Fifteen new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed by Peterborough Public Health, bringing to 28 the total number of cases in Peterborough city and county, Hiawatha and Curve Lake.

During her daily media briefing on Monday (March 30), Peterborough Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra said of the new cases, four are receiving care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. Another four cases are under investigation in relation to travel history and/or community contacts while three of the new reported cases have been resolved.

Meanwhile, Dr. Salvaterra says the outbreak at St. Joe’s at Fleming reported last week is “under control” but test results are still awaited on one resident.

Asked if Peterborough could see a similar tragic outbreak such as that at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon where nine residents have died of presumed COVID-19, Dr. Salvaterra says she “wouldn’t be surprised.”

Meanwhile, the results of a Nanos poll released Monday (March 30) revealed 67 percent of Canadians believe the COVID-19 outbreak will become more severe in their respective communities.

Dr. Salvaterra agrees that poll result is an indication that most are clearly aware of the gravity of the situation and are preparing themselves for what’s ahead while following prescribed measures to keep themselves and theirs safe.

“We do expect this to get worse before it gets better and we’re preparing for that,” she says.

To date, 673 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in the Peterborough area with results awaited on 224 of those tested. Another 422 cases have been confirmed negative.

For the area served by the other health unit in the Kawarthas (Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, which includes Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton), there have been 41 positive cases reported, including nine deaths (seven associated with the outbreak at Pinecrest Nursing Home).

Of the total positive cases, 33 are in the City of Kawartha Lakes (with nine deaths) and eight in Northumberland County. No positive cases have been identified in Haliburton County.

For the most recent information on COVID-19 in Ontario and the Peterborough area, visit ontario.ca/coronavirus or peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

Peterborough Regional Health Centre is also providing news, updates, information and resources on its website at prhc.on.ca/cms/covid-19-novel-coronavirus.

This story has been updated to include the latest numbers for COVID-19 cases and deaths as of March 30, 2020 from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

As the Bobcaygeon community awoke Monday morning (March 30) to the heartbreaking news that nine Pinecrest Nursing Home residents have died as a result of presumed COVID-19 — seven of those deaths this past weekend — the councillor in whose ward the home is located is frustrated and upset that the seriousness of the situation wasn’t made public sooner.

“When three residents tested positive (on March 20) there should have been something sent out to the public immediately,” says Councillor Kathleen Seymour-Fagan.

“The home finally tried to reach out last Monday (March 23) for help. (MPP) Laurie (Scott) jumped on it immediately but they couldn’t get any answers from the nursing home. They called and couldn’t get in touch with anybody.”

“We hear they are devastated but then we can’t speak with anybody? We’re ready to send in our paramedics and we’re told ‘No?'”

“This had been brewing for over a week. This should have been out to the public a lot quicker than it was. Now we’ve got all those workers in the home who have been out to all the stores around here.”

In addition to the nine resident deaths, an elderly woman who visited her husband daily at Pinecrest died on Saturday (March 28) at Ross Memorial Centre in Lindsay.

In addition, 34 home staff were showing symptoms of COVID-19 as of last Friday (March 27), with 17 of those having tested positive, four tested negative, and test results awaited on the remainder.

kawarthaNOW reached out Monday (March 30) for comment from the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit but has yet to hear back. As of early Monday afternoon, there has been no public communication from the health unit or the home about the deaths, but the health unit’s website was updated at 1:15 p.m. on Monday to reflect the current status of cases.

Located at 3418 County Road 36 in Bobcaygeon, Pinecrest Nursing Home is a 65-bed facility owned by Medlaw Corporation.

On the weekend of March 21st, Lindsay cardiologist Dr. Jeremy Jones — in an open letter widely shared on social media — sounded the alarm bell over the situation then brewing at Pinecrest, writing “What they haven’t revealed is that there are 20 other residents and eight staff at the nursing home that have symptoms but have not been tested. This additional 28 people undoubtedly are further cases of COVID-19. This means that there could be hundreds of cases in the community that have gone undetected.”

Councillor Seymour-Fagan says she got a call from City of Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham last Monday (March 23), advising her of just how bad the situation was at Pinecrest.

“They (nursing home administration) had finally reached out to him and (MPP) Laurie (Scott),” she says, noting she has since been in regular communication with a nurse at the home.

“When I first knew what was happening at Pinecrest, I didn’t have actual data and facts. Speaking with the MPP, speaking with the mayor, we knew but what could we say? Public health hadn’t put it out there. The nursing home hadn’t put it out there. I don’t know what happened. A communication breakdown? We’re hearing Dr. Noseworthy say she didn’t know. That can’t happen.”

As Pinecrest administration, in conjunction with public health staff, attempt to get a handle what is a dire situation at the home, Councillor Seymour-Fagan says the effect on her community has been nothing short of “devastating.”

“People that work there live in the area. They care deeply for the residents. Being a PSW (Personal Support Worker) or a nurse in that type of environment is not an easy job. The people that are working there, their hearts are in the right place and they try their best. That’s one of the reasons why this is so devastating. Those who are ill want to be in there to help and they can’t.”

Adding to Councillor Seymour-Fagan’s frustration is the refusal of those to adhere to physical distancing directives.

“People are coming up to their cottages thinking they are safer. They’re not safer. It’s everywhere. People need to realize that and they need to stay at home. Don’t go out and hang out with your friends. I have a friend who had to close his hardware store because people were coming in looking for bird feeders. It doesn’t matter if you’re bored. Find something to do.”

Meanwhile, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes was set to announce Monday (March 30) that a fund to help patients, families and health care workers affected by COVID-19 in Bobcaygeon and surrounding area has been established. The fund, called the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, is being administered by the foundation, advised by members of the community led by Councillor Seymour-Fagan.

“We already have donors; we’ve already raised a significant amount (of money),” she says.

To make a donation, email kawarthafoundation@gmail.com.

This story has been updated to include the three additional resident deaths reported on March 31, 2020 and to include two photos from Fred Thornhill / The Canadian Press.

Trent University is offering temporary housing for healthcare workers from Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) within the Gzowski College residence on the East Bank of Trent University’s Symons Campus.

The university was approached by PRHC early last week about the possibility of using residences to temporarily house hospital staff who choose to self-isolate from their families while caring for patients.

“Trent has been looking for ways to support the community as we navigate our way through the current crisis,” says Trent’s president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Groarke. “After our donation of personal protective equipment to the hospital last week, we are pleased to be able to provide housing for those working on the front lines of healthcare in Peterborough.”

As Trent University has been operating with a reduced campus presence since Monday, March 16th, Gzowski College is currently unoccupied. When not occupied by students during the school term, the college’s rooms would normally by occupied in the spring and summer for conferences and weddings. However, due to the pandemic, all such events have been cancelled and the residences are empty.

Beginning as early as Tuesday, March 31st, up to 100 rooms will be available within Gzowski College. Only every second room will be made available to ensure a private bathroom is available for each occupant and to support appropriate social distancing.

Trent University and PRHC are currently working out the details. While using Gzowski College for temporary housing, PRHC will look after cleaning and sanitation. After the emergency passes, the space will be fully sanitized and turned back over to the university to allow for a 21-day vacancy before students arrive.

“Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Trent University have a long-standing partnership between our organizations,” says Brenda Weir, PRHC’s vice president of medicine and regional programs. “We are pleased to continue working with them through the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure our healthcare professionals and staff have access to the important resources they need as they work around the clock to provide care and support for patients.”

“We are grateful to Trent University and to the many other community organizations that have come forward to offer their support in these unprecedented times.”

While 140 Trent University students without alternative living arrangements are remaining on campus, they are currently residing at the Water Street residences on the west side of Water Street, across from the campus entrance and on the other side of the river from Gzowski College.

Gzowski College, named after the late Canadian journalist and broadcaster Peter Gzowski, is Trent University’s youngest college, officially opening in October 2004.

Effective Sunday (March 29), public events and social gatherings of more than five people are against the law in Ontario.

The new emergency order under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act replaces the previous emergency order prohibiting organized public events of more than 50 people.

This order does not apply to private households with five people or more. It also does not apply to child care centres that are operating to support front-line health care workers and first responders, provided the number of persons at each centre does not exceed 50 people. Funerals are also permitted to proceed, but with up to 10 people at one time.

“We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public health officials across the province,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott. “These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people. Nothing is more important.”

The prohibition applies to all organized public events including parades, weddings, social gatherings, and communal services within places of worship.

Other emergency orders issued under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act include the closure of non-essential workplaces, recreational programs, libraries, publicly funded schools, private schools, day cares, provincial parks, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars and restaurants, except those that may only offer takeout or delivery.

“If we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19 now and keep our communities safe, we need to take extraordinary measures to ensure physical distancing,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its tracks.”

Municipal police services and the Ontario Provincial Police are responsible for enforcing compliance with emergency orders. If you want to report an allegation of non-compliance, such as a social gathering of more than five people, contact police at their non-emergency lines. 911 is for emergencies only; do not call 911 to report allegations of non-compliance.

Last Wednesday (March 25, 2020), the federal government announced an emergency order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea, or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.

If you are aware of anyone returning from travel who is contravening the federal emergency order to self-isolate for 14 days, report it to your local public health unit.

How to prevent COVID-19 transmission

• Practise physical distancing to reduce your exposure to other people. Avoid close contact (within 2 metres, or 6.5 feet) with people outside of your immediate families.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds at a time) or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• If you are healthy, stay home except for essential trips.

What to do if you think you may have COVID-19

1. Complete the COVID-19 self-assessment at covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment.
2. Based on the results of your self-assessment, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your local public health unit.
3. If symptoms are severe, please call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your travel history and symptoms.

On Saturday morning (March 28), we shared a photo from the team at the intensive care unit at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) with the important message: “We’re here for you. Please stay home for us.”

Front-line workers from departments across the hospital are now sharing similar photos on social media, all with the same message and including the hashtags #StayHome #PRHCStrong and #InThisTogether.

From the ICU unit to the emergency department to the COVID-19 unit and more, those who are on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19 at PRHC want us to know they are working to protect our health but that we have a responsibility to stay home and self-isolate — to protect our own health and the health of front-line workers.

Below, we’re including a few of the photos PRHC workers have shared so far on social media. We don’t have the photographer’s names, but we’ll add them if we find out.

If you want to ensure that PRHC’s healthcare professionals and staff have the tools, technology, and supports they need to to care for their sickest patients — and themselves — during this difficult time, make a donation to the PRHC Foundation at www.prhcfoundation.ca.

You can also visit www.prhcfoundation.ca to send a message of thanks to PRHC’s doctors, nurses, and staff. PRHC Foundation will collect them and send them out through PRHC’s internal communications channels daily, boosting morale and bolstering spirits for our front-line healthcare workers.

More often than not, the kindness behind a gesture means more than the actual gesture itself.

One Peterborough musician is keenly aware of that, sharing the revelation with 23 other local musicians who, to date, have received a combined $6,000 from the Peterborough Musicians’ Benevolent Association (PMBA) to help make up for income loss during the COVID-19 shutdown of local pubs and performance venues.

“(PMBA board member) Al Black sent me a message and told me what they are doing,” said the musician, asking to remain anonymous.

“I knew what the PMBA is about and what their work is. It’s a great thing that they do. The money helps. I play at least 10 gigs a month. I do odd jobs but I make my living playing music. But someone saying ‘Hey, you’re a musician’ is really nice. To be considered is way more valuable to me than the money. That kindness came out of nowhere and I was really blown away by it.”

What the PMBA “is about” is helping musicians during a time of need that results in loss income from not being able to perform.

VIDEO: Peterborough Musicians’ Benevolent Association documentary

The late singer and keyboardist Phil “Mr. Deluxe” Marshall was the inspiration and the founding member behind the PMBA. As part of the musical community in Peterborough, he perceived a need to assist local musicians and came up with the idea of “musicians helping musicians”. He began to host an informal blues jam on the third Saturday of every month at his favourite pub, the now-closed Pig’s Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough.

A donation jar was put out and the funds collected were given to a local musician who needed some financial assistance in tough times due to unforeseen circumstances. Marshall was planning to expand the idea by reaching out to the entire community of musicians when he passed away suddenly from a heart attack while shovelling snow in December 2013.

His partner wanted to keep Marshall’s PMBA dream alive, so she approached now-retired school principal and part-time musician Don McBride, who then brought on board well-known local musician Al Black, John Punter (former owner of the now-closed Pig’s Ear Tavern in downtown Peterborough), and retired banker Norm Kastner to establish a PMBA committee.

Marshall’s dream to expand his idea was realized when the first PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam was held in January 2014 at the Pig’s Ear Tavern.

When the Brock Street pub was sold and subsequently closed in spring 2017, the monthly event moved to its current home of Dr. J’s BBQ and Brews at 282 Aylmer Street North (at King Street).

Over the years, by way of the generous donations of many who have attended the jams, the PMBA has been able to financially assist countless musicians. That lifeline, according to board member Jo Pillon, has remained consistent and has never been more vital than it is now.

“The gravity of the situation right now is dire for those who have had gigs and tours cancelled,” says Pillon, who — together with McBride, Kastner, and Black — organizes the monthly jams, identifies local musicians who require a hand-up, and reaches out to them.

“We’re kind of going week to week, even day to day really, not knowing how much we can help with limited funds. We’re thinking this is kind of the first wave and we’ll continue to help as long as we can.”

The challenge in fulfilling that mandate, notes Pillon, lies in the fact that the Deluxe Blues Jam, the primary source of funding for PMBA’s philanthropic work, is cancelled until further notice due to the government-mandated closure of pubs due to COVID-19. So not only are musicians out of work, but the association that was helping them has lost its main fundraiser.

Those who want to make a donation are asked to do so by mailing a cheque to the PMBA, c/o Norm Kastner, 4509 County Road 29, Douro-Dummer, Ontario K0L 2H0. Donations to the Peterborough Musicians’ Benevolent Association can also be made by e-transfer to ptbomusiciansbenevolent@gmail.com.

“People have been very generous,” says Pillion. “This is exactly what we (the PMBA) are here for: to help when circumstances unforeseen occur. If this isn’t unforeseen, nothing is. Our mandate is to help musicians in time of need and here we are. We’re so thrilled to be able to help, even it’s a drop in the bucket.”

“Some (musicians) we have reached out to have said ‘There’s people that need it more than I do, so I will step aside for now.’ There are musicians who are thinking of their fellow musicians.”

The PMBA Deluxe Blues Jam, says Pillon, will continue when the COVID-19 emergency is declared over. She adds acts have been booked until November.

“I’m so thrilled to see musicians putting their music out there online,” she says.

“We appreciate the music but sometimes we forget about the people that give us that music. If we can think a little further beyond our enjoyment of one’s music and how it came about, how much blood, sweat and tears goes into it, maybe we will think a little bit further than just listening to a song and reach out and give some money to a musician.”

In a bid to encourage donations, singer and guitarist Dennis O’Toole is delivering a free CD to all who donate. In addition, he has donated two guitars to be auctioned off on the PMBA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Peterborough-Musicians-Benevolent-Association-PMBA-1793945220918230/.

A picture is worth a thousand words — or even just nine of them.

Front-line healthcare workers in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) have a message for everyone: “We’re here for you. Please stay home for us. ❤”

The photo of 17 ICU staff, who refer to themselves as The ICU Team at PRHC, also features a sign reading “Thank you ICU Angels”.

Vince Bierworth of Bell Media Radio in Peterborough, whose wife Lauren is an ICU nurse at PRHC, shared the photo with kawarthaNOW on Friday night (March 27).

The ICU Team at PRHC wants everyone to share the photo on social media with the hashtags #StayHome, #PRHCStrong, and #InThisTogether.