Nurse Simone Jackson wearing personal protective equipment in March 2020 as she prepares to open a swab to test a patient for COVID-19 in Peterborough Public Health's clinic. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health)
Peterborough Public Health reports two new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing to five the total number of cases in Peterborough city and county, Hiawatha and Curve Lake.
Peterborough Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra shared that news during her daily media briefing on Tuesday morning (March 24).
Of the two new cases, one is a woman with a travel history with, at this point, five contacts identified by Peterborough Public Health.
The other is a man who attended a bonspiel in Edmonton, Alberta. His contacts are being determined.
Both are in self-isolation, as are the previous three people who have tested positive.
In addition, 283 cases remain under investigation with 140 cases tested negative to date.
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 12 positive cases, including one death.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has moved its by-appointment-only COVID-19 assessment centre from the emergency department to a mobile site, and has completed upgrades to its main entrance, which now features touch-free sliding doors. (Photo: PRHC)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has moved its COVID-19 assessment centre from the emergency department (ED) to a mobile site, and has completed upgrades to its main entrance — which now features touch-free sliding doors.
Patient and visitor access to the hospital building will be through the main entrance sliding doors, where screening measures continue to be in effect 24 hours a day.
The ED entrance remains open for emergency care only, with COVID-19 screening also in effect at the ED doors.
The Cancer Care entrance is now closed to public access.
This map identifies the entrances that are currently available to the public at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Graphic: PRHC)
Most visitor presence at PRHC is now suspended with some exceptions. Patients and visitors coming to PRHC must clean their hands well upon arrival and frequently while at the hospital.
Anyone whose travel history and/or symptoms indicate they may be at risk of having COVID-19 will receive direction from the screener.
Assessments at the mobile COVID-19 assessment centre are available by appointment only, after patients have completed the following steps:
Based on the results of your self-assessment, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 ext. 401
If symptoms are severe, please call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your travel history and symptoms.
Patients should go to PRHC’s assessment centre only as directed by Peterborough Public Health or Telehealth Ontario. Members of the public who come to the assessment centre without an appointment will not be seen.
Hardware stores and office supply stores, such as The Home Depot and Staples in Peterborough, can remain open in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are among the businesses the Ontario government has identified as "essential workplaces". (Photo: Google Maps)
The Ontario government has released a list of 74 types of “essential workplaces” that can remain open during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the list so long and inclusive it may be more difficult to identify a business that doesn’t qualify as “essential”.
On Monday (March 23), Premier Doug Ford announced the Ontario government is expanding its order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to mandate the closure of “at-risk workplaces” to protect the health and safety of employees and the general public.
The previous workplaces already closed under the emergency order of March 17, 2020 remain closed (bars, eat-in-only restaurants, concert venues, and more). The new list applies to both for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations.
“Essential workplaces” include grocery stores and convenience stores, delivery and takeout food services (including those provided by otherwise-closed restaurants), drug stores and pharmacies, liquor and beer stores, cannabis stores, pet stores and veterinarians, farms and farm suppliers, gas stations and automotive supply and repair, car rental agencies, taxis, hotels and motels, electricians and plumbers, bike repair services, hardware and office supply stores, financial services including banks and insurance companies, construction and mining companies, medical suppliers, health care and social services providers, lawyers and accountants, laundromats and dry cleaners, realtor services, and more.
Non-essential workplaces would appear to include clothing stores, jewellery stores, sports and outdoor equipment stores, games and toy stores, hair salons, flower and garden stores, book stores, and thrift stores. There are just a few examples, as there is no comprehensive list of non-essential workplaces. A business would need to review the full list (provided below) to determine whether it is considered essential.
Online commerce (and teleworking) is permitted at all times for all businesses, whether or not they are on the essential list. Non-essential businesses only need to close their physical workspace where customers and employees might congregate. So, far example, a book retailer with an online store could continue to operate as long as it closes its brick-and-mortar shop.
All non-essential workplaces must close by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th and, where possible, take the necessary measures so staff can work from home allowing operations to continue.
Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services with the support, supplies, systems or services, including processing, packaging, distribution, delivery and maintenance necessary to operate
Retail and Wholesaling
Businesses engaged in the retail and wholesale sale of food, pet food and supplies, and household consumer products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences and businesses, including grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, markets and other similar retailers
Businesses that provide essential items for the health and welfare of animals, including feed, animal food, pet food and animal supplies including bedding
Beer, wine and liquor stores and alcohol producers, and stores that sell beer and wine through arrangements with authorized providers; cannabis stores and cannabis producers
Gas stations, diesel, propane and heating fuel providers including providers of motor vehicle, aircraft and water/marine craft fuels
Motor vehicle, auto-supply, auto and motor-vehicle-repair, including bicycle repair, aircraft repair, heavy equipment repair, watercraft/marine craft repairs, car and truck dealerships and related facilities
Hardware stores and stores that provide hardware products necessary to the essential operations of residences and businesses
Business providing pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical services, including pharmacies and dispensaries
Businesses that supply office products and services, including providing computer products and related repair and maintenance services, for individuals working from home and for essential businesses
Safety supply stores (e.g., work clothes, Personal Protective Equipment)
Food Services and Accommodations
Restaurants and other food facilitiesthat prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or takeaway, together with food delivery services
Hotels, motels, shared rental units and similar facilities, including student residences
Institutional, Residential, Commercial and Industrial Maintenance
Businesses that provide support and maintenance services, including urgent repair, to maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial industrial and residential properties and buildings, including, property management services,plumbers, electricians, custodial/janitorial workers, cleaning services, security services, fire safety and sprinkler systems, building systems maintenance and repair technicians and engineers, mechanics, (e.g., HVAC, escalator and elevator technicians), and other service providers who provide similar services
Telecommunications and IT Infrastructure/Service Providers
Businesses engaged in providing or supporting Information Technology (IT) including online services, software products and related services, as well as the technical facilities such as data centres and other network facilities necessary for their operation and delivery
Businesses providing telecommunications services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc) as well as support facilities such as call centres necessary for their operation and delivery
Transportation
Taxis and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for activities of daily living
Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services to businesses and individuals including by air, water, road, and rail including providing logistical support, distribution services, warehousing and storage, including truck stops and tow operators
Businesses that provide materials and services for the operation, maintenance and safety of transportation systems (road, transit, rail, air and marine) including delivery of maintenance services such as clearing snow, response to collisions, and completing needed repairs to the transportation systems
Manufacturing and Production
Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers (e.g., primary metal/ steel, blow molding, component manufacturers, chemicals)
that feed the end-product manufacturer)
Businesses, facilities and services that support and facilitate the two-way movement of essential goods within integrated North American and Global supply chains
Agriculture and food production
Businesses that farm, harvest, process, manufacture, produce or distribute food, including beverages, crops, animal products and by-products, aquaculture, hunting and fishing
Businesses that support the food supply chain including assembly yards, livestock auctions, food distribution hubs, feed mills, farm equipment suppliers, feed suppliers, food terminals and warehouses, animal slaughter plants and grain elevators
Businesses that support the safety of food including animal and plant health and animal welfare
Businesses that provide veterinary services, and that supply veterinary and animal control medications and related supplies and testing kits
Businesses that help to ensure safe and effective waste management including deadstock, rendering, nutrient management, bio hazardous materials, green waste, packaging recycling
Construction
Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space
Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance
Construction work and services, including demolition services, in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors
Construction work and services that supports health and safety environmental rehabilitation projects
Financial activities
Capital markets (e.g., the TSX)
Banking & Activities related to Credit Intermediation; credit unions
Insurance
Businesses that provide pension services and employee benefits services
Businesses that provide financial services including payment processing, the payroll division of any employer (as defined by the Employment Standards Act/Occupational Health and Safety Act), any entity whose operation is the administration of payroll, banks and credit unions
Resources
Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of mining materials and products (e.g., metals such as copper, nickel and gold) and that support supply chains in Northern Ontario including: (a) Mining operations, production and processing; (b) Mineral exploration and development; (c) Mining Supply and Services that ssupport supply chains in the mining industry including maintenance of operations, health and safety
Businesses that provide chemicals and gases to support the natural resource sector analytical labs and drinking water and wastewater sectors and other essential businesses
Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of forestry products (e.g., lumber, pulp, paper, wood fuel)
Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of aggregates to support critical infrastructure repairs and emergency response requirements (e.g., sandbags, armour stone barriers)
Businesses that ensure global continuity of supply of petroleum and petroleum by-products
Environmental Services
Businesses that support environmental management/monitoring and spill clean-up and response, including environmental consulting firms, professional engineers and geoscientists, septics haulers, well drillers, pesticides applicators and exterminators, management of industrial sewage/effluent (eg for mining operations), and environmental laboratories
Utilities and Community Services
Utilities and businesses that support the provision of utilities and community services, including by providing products, materials and services needed for the delivery of utilities and community services, including: (a) waste collection, waste/ sewage treatment and disposal, operation of landfills, and hazardous waste disposal; (b) potable drinking water; (c) electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage; (d) natural gas distribution, transmission and storage; (e) road construction and maintenance; (f) police, fire, emergency services including coroner services and pathology services; (g) corrections and courts services; (h) other government services including licenses and permits
Businesses engaged in or supporting the operation, maintenance and repair of critical infrastructure (railways, dams, bridges, highways, erosion control structures, etc.)
Communications Industries
Newspaper publishers
Radio & Television Broadcasting
Telecommunications providers
Research
Businesses and organizations that maintain research facilities and engage in research, including medical research and other research and development activities
Businesses that provide products and services that support research activities
Health Care and Seniors Care and Social Services
Organizations and providers that deliver home care services
Retirement homes
Long-term Care Facilities
Independent health facilities
Laboratories and specimen collection centres
Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals; medical devices and medical supplies
Manufacturers, logistics and distributors of products and/or services that support the delivery of health care in all locations (including but not limited to hospitals, labs, long-term care homes, other residential health care, physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives, and home care services)
Businesses that provide products and/or services that support the health sector or that provide health services, including mental health and addictions and counselling supports
Businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies
Businesses that provide personal support services (many seniors and persons with disabilities, who can afford to, hire individuals to assist with the activities of daily living)
Health care professionals providing emergency care including dentists optometrists and physio-therapists
Not-for-profit organizations that provide critical personal support services in home and also provide residential services for individuals with physical disabilities (such as the Centre for Independent Living and March of Dimes)
Businesses and all other organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals, including but not limited to food banks, violence against women emergency shelters, homeless shelters, community housing, supportive housing, children’s aid societies, residential services for adults with developmental disabilities and for children, and custody and detention programs for young persons in conflict with the law
Justice Sector
Professional and social services that support the legal and justice system
Other Businesses
Rental and leasing services, including automobile, commercial and light industrial machinery and equipment rental
Businesses providing mailing, shipping, courier and delivery services, including post office boxes
Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers
Professional services including lawyers and para-legals, engineers, accountants, translators
Businesses providing funeral, mortician, cremation, transfer, and burial services, and any related goods and products (such as coffins and embalming fluid)
Land registration services, and real estate agent services and moving services
Businesses providing security services including private security guards; monitoring or surveillance equipment and services
Businesses providing staffing services, including temporary help
Businesses that support the safe operations of residences and essential businesses
Businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including veterinarians, farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums, research facilities and other service providers
Child care services for essential workers, and home child care services of less than six children
Businesses providing cheque cashing services
Business Regulators and Inspectors
Organizations, including Administrative Authorities, that regulate and inspect businesses
Some of the 22,707 pounds of food and toilet paper donated to Kawartha Food Drive on March 23, 2020 as a result of the "Spare A Square" porch food drive in Peterborough. (Photo: Kawartha Food Share)
Thanks to the generosity of the Peterborough community, including the efforts of volunteers, a total of 22,707 pounds of food donations has been collected for Kawartha Food Share to restock their empty shelves.
During the “Spare A Square” city-wide porch food drive, Peterborough residents were asked to leave bags filled non-perishable food items and a roll or two of toilet paper on their porch on Monday (March 23).
Beginning at 9 a.m., volunteers drove around the city to collect the items and deliver them to Kawartha Food Share’s warehouse.
Beginning at 9 a.m. on March 23, 2020, volunteers drove around Peterborough to collect donated food items and deliver them to Kawartha Food Share’s warehouse. (Photo: Kawartha Food Share)
In accordance with social distancing directives, the volunteers were in their own vehicles and had no face-to-face contact with people who leave bags on their front porch.
Even though volunteers did an amazing job collecting the donations, especially during a minor snow storm, some bags may have been missed.
If your bag wasn’t picked up, Kawartha Food Share is asking you to drop the donations in a collection bin located in all local grocery stores, or in the donation bins located outside of Kawartha Food Share’s warehouse at 665 Neal Drive in Peterborough.
In accordance with social distancing directives, the volunteers were in their own vehicles and had no face-to-face contact with people who leave bags on their front porch. (Photo: Kawartha Food Share)
Kawartha Food Share assists more than 8,900 people every month through 11 food banks and 20 food cupboards in the city and county of Peterborough as well as through four meal programs and six housing projects.
Those people, including families with children, who rely on Kawartha Food Share every month are particularly vulnerable. And if people on limited incomes cannot get needed items at grocery stores, they will turn to a food bank.
Donated items included toilet paper rolls and much-needed food items canned tuna, pasta and pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, and more. (Photo: Kawartha Food Share)
The City of Peterborough has declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien has declared a state of emergency for the city due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She made the announcement at a media teleconference on Monday (March 23).
“After careful consideration of the increasing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the corresponding need for people to take necessary precautions, I am declaring a state of emergency for the City of Peterborough,” Mayor Therrien said.
“This decision follows declarations made by the Province of Ontario for the entire province, as well as numerous other municipalities that have declared local states of emergency.”
“This emergency declaration reinforces the urgency of the situation we are in, and by declaring an emergency we are clearly stating as a community that our efforts are focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and the health and safety of everyone.”
Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien declares a state of emergency for the City of Peterborough due to the COVID-19 pandemic at a media teleconference on March 23, 2020. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
“For the safety of yourself and others, you need to stay home except for essential outings. Follow social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of illness, and if you are asked to self-isolate, you must do so.”
“If you have returned from travel outside of Canada, you are — and everyone you live with is — required to self-isolate for 14 days.”
“Refusing to do so is irresponsible and places our community at increased risk. Do your part to flatten the curve.”
Mayor Therrien explained that municipalities can declare states of emergency under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, and doing so may provide access to provincial relief funding should it become available.
She said that police, fire, and paramedic services would continue to operate under the state of emergency, and that the city would continue to provide its core services, although with some adjusted service levels.
She also encouraged people to look to public health officials, such as Peterborough Public Health, for up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19.
Mayor Therrien repeated the advice from public health authorities on how to slow the spread of the illness.
“Avoid non-essential gatherings. Stay at home as much as possible. Practise appropriate physical and social distancing; be at least two metres apart. Wash your hands frequently using soap, for at least 15 to 20 seconds each time. Use hand sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into your arm.”
“If you have COVID-19 symptoms, self-monitor and self-isolate. You can use the self-assessment tool at covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/. If you are having trouble breathing, or are experiencing other severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.”
“If you have travelled outside Canada recently, you must self-isolate for 14 days.”
Mayor Therrien’s announcement comes on the heels of Ontario Premier Doug Ford announcing the shutdown of all non-essential services across the province in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. The mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces is effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. The closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves.
“Premier Ford’s announcement earlier this afternoon regarding the closure of non-essential businesses hit home the point. This is a public health emergency, and we all need to do our part as individuals to slow the spread. We need to be responsible, proactive, and smart. Stop going out.”
“If you have returned from outside of Canada, you need to self-isolate for 14 days. It doesn’t matter if you feel fine, if you are back from Florida, from Mexico, from anywhere, you need to self-isolate for 14 days. This means no stops for gas, no stops at the pharmacy, no stops at the grocery store. If someone picks you up from the airport, they must also self-isolate for 14 days after being in a vehicle with you.”
“If you do not self-isolate, you are putting other peoples’ lives at risk. If you don’t self-isolate, you are being irresponsible, selfish, reckless, and a danger to your family, your friends, your neighbours, and your community.”
“If you know people who are not self-isolating, tell them. Shame them into doing it. It will save laves. Offer to get groceries for folks who are coming back from abroad; make it simple and practical for them to self-isolate. This is how we come together as a community, as we always do in times of adversity.”
Mayor Therrien said that, despite the number of questions and amount of rapidly changing information about COVID-19, the one fact that remains consistent is that staying away from others and self-isolation is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“No one, whether you have recently travelled or not, should be having friends and family over. Inviting a friend in for coffee is not self-isolating. Hosting a family birthday party is not self-isolating. This can be a life-and-death situation and we must treat it as such.”
“This is a difficult time for our community, like all communities across the nation. Our small businesses are suffering, our part-time and precariously employed workers are facing uncertainty. Our homeless and other vulnerable popualtions have their life circumstances made even more challenging.”
Mayor Therrien also said she is in regular contact with Peterborough’s provincial MPP and the federal MP, and that senior levels of government understand the impact of this crisis in both the City and County of Peterborough, and have asked for information and ideas on how forthcoming provincial and federal funding and programs can best be used.
She also said city staff would likely be recommending a deferral of the March tax penalty, and city council will be considering a variety of ways to ease the burden on residents and taxpayers. She encouraged members of the public to contact city council with any suggestions they may have.
Mayor Therrien thanked those who have been practising social distancing and those who have been helping their neighbours get groceries, medications, and other essentials. She also thanked local businesses who are pulling together to help one another, Black’s Distillery and Persian Empire who have been producing hand sanitizer, first responders, healthcare workers, and to the media for their assistance in getting key messages out. She committed to updating the public daily as the situation continues to unfold.
“Be safe, be well, and stay the heck home,” she concluded.
Following Mayor Therrien’s remarks, Peterborough County Warden J. Murray Jones also officially declared a state of emergency for the County of Peterborough, with the county working hand in hand with the city.
“Drastic situations call for drastic measures, and we are pushing the button just as hard as we can to get people to finally understand how serious this issue is,” Warden Jones said via teleconference.
“I’m hearing more anecdotal information every day about people who just don’t get it. People in cottage country, for example, are coming up from Toronto, returning from Florida, and they’re out and about, walking together with people, and this has got to stop. People have to understand that we have to get ugly over this issue, and we are going to do just that.”
“We have to stand united, we have to be strong, and we will get through this. Whether you’re in the county or the city, please understand how serious this is.”
In response to telephone questions from the media, Mayor Therrien clarified that the declaration of a state of emergency is a tool to communicate the severity of the situation to residents.
“We’ve been hearing too many stories about folks who are not taking it seriously, who continue to gather in groups, who go out after getting back from abroad. We really need to convey this is an emergency and people need to treat it as such.”
She also explained that, while declaring a state of emergency provides an opportunity for access to financial or other programs from senior levels of government, communicating the severity of the situation is the primary reason.
“A lot of it is symbolic, for us to tell everyone how serious this is,” Warden Jones added.
Medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra emphasizing the importance of physical distancing during a media briefing at Peterborough Public Health on March 23, 2020. (Photo: Peterborough Public Health)
Peterborough Public Health reports no new cases of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area over the weekend.
Medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra shared that news during her daily media briefing on Monday morning (March 23), noting the local count of positive cases holds steady at three. All three are self-isolating at home.
In addition, a total of 276 people in the city and county of Peterborough, Hiawatha and Curve Lake have been tested for COVID-19 to date.
Meanwhile, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien said that during a conference call on the weekend with MP Maryam Monsef, MPP Dave Smith, and County Warden J. Murray Jones, the prevailing concern was that not all people are self-isolating.
That, she added, must change and must change now.
“Peterborough is not taking this seriously enough,” said Mayor Therrien.
The first death related to COVID-19 in the Kawarthas — which was also the first case of community transmission — was reported on Sunday (March 22) by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.
A man in his 80s was admitted to Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay last Thursday (March 19) with a high fever and influenza-like illness. Tests were conducted and late on Saturday (March 21) it was confirmed the man tested positive for COVID-19. He passed away the following afternoon with both pneumonia and COVID-19 listed as the cause of death.
A graphic supplied by Peterborough Public Health explaining social distancing and the types of activities which you should avoid and be cautious about, and those that are safe to do. You can download a copy at www.peterborougpublichealth.ca ans share on social media. (Graphic: Peterborough Public Health)
The City of Peterborough's noise by-law prohibits any noise that is likely to disturb, including loud voices and music. Contrary to popular belief, the by-laws are in effect 24 hours a day. (Graphic: Peterborough Police Service)
After receiving an increase in noise complaints, Peterborough police are reminding residents that the city by-law against noise still applies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We recognize that due to social distancing measures in place some people are now spending more time indoors and are having small gatherings,” says Inspector John Lyons. “We have certainly seen an increase in noise complaints over the past several days especially regarding loud music being played.”
The City of Peterborough’s noise by-law prohibits any noise that is likely to disturb. This is a broad definition that incorporates various sources of noise, including loud voices and music. Contrary to popular belief, the by-law is in effect 24 hours a day.
Those who are making noise should also realize that, due to self-isolating and social distancing, many people are now working from home.
“We remind citizens that we have a zero tolerance approach to this behaviour and that either a person can be charged for making the noise OR permitting the noise,” Lyons says. “We ask that residents be mindful and respectful of their neighbours who are likely also at home and may also be social distancing or self-isolating. Dispatching officers to these complaints also depletes valuable resources that may be required for higher priority calls.”
The fine under the noise by-law is $125 for a first offence. For subsequent offences, a summons may be issued, compelling the person to attend court, where the fines could reach a maximum of $2,000.
Should matters progress to extremes, where someone purposefully continues to flout the by-law, police may lay a criminal charge of mischief under the Criminal Code, which is defined as wilfully obstructing, interrupting, or interfering with “the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.”
On March 20, 2020, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a media release advising how police would be using new fines to enforce compliance with the state of emergency declared in Ontario for the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: OPP)
On Friday (March 20), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) issued a media release advising how police would be using new fines to enforce compliance with the state of emergency declared in Ontario for the COVID-19 pandemic.
This has created some confusion among some people, who are wondering why police aren’t enforcing public health recommendations.
The OPP says the Provincial Offences Act has been updated to include three new offences with set fines for those who do not comply with Ontario’s state of emergency.
This includes a $750 fine for failure to comply with an order made during a declared emergency, a $1,000 fine for obstructing any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency, and a $1,000 fine for obstructing any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency. Corporations can be fined $500,000.
Any of these fines can be applied on each day that an offence occurs or continues.
New fines are available to police under the Provincial Offences Act to enforce Ontario’s state of emergency. Much larger fines and prison terms are also available to police if needed under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. (Photo: OPP)
Who do these fines apply to?
Prior to March 24, 2020, the fines described by the OPP were only applicable to certain types of businesses and organizations included in the state of emergency that was made on March 17, 2020 under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
These are specifically: bars and restaurants (except for the provision of takeout and food delivery), facilities providing indoor recreational programs, public libraries, private schools, licensed child care centres, movie cinemas and theatres (including those offering live performances of music, dance and other art forms), and concert venues. So, if an owner or operator of a type of business or organization that is on the above list remains open during the state of emergency, an offence has occurred and the owner or operator may be fined.
However, on March 23, 2020, the Ontario government expanded its state of emergency to order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. for 14 days (see the list of essential workplaces).
This means that, effective Tuesday, March 24th, the fines will also apply to any business not deemed essential by the Ontario government that remains open.
In addition, the March 17th state of emergency also prohibited any organized public event of over 50 people, including parades, events, and communal services within places of worship. However, on March 28, 2020, the Ontario government made a new emergency order under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that prohibits public events and social gatherings of more than five people, replacing the previous emergency order prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people. Exceptions apply to private households with five people or more, child care centres supporting front-line health care workers and first responders (limit of 50 people), and funerals (limit of 10 people at a time).
So, if the organizer or host of an event (or a place of worship), holds an event with more than five people, an offence has occurred and the organizer or host (or a place of worship) may be fined.
Who do these fines NOT apply to?
Prior to March 23, 2020, these fines only applied to any types of businesses or organizations that were included in the state of emergency that was made on March 17, 2020 under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Retail stores and services, grocery stores, liquor and beer stores, drug stores, any commercial or industrial business (including manufacturers), and organizations (charitable or otherwise), were not included in the state of emergency.
However, on Tuesday, March 23rd, that all changed when the Ontario government expanded its state of emergency to order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces by Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. for 14 days. This means that the fines will also now apply to all businesses except those defined as essential workplaces by the Ontario government (see the list of essential workplaces).
The fines also currently do not apply to people who are contravening the directives issued by public health authorities, such as social distancing guidelines or the recommendation for 14 days of self-isolation after returning from travel. Enforced compliance with public health recommendations is not currently included in Ontario’s state of emergency orders. However, on Wednesday, March 25th, the Government of Canada invoked the Quarantine Act to requires all travellers returning to Canada (with the exception of what the federal government is calling “essential workers”) to enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, regardless of whether any symptoms of COVID-19 are present. Police are waiting for instructions from the federal government on enforcement of the legislation.
Why is there confusion?
Some people are wondering why businesses that employ more than 50 people aren’t being required to shut down, or why the OPP are allowing groups of more than 50 people to congregate.
That’s because the March 17th orders under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act only restricted an “organized public event” of more than 50 people (including in places of worship). Since this restriction was based on the same recommendations we’ve been hearing about from Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, people have been confused by what’s allowed and what’s not.
Events of more than 50 people were not allowed to take place but workplaces with more than 50 people were still allowed to be open. That has now changed with the Ontario government’s March 23rd order of the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces for 14 days as of Tuesday, March 24th.
After March 24th, only some businesses will be allowed to remain open. The government will be releasing a full list of these businesses on Tuesday, March 24th (see the list of essential workplaces).
On March 28, 2020, the Ontario government made a new emergency order under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that prohibits public events and social gatherings of more than five people, replacing the previous emergency order prohibiting organized public events of more than 50 people. Exceptions apply to private households with five people or more, child care centres supporting front-line health care workers and first responders (limit of 50 people), and funerals (limit of 10 people at a time).
Why are the fines so low?
Some people may feel that a $750 fine for an individual who fails to comply with an emergency order is not punishment enough. But it’s important to note this fine is only under the Provincial Offences Act.
Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, the punishment for offences is much higher: a fine up to a $100,000 and up to a year in prison for an individual, a fine up a $500,000 and up to a year in prison for a director or officer of a corporation, and a fine up to $10 million for a corporation.
It is likely that the new offences under the Provincial Offences Act are intended to deal with situations that do not justify the much higher fines and prison terms.
With the above information in hand, if you know of an individual, business, or organization that is breaking the law, you can call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit opp.ca/reporting.
Why aren’t the police enforcing public health recommendations?
It seems as if everyone knows someone who isn’t following public health recommendations, such as groups of people who are gathering together, or people who are not self-isolating for 14 days after returning from travel outside the country.
While ignoring public health recommendations is socially irresponsible behaviour and a potential threat to public health, it is — currently, at least — not against the law.
It seems like it should be, especially for those of us who are undergoing inconvenience and hardship playing by the rules only to see others flaunt them.
But the police can’t charge people who are gathering together, and they can’t charge someone who is not self-isolating. They can only charge people and corporations that aren’t complying with the orders under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
UPDATES
On Wednesday, March 25th, the Government of Canada invoked the Quarantine Act to requires all travellers returning to Canada (with the exception of what the federal government is calling “essential workers”) to enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, regardless of whether any symptoms of COVID-19 are present. Police are waiting for instructions from the federal government on enforcement of the legislation; in the interim, report any non-compliance allegations to your local public health unit.
On March 28, 2020, the Ontario government made a new emergency order under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act that prohibits public events and social gatherings of more than five people, replacing the previous emergency order prohibiting organized public events of more than 50 people. Exceptions apply to private households with five people or more, child care centres supporting front-line health care workers and first responders (limit of 50 people), and funerals (limit of 10 people at a time). That means that police can also now charge people who are gathering together in groups of more than five.
What can the government do to enforce public health recommendations?
Legislation is available both at the provincial and federal levels to enforce public health directives.
In Ontario, the Health Protection and Promotion Act doesn’t support the declaration of “public health emergencies” (which is why the Ontario government used the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act), but it does allow Ontario’s chief medical officer of health to order a person to go into isolation if they are infected with a communicable disease — with a fine of up to $5,000 per day for contravening the order.
And of course there’s Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which the government has already used and could use again to make it illegal to contravene public health directives.
The federal Quarantine Act, which was created in 2005 following Canada’s SARS outbreak, allows the federal government to quarantine individuals arriving in the country to prevent the “introduction and spread of communicable diseases.” It was used during the current COVID-19 pandemic to quarantine Canadians, repatriated from cruise ships, at a military base in Trenton, Ontario. Anyone who breaks quarantine under that legislation can be fined up to $1 million and imprisoned for up to three years.
On Wednesday, March 25th, the Government of Canada invoked the Quarantine Act to requires all travellers returning to Canada (with the exception of what the federal government is calling “essential workers”) to enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, regardless of whether any symptoms of COVID-19 are present. Police are waiting for instructions from the federal government on enforcement of the legislation.
There’s also the federal Emergencies Act, which authorizes the taking of special temporary measures to ensure safety and security during national emergencies. In 1988, it replaced the War Measures Act which was used during both the First and Second World Wars and during the 1970 October Crisis. The Emergencies Act has never been used.
So far, the federal government has expressed reluctance at using the Emergencies Act for public health directives, primarily because it requires significant resources for enforcement and suspends civil rights — the equivalent of martial law.
However, if enough people continue to ignore public health directives and if the COVID-19 pandemic gets out of control, the federal government may be left with no choice.
For all of our sakes, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
This story was originally published prior to the Ontario government expanding the state of emergency to order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces for 14 days effective March 24, 2020. It has since been updated to reflect this development, as well as the federal government invoking the Quarantine Act to require all travellers returning to Canada to enter a mandatory 14-day period of isolation, and the expansion of Ontario’s state of emergency to prohibit gatherings of more than five people.
Ross Memorial Hospital is located at 10 Angeline Street North in Lindsay. (Photo: Ross Memorial Hospital)
A man in his 80s is the first COVID-19 related death, and also the first case of community transmission, in the Kawarthas.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit reports the man was admitted to Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Lindsay last Thursday (March 19) with a high fever and influenza-like illness.
Tests were conducted and late on Saturday (March 21) it was confirmed the man tested positive for COVID-19. He passed away the following afternoon with both pneumonia and COVID-19 listed as the cause of death.
The man had no travel history or contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19, making this the first identified case of community transmission in the Kawarthas.
“We offer our sincere condolences to this man’s family and our thoughts are with them during this sad time,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, the HKPR District Health Unit’s medical officer of health. “Unfortunately, this man’s tragic passing highlights that we now have community transmission of COVID-19 in our area.”
Dr. Noseworthy says this means it’s more important now than ever that everyone works together to protect themselves and others against the spread of the virus. Everyone is urged to follow the public health recommendations for self-isolation if someone is ill; self-isolating if they have returned from travel recently, washing their hands frequently and thoroughly and covering coughs and sneezes.
As well, everyone is urged to practise social distancing which includes staying home if possible, staying at least two metres from others, limiting time out for necessary purchases and avoiding public settings.
“Our team continues to work collaboratively with HKPR, regional, and provincial partners on a coordinated response to COVID-19,” says RMH interim president and CEO Veronica Nelson.
“Seniors are especially vulnerable to this virus, which means that a large portion of our community is particularly at risk. Protect them by taking steps to ‘flatten the curve,’ and that means self-isolation, especially for those returning to Canada.”
If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use Ontario’s Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care. If you need further assistance, call TeleHealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or your health care provider. You can also call the HKPR Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020 (leave a detailed message and someone will get back to you as soon as possible).
If you have other non-urgent questions or concerns about COVID-19, email the Health Unit at info@hkpr.on.ca or visit www.hkpr.on.ca.
Visit Ontario’s website at ontario.ca/coronavirus to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
Many grocery stores have already placed a limit on the maximum number of items of any one product that a customer can buy and have dedicated their first hour of operation to serving seniors and those with disabilities. Stores have begun to place floor markers at check-out lines to remind customers of the recommendation for two metres of social distancing and some are installing plexiglass shields for the checkout counters. The Loblaw Real Canadian Superstore at Lansdowne Place in Peterborough has installed social-distancing floor markers at staggered check-out lines, and each customer must wait at a safe distance until the customer ahead of them has completed packing their own groceries. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Canada’s grocery store chains are ramping up their responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including managing increased customer demand and health and safety requirements.
Many grocery stores have placed a limit on the maximum number of items of any one product that a customer can buy, and have dedicated the first hour of operation to serving seniors and those with disabilities.
Stores have also reduced operating hours, mainly to allow extra time for staff to sanitize frequentlly used services (including self-service cash registers and shopping baskets and carts).
Grocery stores are also beginning to restrict the number of customers allowed in a store during busy times, to make it easier for customers and staff to practise social distancing. Some stores have begun to place floor markers at check-out lines to remind customers of the recommendation for two metres (six feet).
Most chains are also beginning to install plexiglass shields for check-out counters. Here are what specific grocery store chains are doing:
In Peterborough, some residents are maintaining a list in real time (below) of what’s in stock at local grocery stores, along with other stores that sell food and household items. You can help view and help maintain the Google Sheets spreadsheet. There is also a resource list available for Peterborough residents on Google Drive.
Loblaw, No Frills, and Shoppers Drug Mart
Supermarkets will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the first hour dedicated to seniors and those with disabilities. Hours at Shoppers Drug Mart stores, some of which are located in rural areas, will be based on the needs of each community.
The number of customers allowed in the busiest stores at the same time will be restricted. For those stores, the specific capacity will be determined based on their size. Wherever possible, only every other checkout lane will be open to encourage social distancing.
Loose or bulk items in certain supermarkets will be eliminated and some service departments, such as seafood, will more to exclusively pre-packed products. All food sampling has been stopped.
Beauty testers have been removed in Shoppers Drug Mart stores, with cosmetic services like makeovers and skincare consultations suspended.
The use of debit or credit over cash is being encouraged.
The $0.05 plastic bag fee is being temporarily waived to discourage the use of reusable bags in stores where cashiers still pack groceries. Customers who bring reusable bags will have to pack their own items.
Plexiglass shields for the checkout counters are being installed in stores.
Grocery stores, such as No Frills in downtown Peterborough, are installing plexiglass shields at checkout counters. These shields help protect the health and safety of customers and store employees, and also help reduce the anxiety of cashiers. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
Sobeys and FreshCo
Store hours have been temporarily reduced to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Stores will being to have floor markers at checkout to help facilitate a two-metre distance between customers.
Senior shopping hour takes place from 8 to 9 a.m., for elderly and vulnerable people.
Bulk baked goods and bulk foods in self-serve areas, such as dry nutes and chocolate-covered almonds, are no longer available.
Plexiglass shields for the checkout counters are being installed in stores.
Metro and Food Basics
Store hours have been temporarily reduced to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
Senior shopping hour takes place from 8 to 9 a.m., for elderly and vulnerable people.
All testers from beauty and perfume sections have been removed, and the use of testers in the cosmetic department of in-store pharmacies has been suspended.
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