s story is by Kristen LaRocque, GreenUP Store and Resource Centre Coordinator.

Are you looking for those extra special items to wrap up your holiday gift shopping?

Green gifts give a little more: they’re better for our health, our communities, and the environment. At the GreenUP Store, you’ll find locally made and eco-friendly gifts at a fair price.

GreenUP is a non-profit charity. When you shop at the GreenUP Store you directly support GreenUP and our environmental programs in the Peterborough area — that’s a gift that gives twice!

The following gift ideas can be found in our walk-in store at 378 Aylmer Street North in downtown Peterborough, or on our new online store at shop.greenup.on.ca.

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Under $25

Beery nice

Stylish up-cycled Keetarela earrings are made from Peterborough-sourced beer cans. Come see the full selection at The GreenUP Store. (Photos: Kristen LaRocque, Jackie Donaldson)
Stylish up-cycled Keetarela earrings are made from Peterborough-sourced beer cans. Come see the full selection at The GreenUP Store. (Photos: Kristen LaRocque, Jackie Donaldson)

If you have a jewellery lover on your list, consider picking up a pair of earrings from Keetarella.

Owner Kathryn Bahun carefully crafts her unique, beautiful, and up-cycled one-of-a-kind earrings (“beer-ings”) from fun-patterned beer cans she’s sourced right here in Peterborough.

These earrings are both beautiful and a conversation piece.

Accessory of the year

Reusable masks are the life-saving accessory of the year. The GreenUP Store offers a variety of adult hand-made masks by local makers, including some prints that'll suit the sports fan in your life, as well as bright and friendly patterns that help mask-wearing fun for kids. (Photos: Jackie Donaldson)
Reusable masks are the life-saving accessory of the year. The GreenUP Store offers a variety of adult hand-made masks by local makers, including some prints that’ll suit the sports fan in your life, as well as bright and friendly patterns that help mask-wearing fun for kids. (Photos: Jackie Donaldson)

The mask is a great stocking stuffer and a very practical gift.

Like underwear, masks should be changed every day! Keep your friends and family stocked up with locally made masks from the GreenUP Store.

We carry a variety of two-layer cotton masks (in both adult and child sizes) by local makers Garden of Eden and Keetarella.

We also have batik print masks in adult and child sizes from Snug as a Bug. These are hand-made by home sewers throughout southern Ontario.

Happy feet

The gift that keeps on giving: when you gift Twoloom Alpaca boot insoles not only do you warm hearts and feet, but you contribute to the livelihood of a local Northumberland farming family. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
The gift that keeps on giving: when you gift Twoloom Alpaca boot insoles not only do you warm hearts and feet, but you contribute to the livelihood of a local Northumberland farming family. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

Warm, cozy gifts are always appreciated during the chilly season!

The boot insoles by Twoloom Alpacas are made from 100 per cent alpaca wool: a must-have for Ontario winters.

Twoloom Alpaca Insoles are a great gift for the boot-wearing sustainability buff — once they have finished their useful foot-warming life, they can be composted!

Hangin’ in

Twisted Sister Macramé Plant Hangers are a great gift idea for the plant lover in your life. These beauties are handcrafted locally using unbleached cotton that is twisted and knotted to create a sturdy resting place for 6" to 8" pots. Some styles are dip-dyed and beaded, in mustard yellow, smoky grey and seafoam teal, while others are left a natural cream colour. (Photo: Kristen Larocque)
Twisted Sister Macramé Plant Hangers are a great gift idea for the plant lover in your life. These beauties are handcrafted locally using unbleached cotton that is twisted and knotted to create a sturdy resting place for 6″ to 8″ pots. Some styles are dip-dyed and beaded, in mustard yellow, smoky grey and seafoam teal, while others are left a natural cream colour. (Photo: Kristen Larocque)

For many, a potted plant brings a little bit of summer indoors for the winter. Why not accessorize the indoor green thumb in your life with a Twisted Sister macramé plant hanger?

Handcrafted locally, these items are made from unbleached cotton, twisted and knotted to create a sturdy support for 6″ to 8″ pots.

In mustard yellow, smoky grey, seafoam teal, or natural cream, these little beauties are ideal for dressing up a window or freeing up space for your big holiday puzzle.

Cutlery on the go

To-Go Ware's reusable utensil sets are a convenient, waste-free way to eat a takeout meal or a packed lunch. A great stocking stuffer for the student in your life. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
To-Go Ware’s reusable utensil sets are a convenient, waste-free way to eat a takeout meal or a packed lunch. A great stocking stuffer for the student in your life. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

The To-Go Ware reusable utensil set has a sturdy bamboo fork, knife, spoon, and chopstick set — all neatly held together in a convenient pouch made of recycled water bottles.

This stocking stuffer or gift wrap garnish provides a sustainable and healthy alternative to single-use plastic cutlery.

That’s cheeky

Give the gift of waste reduction. Double-ply 100% cotton flannel Cheeks Ahoy Unpaper Towels come in a range of handy sizes and vibrant colours and prints. These re-usable cloths are handmade with love in Peterborough. (Photo: Leah Black)
Give the gift of waste reduction. Double-ply 100% cotton flannel Cheeks Ahoy Unpaper Towels come in a range of handy sizes and vibrant colours and prints. These re-usable cloths are handmade with love in Peterborough. (Photo: Leah Black)

Cheeks Ahoy Unpaper Towels are great for wiping hands and faces, as well as washing and drying dishes and mopping up spills.

Lovingly crafted in Peterborough, these washable and reusable fabric cloths are a great alternative to paper towels. They reduce household waste and save you money.

A set of eight can easily replace paper napkins, paper towels, and even facial tissue.

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Under $10

Suds ‘n’ soaps

The GreenUP Store offers a wide selection of soaps from the workshops of local master soap makers. Gentle on your skin and gentle on the environment, these handcrafted beauties come with minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. (Photo: Jackie Donaldson)
The GreenUP Store offers a wide selection of soaps from the workshops of local master soap makers. Gentle on your skin and gentle on the environment, these handcrafted beauties come with minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. (Photo: Jackie Donaldson)

The GreenUP Store carries many handmade soaps crafted locally by master soap-makers, Sherrie LaMasurier of Simply Natural Canada, Katie Legere of Free2Be Wellness and SarahAnn of Charcoal & Rose Petals.

Featuring sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, these soaps use minimal or recyclable packaging.

The GreenUP Store carries many other personal care products too, like face serums, shaving soap, and natural deodorants.

Sweets for your sweet

100 per cent pure OtonaBEE Apiary clover and buckwheat honey in available in jars to fit any stocking size. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
100 per cent pure OtonaBEE Apiary clover and buckwheat honey in available in jars to fit any stocking size. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

OtonaBEE Apiary honey is the perfect gift for your sweet someone.

At the GreenUP Store, we carry liquid and creamed, clover and buckwheat honey in jars to fit any stocking size.

OtonaBEE honey is 100 per cent pure, just as the bees make it!

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Under $5

The acorn doesn’t fall far from the tree

These Ecomum felted wool acorn ornaments are made by a mother-daughter team in Peterborough. Inexpensive and a delight to the eye, they come in a range of colours. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
These Ecomum felted wool acorn ornaments are made by a mother-daughter team in Peterborough. Inexpensive and a delight to the eye, they come in a range of colours. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

Ecomum felted acorns are made locally by Jeanine Crow and her daughter.

Each fall, the pair go out in search of acorn tops to attach to felted balls of wool. These are the sweetest little holiday tree ornaments!

Ecomum also produces a variety of textiles, including baby bibs, blankets, and napkins in fun and contemporary patterns.

Stainless steel slurp

These single steel straws last a lifetime; no plastic, no packaging, no problem. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
These single steel straws last a lifetime; no plastic, no packaging, no problem. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

Looking to help a friend or family member kick the plastic straw habit?

Let them test the waters, so to speak, with a single, package-free stainless-steel straw.

Take it one step further by pairing it with a straw-cleaning brush for $2.

Maple goodness

These maple leaf-shaped bottles of Golden Treasure maple syrup are perfect stocking stuffers. Larger sizes are also available. (Photo: GreenUP Store)
These maple leaf-shaped bottles of Golden Treasure maple syrup are perfect stocking stuffers. Larger sizes are also available. (Photo: GreenUP Store)

What’s more Canadian (and delicious) than a bottle of maple syrup?

The GreenUP Store carries Golden Treasure maple syrup. This sugar shack has been in operation since 1994, growing to over 16,000 taps on 300 acres of northern Ontario maple bush.

At $5, these beautiful bottles shaped like maple leaves are perfect stocking stuffers.

We also have 250-ml bottles for $9 and 500-ml bottles for $17.

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More great gift ideas are on our website at www.greenup.on.ca along with tips and resources to help you make sustainable gift choices.

You can also purchase GreenUP gift certificates in-person or on our website. Gift certificates can be used at both the GreenUP Store and the Ecology Park Nursery.

Giving thanks

During this difficult time, our thoughts turn gratefully to everyone who is coming together to support our community and the environment. Be well, stay safe, and thank you from everyone here at GreenUP

Thefts of delivered packages and items from vehicles in Peterborough increasing, along with resident anger and frustration

By Paul Rellinger -
The remnants of the package Dana Mason had delivered from Ottawa to her son's home in Peterborough were discovered on November 29, 2020, near the Sherbrooke Street water tower by Lisa Ann Mikaric while she walking her dog. The package, which contained Christmas and birthday gifts, was stolen from Mason's son's home November 26 shortly after it was delivered by Canada Post. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Ann Mikaric)

While walking her dog near the Sherbrooke Street water tower in Peterborough this past Sunday morning (November 29), Lisa Ann Mikaric stumbled upon a ripped-open cardboard box surrounded by torn gift wrapping paper.

Curious, she took a closer look. Learning from the Canada Post label still affixed that the package had been delivered the week prior to a Peterborough address from a Dana Mason in Ottawa, she turned to Google to track Mason down.

It was upon receiving Mikaric’s call that Mason learned the ultimate fate of the package stolen from her son’s porch shortly after it was delivered to his city home the prior Thursday.

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With the ongoing pandemic preventing an in-person visit with her son and his partner this Christmas, Mason had shipped a large box of Christmas gift items for them both — including some additional gift items for his birthday.

Among the 14 items in the box were two John Le Carre hardcover books that belonged to her late father, both purchased some 50 years ago by him and of sentimental value.

“I was angry but now I’m just really disheartened,” says Mason. “It’s not like someone has broken into your home and stolen something but it’s because of the contents. It wasn’t something I ordered from The Bay or Amazon. I know there are some desperate people out there but if you don’t want the stuff, keep it in the box so someone can find it.”

Mason’s experience is one being shared by a seemingly rising number of victims of ‘porch pirates’ — thieves targeting parcels left by couriers and delivery drivers at residence doorsteps. In addition, thefts from vehicles by ‘car hoppers’ — a more seasonal crime affliction with Christmas presents targeted — are also being reported with more regularity.

Two private Facebook groups — Catch A Car Hopper Peterborough and East City Ptbo — feature numerous comments from those who have been victims of theft, as well as those who have witnessed a crime in progress, with some sharing photos or videos of the perpetrators.

"Catch a Car Hopper Peterborough" is a private Facebook group intended to help people who have been a victim of car hopping and vehicle theft. (Screenshot)
“Catch a Car Hopper Peterborough” is a private Facebook group intended to help people who have been a victim of car hopping and vehicle theft. (Screenshot)

According to Detective Constable Keith Calderwood of the Peterborough Police Service, the ongoing pandemic is no doubt playing a role in the rise in the number of package thefts from porches. Statistics Canada reports online sales are on track for a record-breaking year, expected to surpass 2019’s record $305 billion in e-commerce sales. It’s simple math: more packages being delivered mean more packages being stolen.

Mason’s package was stolen at some point between just before 10 a.m. when it was delivered and noon, when a neighbour of her son’s checking on his behalf discovered it was missing.

“In hindsight, I remember hearing that because of COVID, Canada Post wasn’t requiring a signature (at the time of delivery) but I didn’t think of that at all as I was typing up the address label,” says Mason.

“I thought, because of the size of the box, it wouldn’t be left at the door. Canada Post did send me an email notifying me that it had been delivered, so I notified my son. I’ve contacted Canada Post to find out exactly where it was left at my son’s house and I’m waiting to hear back.”

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As disappointed and frustrated as Mason is, Mikaric reaching out to her has provided a silver lining.

“I posted some signs in the neighbourhood and scoured the water tower to try and at least find the books,” Mikaric says. As well, Mikaric has offered to search Peterborough bookstores for a copy of Le Carre’s Call For The Dead to replace the copy that was stolen.

“It just broke my heart when I came up the hill and saw that,” recalls Mikaric, who says she has been chatting with Mason ever since. “Someone had taken their time, energy, and money to send a gift to their loved ones just to have it ripped apart.”

Also included in Mason’s gift package was a custom-made men’s toiletry bag of leather and Black Stewart tartan fabric.

“If that turns up anywhere, on Kijjiji or Facebook Marketplace, it was the only one she made … it’s one of a kind,” notes Mason.

Some photos of suspected porch pirates and car hoppers posted by members of the East City Ptbo and Catch a Car Hopper Peterborough groups on Facebook. (Facebook photos)
Some photos of suspected porch pirates and car hoppers posted by members of the East City Ptbo and Catch a Car Hopper Peterborough groups on Facebook. (Facebook photos)

Back in December 2019, Catch A Car Hopper Peterborough debuted on Facebook, giving group members an outlet to share information regarding thefts from vehicles. To date, the group has more than 930 members.

Park Street North resident Kody West, who co-founded the group and administers it along with three others, says his vehicle was being broken into “once or twice a week,” including a frightening incident on July 29, 2019. The incident resulted in his left hand being slashed with a box cutter, resulting in several stitches, when he confronted the thief.

Aided by video surveillance footage, police arrested two people, one of whom was convicted of assault with a weapon causing bodily harm and robbery with a weapon.

West says from what he’s read on the Facebook group, there’s a lot of anger over the rising number of thefts from vehicles.

“People are turning into vigilantes — they’re looking for them now,” he says, adding that wasn’t the intention when the group was created. “It was to be more like an alert system to make people aware. Now they’re just getting fed up. Every day cars are being broken into and law enforcement can’t stop it. They can’t be everywhere.”

“My vehicle has been hit twice,” says Robert Hamm, a Golfview Road resident who is also an administrator of the Facebook group.

“The first time I had all my tools in my vehicle, but all they took was a carton of cigarettes and some change. There was about $3,500 worth of tools in the back, so I was very lucky.”

However, luck wasn’t on Hamm’s side the second time some three months ago when credit cards were stolen and subsequently used. While the loss was covered by his bank, Hamm says what isn’t replaceable is the loss of any sense of security.

“I’ve been invaded, ” he says. “Someone has come into my personal vehicle.”

Like West, Hamm says the Facebook group is intended to bring more awareness to the issue of thefts from vehicles so people can consistently practice good habits to lessen the chance of their becoming a victim.

“We don’t want people to get hurt by taking things into their own hands … that was never the intent,” says Hamm, noting West was seriously injured doing just that.

“It would be nice to see these people getting caught. We could post that on our page and let our followers know.”

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On Tuesday (December 1), the Peterborough Police Service issued the following tips to help prevent thefts from vehicles:

  • Ensure your vehicle doors are always locked and the key is in your possession.
  • Always park your vehicle in a well-lit location.
  • Always roll up your vehicle windows.
  • Never leave money in clear sight.
  • Put shopping bags and parcels in the trunk.
  • Ensure GPS and other electronic devices are out of sight.
  • Keep your vehicle ownership and proof of insurance in your possession.
  • Never leave your cellphone in your vehicle.
  • Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
  • If you frequently park in the same parking lot, park in a different spot each time.

Detective Constable Calderwood, who is coordinator of Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers, says protecting yourself from being a victim of theft from your porch or vehicle comes down to “a lot of common sense stuff.”

“In 99.9 per cent of cases (of vehicle theft), the vehicle has been left unlocked,” he explains. “The only time they’ll do a smash-and-grab is when they can see something of value in a vehicle that’s worth doing a smash-and-grab for.”

As for thefts of packages from doorsteps, Calderwood says “that’s very unsettling for people … the insecurity you feel as a result of someone approaching your house is not a very good feeling.”

He recommends doorbell cameras, motion lights, and other surveillance technology as a worthy investment, noting they not only help with any subsequent investigation but also act as a deterrent for would-be thieves.

As well, he points out many delivery firms offer notification by app which lets you know when you’re package has been delivered. If you aren’t home at that time, you can call a neighbour and ask them to retrieve it for you.

Calderwood admits it’s very difficult, if not impossible, for police to be proactive when it comes to thefts from porches and vehicles.

“We’re not CSI — we can’t take fingerprints from vehicle door handles where there are fingerprints upon fingerprints,” he says. “It really comes down to common sense. Eliminating the temptation is your best defence.”

Anyone with information on a theft, or to report one, can contact the Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or at stopcrimehere.ca.

Health unit advises recent customers of Tim Hortons in Colborne to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms

By kawarthaNOW -
Four employees of the Tim Hortons at 289 Big Apple Drive in Colborne have tested positive for COVID-19. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is advising customers who were served at the restaurant between November 23 and 30, 2020, to self-monitor and to get tested and self-isolate if they develop COVID-19 symptoms. (Photo: Tim Hortons)

The local health unit is advising recent customers of a Tim Hortons restaurant in Colborne to monitor themselves for symptoms after four employees tested positive for COVID-19.

The restaurant at 289 Big Apple Drive was closed on Monday (November 30), with a notice posted on the door advising customers of an “evolving health situation”.

The following morning, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit declared a workplace outbreak after two employees were confirmed to have tested positive for the disease.

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Since then, another two employees have tested positive for COVID-19 and the health unit has determined there may be a risk to customers who were served at the restaurant over the last week — although the health unit says the risk is small.

Nonetheless, the health unit is encouraging anyone who was served inside the restaurant or served through the drive-through between November 23 to 30 to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.

“Although we do not believe customers are at a high risk, we are encouraging anyone who visited the restaurant during the specified dates to self-monitor for symptoms,” says medical officer of health Dr. Lynn Noseworthy in media release issued by the health unit on Wednesday afternoon (December 2). “If anyone does develop symptoms, they are encouraged to get tested and self-isolate while awaiting test results.”

Symptoms of COVID-19 range from mild to severe and may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, smell/tasting disorder, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or runny nose or nasal congestion.

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The health unit states that, while it does not routinely share the location of workplace outbreaks, it’s challenging to complete contact tracing for a food premise.

“Doing case and contact management for a confirmed case or an outbreak is a very detailed and lengthy process,” Dr. Noseworthy says.
“Information is always evolving, and you are always learning more about the situation. When we declared the outbreak yesterday, we did not have the complete picture we now have.”

The health unit says it will now routinely report workplace outbreaks on its website at www.hkpr.on.ca/ and may also share information about a workplace if the workplace requests public notification — even if there is no risk to the public.

Ontario reports 1,723 new COVID-19 cases, including 17 in greater Kawartha region

By kawarthaNOW -

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Ontario is reporting 1,723 new COVID-19 cases today, with the average number of daily cases over the past seven days increasing by 50 to 1,720. There are 17 new cases in the greater Kawarthas region, with the total number of active cases rising to 104.

Most of the new cases reported today are in Peel (500), Toronto (410), York (196), Durham (124), and Waterloo (103).

There are double-digit increases in Hamilton (74), Windsor-Essex (60), Ottawa (46), Halton (45), Simcoe Muskoka (45), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (20), Niagara (18), Chatham-Kent (15), Southwestern Public Health (12), and Thunder Bay (10), with smaller increases in Brant County (8) and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (6).

The remaining 17 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with 7 health units reporting no new cases at all.

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Of today’s cases, 53% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (642) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 486 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,686 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has increased by 0.2% to 84.8%. The average positivity rate across Ontario has decreased by 0.4% to 4.7%, meaning that 47 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on December 1.

Ontario is reporting 35 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 22 in long-term care facilities — a significant increase over the single-digit deaths reported over the past two days. However, while hospitalizations have increased by 11 to 656, there are 2 fewer patients with COVID-19 in ICUs and 6 fewer patients on ventilators.

A total of 44,226 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 15,528 to 49,574.

There are 166 new cases in Ontario schools today, a decrease of 133 from yesterday, with 140 student cases and 26 staff cases. There are 28 new cases in licensed child care settings, a decrease of 12 from yesterday, with 12 cases among children and 16 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 17 new cases to report, including 7 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 4 in Kawartha Lakes, 3 in Northumberland, and 3 in Peterborough. There are no new cases to report in Haliburton.

An additional 2 cases have been resolved in Kawartha Lakes, 2 in Hastings and Prince Edward, 2 in Northumberland, and 1 in Peterborough.

None of the reported new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 104 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 44 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 27 in Northumberland, 24 in Peterborough, 8 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Haliburton. Of the new and active cases in Hastings and Prince Edward counties, 17 are related to a workplace outbreak at Proctor & Gamble in Belleville declared on November 27.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 219 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (190 resolved with 5 deaths), 203 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (176 resolved with 32 deaths), 97 in Northumberland County (69 resolved with 1 death), 27 in Haliburton County (26 resolved with no deaths), and 147 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (101 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 23.

Province-wide, there have been 119,922 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,723 from yesterday, with 101,698 cases resolved (84.8% of all cases), an increase of 1,686 from yesterday. There have been 3,698 deaths, an increase of 35 from yesterday, with 2,331 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 22 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 11 to 656, with 2 fewer patients with COVID-19 in ICUs and 6 fewer patients on ventilators. A total of 6,353,782 tests have been completed, an increase of 44,226 from yesterday, with 49,574 tests under investigation, an increase of 15,528 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 12 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day. There may be discrepancies between the Ontario data reported today (which is from yesterday) and the local health unit data reported today (which is from today).

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 219 (increase of 3)
Active cases: 24 (increase of 2)
Close contacts: 50 (decrease of 12)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Resolved: 190 (increase of 1)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)*
Total tests completed: Over 36,900 (increase of 150)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

*The health unit is no longer reporting the total number of hospitalizations.

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 327, including 203 in Kawartha Lakes, 97 in Northumberland, 27 in Haliburton (increase of 7, including 4 in Kawartha Lakes and 3 in Northumberland)*
Active cases: 36, including 8 in Kawartha Lakes, 27 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (net increase of 2)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 117, including 14 in Kawartha Lakes, 97 in Northumberland, and 6 in Haliburton (net increase of 7)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 271, including 176 in Kawartha Lakes, 69 in Northumberland, 26 in Haliburton (increase of 4, including 2 in Kawartha Lakes and 2 in Northumberland)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

*One previously reported case in Kawartha Lakes has been transferred to another health unit.

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 154 (increase of 7)
Active cases: 44 (increase of 5)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Currently hospitalized: 0 (decrease of 1)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU: 0 (decrease of 1)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 0 (no change)
Resolved: 105 (increase of 2)
New swabs completed: 4,968 (increase of 66)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 119,922 (increase of 1,723)
Resolved: 101,698 (increase of 1,686, 84.8% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 656 (increase of 11)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 183 (decrease of 2)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 106 (decrease of 6)
Deaths: 3,698 (increase of 35)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,331 (increase of 22)
Total tests completed: 6,353,782 (increase of 44,226)
Tests under investigation: 49,574 (increase of 15,528)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 1 - December 1, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from November 1 – December 1, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 1 - December 1, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from November 1 – December 1, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

One person dead, another seriously injured after being hit by car near Campbellcroft in Port Hope

By kawarthaNOW -

One person is dead and another has been airlifted to a Toronto hospital after being struck by a vehicle in the Municipality of Port Hope on Wednesday morning (December 2).

Northumberland County OPP and emergency services responded to a serious collision that happened at around 8:05 a.m. on 7th Line just west of Woodvale School Road, about five kilometres southeast of Campbellcroft.

Two pedestrians were struck by a northbound vehicle.

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One of the pedestrians was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second pedestrian was transported by Ornge Air Ambulance to a trauma centre in Toronto to be treated for injuries sustained as a result of the collision.

Police are not releasing the names of the victims at this time.

7th Line is currently closed between County Road 28 and Campbell Road, while police measure and document the scene. The closure will remain in place for several hours while police investigate.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Virtual 2021 ReFrame Film Festival has its perks, including watching what you want when you want

By Sarah McNeilly -
While the pandemic means audiences can't experience the 2021 ReFrame Film Festival at its usual venues like Showplace Performance Centre in downtown Peterborough, the virtual festival running from January 22 t0 29 has its perks. It's a full week long and available to anyone who lives in Ontario. With a festival pass, you can watch as many films as you want whenever you want from the comfort of your own home, and it's more accessible as you can control the volume level as well as enable closed-captioning and subtitles. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame)

In 2020, our year of the virus, the word “pivot” has been overused to such an extent that it has been stripped of all meaning.

Yet, pivot seems entirely appropriate to describe what the folks at ReFrame Film Festival have done this year to ensure the renowned documentary film festival would not be another COVID casualty.

Instead of cancelling the event, ReFrame organizers have worked tirelessly to move the festival programming — films, panels, and Q&As with filmmakers — online, so that audiences can safely enjoy the festival from the comfort of their own homes.

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“In January of this year, we were able to hold ReFrame and it was a wonderful festival,” recalls ReFrame creative director Amy Siegel. “Very soon after that, everything was shutdown. In fact, for a lot of people, ReFrame was the last big event that they were able to attend.”

“Very quickly, we started to think about ways we could continue to hold the festival because we knew that we needed to make it work. Film happens to be something that translates a little bit better to the digital environment.”

With less than a year before the next festival was slated to occur, ReFrame personnel wasted no time working to move the festival online.

ReFrame Film Festival creative director Amy Siegel with festival director Jay Adams in 2019. Siegel joined ReFrame in 2018 and led programming for the successful 2019 festival, which took place just weeks before the pandemic arrived. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame)
ReFrame Film Festival creative director Amy Siegel with festival director Jay Adams in 2019. Siegel joined ReFrame in 2018 and led programming for the successful 2019 festival, which took place just weeks before the pandemic arrived. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame)

“It’s a very different approach to festival making and it’s been a huge learning curve for the team,” Seigel explains.

“We’re a really small team that makes this festival happen. It’s just been non-stop learning. It was a stretch to be completely consumed in the digital realm, but we’ve really pulled it together in a short amount of time to be able to offer our audiences an event that they’ve grown to love over the last 17 years.”

There is nothing like the collective breath of an audience experiencing a film together — breathing in and out together, laughing together. That said, since breathing together is precisely what we ought to avoid during these strange COVID-times, online programming seems preferable at this point.

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Beyond the obvious benefit of finally being able to attend a film festival while donning your favourite onesie pyjamas (free from judgment and scorn), there are many other unexpected advantages to digital presentation.

“We know that the pandemic has made all of our schedules, attention spans, and lives complicated, so we wanted to give people the flexibility that their lives require right now,” says Seigel.

The festival, which normally runs for three days only, has been extended for a full week and, for the first time ever, will be available province-wide. Audiences can watch films on-demand anytime during the week-long festival.

ReFrame Film Festival organizers have already had experience with digital programming, having made films such as "The Beatles in India" available online through ReFrame At Home. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame)
ReFrame Film Festival organizers have already had experience with digital programming, having made films such as “The Beatles in India” available online through ReFrame At Home. (Photo courtesy of ReFrame)

Digital programming also means the festival will be more accessible for people living with disabilities. Not only can audiences skip dealing with icy sidewalks, they can also control volume levels and use closed-captioning or subtitles.

“The digital platform is an incredible opportunity to reach people who otherwise weren’t able to attend the festival,” Seigel says. “It’s really exciting to think about people attending the festival on their own terms, in their own homes, with no scheduling conflicts. In this format you can conceivably watch all the films.”

ReFrame is also economically accessible this year. Rather than purchasing passes per person, audiences only need one festival pass per household.

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“We’re also very aware that these are financially difficult times,” explains Seigel. “This way people are able to save some funds while still participating. We’re also trying to encourage people, if they have the means, to perhaps buy a festival pass for somebody who doesn’t have the means to, or to donate one to a community group.”

“We’re also very grateful for organizations like the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough,” she adds. “They’re supporting our community access pass again this year, which allows us to give out free passes to community groups and the general public.”

This year, many people are becoming more mindful of their spending habits — of where their money is going — and are making an effort to support their local economies.

Acclaimed Toronto filmmaker Yung Chang speaking at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough during the 2020 ReFrame Film Festival. While there will be no in-person events at the 2021 ReFrame Film Festival, the festival will still feature virtual filmmaker talks, panel discussions, workshops, and more. (Photo: Tristan Peirce)
Acclaimed Toronto filmmaker Yung Chang speaking at Market Hall in downtown Peterborough during the 2020 ReFrame Film Festival. While there will be no in-person events at the 2021 ReFrame Film Festival, the festival will still feature virtual filmmaker talks, panel discussions, workshops, and more. (Photo: Tristan Peirce)

“Of course we could watch movies on Netflix, Amazon, or Itunes,” Seigel says. “But we know that the pandemic has only widened the wealth gap and that these corporations are profiting off a global health crisis and not giving back.”

“The pandemic has brought to the surface things that were always there. ReFrame has always been committed to presenting social justice films that speak to the moment, that speak to global issues, and that speak to our community. I think there’s a need for that now more than ever.”

The virtual ReFrame Film Festival runs from January 22 to 29, 2021. (Poster: Jordan Bowden)
The virtual ReFrame Film Festival runs from January 22 to 29, 2021. (Poster: Jordan Bowden)

Seigel sees a silver lining in the pandemic when it comes to presenting a virtual film festival,

“If we’re stuck in our homes, what an opportunity we have to educate ourselves, to become more informed, to learn about pathways forward that have happened in the past and that are happening right now — and how we can take care of each other.”

The 2021 ReFrame Film Festival will run online from Friday, January 22nd to Friday, January 29th.

Discounted early-bird passes, which make ideal holiday gifts for anyone who lives in Ontario, are available for purchase for $50 at my.reframefilmfestival.ca/passes/buy. Regular passes and five-packs of individual film tickets will be available at the website in early December.

 

kawarthaNOW is proud to be a sponsor of the 2021 ReFrame Film Festival.

Ontario plans COVID-19 vaccine rollout as it reports 1,707 new cases and spike in ICU admissions

By kawarthaNOW -
Retired general Rick Hillier, chair of Ontario's vaccine distribution task force, speaks at a media conference at pharmaceutical distribution company McKesson Canada in Brampton on December 1, 2020. (CPAC screenshot)

Here’s an update on COVID-19 cases in Ontario as well as in the greater Kawarthas region.

Ontario is reporting 1,707 new COVID-19 cases today, with the average number of daily cases over the past seven days increasing by 100 to 1,670 — the highest it’s ever been — with a spike in the number of hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and cases in schools.

The worsening of the second wave in Ontario comes on the same day Ontario health minister Christine Elliot, along with retired general Rick Hillier, chair of Ontario’s vaccine distribution task force, held a media conference at pharmaceutical distribution company McKesson Canada in Brampton to provide an update on the province’s plan for rolling out COVID-19 vaccines when they become available.

“Collaborating with industry experts in health care and logistics will be key to ensuring we are prepared by December 31 for the first phase of rolling out COVID-19 vaccines, when they are available,” Elliott said. “Under the leadership of General Hillier, the province will be ready to launch Ontario’s COVID-19 immunization program.”

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Most of the new cases reported today are in Toronto, which saw another record increase of 727 cases, followed by Peel (373) and York (168).

There are double-digit increases in Durham (72), Waterloo (61), Hamilton (58), Windsor-Essex (47), Halton (47), Simcoe Muskoka (36), Ottawa (34), Niagara (15), Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (13), and Grey Bruce (12), with smaller increases in Huron Perth (8), Brant County (8), Eastern Ontario Health Unit (7), Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (6), and Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (6). (Note: due to the way cases are reported, there are discrepancies between the Ontario data and the data reported by by local health units.)

The remaining 19 health units are reporting 5 or fewer new cases, with 6 health units reporting no new cases at all.

Of today’s cases, 54% are among people under 40 years of age, with the highest number of cases (666) among people ages 20 to 39 followed by 511 cases among people ages 40 to 59. With 1,373 more cases resolved since yesterday, the percentage of resolved cases has decreased by 0.1% to 84.6%. The average positivity rate across Ontario has increased by 0.5% to 5.1%, meaning that 51 out of every 1,000 tests performed were positive for COVID-19 on November 30.

Ontario is reporting 7 new COVID-19 deaths today, including 6 in long-term care facilities — the lowest number of daily deaths since October 28, when 5 deaths were reported. However, hospitalizations continue to climb, with 27 more people with COVID-19 in hospitals, for a total of 645. The number of patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICUs has jumped by 17 to 185, with 4 more patients on ventilators.

A total of 34,046 tests were completed yesterday, and the backlog of tests under investigation has increased by 6,658 to 34,046.

The number of new cases in Ontario schools has jumped to 299, an increase of 197 from yesterday, with 255 student cases and 46 staff cases. There are 40 new cases in licensed child care settings, an increase of 26 from yesterday, with 21 cases among children and 19 cases among staff.

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In the greater Kawarthas region, there are 22 new cases to report, including 9 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (almost all in Belleville), 8 in Northumberland, 4 in Peterborough, and 1 in Kawartha Lakes. There are no new cases to report in Haliburton.

An additional 3 cases have recovered in Peterborough and 2 cases have recovered in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

None of the reported new cases in Ontario schools and child care settings are in the greater Kawarthas region.

There are currently 95 active cases in the greater Kawarthas region, including 39 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (mostly in Belleville), 26 in Northumberland, 22 in Peterborough, 7 in Kawartha Lakes, and 1 in Haliburton.

Since the pandemic began in the greater Kawarthas region, there have been 216 confirmed positive cases in the Peterborough area (189 resolved with 5 deaths), 200 in the City of Kawartha Lakes (174 resolved with 32 deaths), 94 in Northumberland County (67 resolved with 1 death), 27 in Haliburton County (26 resolved with no deaths), and 147 in Hastings and Prince Edward counties (103 resolved with 5 deaths). The most recent death was reported in Peterborough on November 23.

Province-wide, there have been 118,199 confirmed cases, an increase of 1,707 from yesterday, with 100,012 cases resolved (84.6% of all cases), an increase of 1,373 from yesterday. There have been 3,663 deaths, an increase of 7 from yesterday, with 2,309 deaths in long-term care homes, an increase of 6 from yesterday. The number of hospitalizations has increased by 27 to 645, with 17 more patients with COVID-19 in ICUs and 4 more patients on ventilators. A total of 6,309,556 tests have been completed, an increase of 34,640 from yesterday, with 34,046 tests under investigation, an increase of 6,658 from yesterday.

The provincial data in this report is pulled from Ontario’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) at 12 p.m. the previous day. Data from local health units is more current and is usually reflected in the provincial data the following day. There may be discrepancies between the Ontario data reported today (which is from yesterday) and the local health unit data reported today (which is from today).

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Peterborough Public Health

Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.

The health unit provides daily reports, including on weekends.

Confirmed positive: 216 (increase of 4)
Active cases: 22 (increase of 1)
Close contacts: 62 (increase of 4)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Resolved: 189 (increase of 3)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 10 (no change)*
Total tests completed: Over 36,750 (no change)
Institutional outbreaks: Fairhaven (no change)

*The health unit is no longer reporting the total number of hospitalizations.

 

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 321, including 200 in Kawartha Lakes, 94 in Northumberland, 27 in Haliburton (increase of 9, including 1 in Kawartha Lakes and 8 in Northumberland)
Active cases: 34, including 7 in Kawartha Lakes, 26 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (increase of 9)
Probable cases: 0 (no change)
High-risk contacts: 110, including 15 in Kawartha Lakes, 89 in Northumberland, and 6 in Haliburton (increase of 22)
Hospitalizations (total to date): 16, including 11 in Kawartha Lakes, 4 in Northumberland, and 1 in Haliburton (no change)
Deaths: 33 (no change)
Resolved: 267, including 174 in Kawartha Lakes, 67 in Northumberland, 26 in Haliburton (no change)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

 

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.

The health unit provides reports from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Confirmed positive: 147 (increase of 9)
Active cases: 39 (increase of 7)
Deaths: 5 (no change)
Currently hospitalized: 1 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU: 1 (no change)
Currently hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator (total to date): 0 (no change)
Resolved: 103 (increase of 2)
New swabs completed: 4,902 (increase of 2,137)
Institutional outbreaks: None (no change)

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Province of Ontario

Confirmed positive: 118,199 (increase of 1,707)
Resolved: 100,012 (increase of 1,373, 84.6% of all cases)
Hospitalized: 645 (increase of 27)
Hospitalized and in ICU: 185 (increase of 17)
Hospitalized and in ICU on ventilator: 112 (increase of 4)
Deaths: 3,663 (increase of 7)
Deaths of residents in long-term care homes: 2,309 (increase of 6)
Total tests completed: 6,309,556 (increase of 34,640)
Tests under investigation: 34,046 (increase of 6,658)

New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 31 - November 30, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
New COVID-19 cases in Ontario from October 31 – November 30, 2020. The red line is the number of new cases reported daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of new cases. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 31 - November 30, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)
COVID-19 tests completed in Ontario from October 31 – November 30, 2020. The red line is the number of tests completed daily, and the dotted green line is a five-day moving average of tests completed. (Graphic: kawarthaNOW.com)

 

For more information about COVID-19 in Ontario, visit covid-19.ontario.ca.

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