Ontario Premier Doug Ford has declared a state of emergency in the province to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Ford made the announcement at an 8:30 a.m. media conference on Tuesday (March 17) at Queen’s Park, along with Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Finance Minister Rod Phillips.

As part of the emergency order, Ford said Ontario is immediately prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people, including parades, events, and communal services within places of worship.

Also effective immediately, Ontario is ordering the closure of all indoor recreational programs, libraries, private schools, licensed child care, bars and restaurants (except those that can provide take-out and delivery), all theatres (including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms), cinemas that show movies, and concert venues.

Malls and retail stores are not currently included in the order.

The emergency measures are in effect until Tuesday, March 31st.

“This is not a provincial shutdown; I repeat, this is not a provincial shutdown,” Ford said. “The vast majority of businesses, including those most vital to day-to-day life, will not be affected by this order.”

Ford said that essential services, grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, manufacturing facilities, public transit, and office buildings would continue to operate.

Ford added the measures are necessary to avoid overwhelming the health care system.

“We must think about our children, our parents, our grandparents,” Ford said. “We must think about our neighbours, our colleagues, and our friends … It is imperative we protect every person and every family across this province. We must act decisively, we must not delay.”

“This decision was not made lightly,” Ford said, adding that the decision was made after consultation with public health officials and after a meeting of cabinet. “We are taking these measures now while our system is strong.”

Ford made efforts during his remarks to discourage fear and panic, particularly when it comes to financial impact.

“I want to urge calm across the province,” Ford said. “No expense will be spared to support Ontarians in need. There is no measure we will not consider. We must flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Ford announced the first stage of a COVID-19 emergency relief package, which includes $300 million. Part of a larger package, the $300 million will be used for immediate measures, including protecting seniors and those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

Immediate measures include funding for 75 critical-care beds and 500 post-acute care beds 25 more COVID-19 assessment centres, more testing resources and protective equipment for frontline workers, more ventilators, 24/7 screening support for long term care homes as well as infection control and cleaning supplies, backfilling 1,000 nurses and personal support workers at hospitals, and funding for 50 physicians to provide primary and emergency care in indigenous, rural, and remote communities.

Ford also said the federal government must work with Ontario to establish a loan program to support business, as well as immediate Employment Insurance reforms to support workers affected by COVID-19.

“We will spare no expense to support Ontarians,” Ford said. “We must come together as a province. Every Ontarian must support each other … Ontario will come out of this stronger than ever before.”

The legislation that gives the Ontario government the power to declare a state of emergency is the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, which gives the province the authority to close “any place, whether public or private, including any business, office, school, hospital or other establishment or institution.”

Breakdown of $304 million in funding for first phase of COVID-19 emergency relief

• $100 million for increased capacity in hospitals to assist with the effective treatment of COVID-19 patients both in critical care and medicine beds.
• $50 million for more testing and screening through public health, including additional funding to support extraordinary costs incurred to monitor, detect and contain COVID-19 in the province. This includes contact tracing, increased laboratory testing capacity and home testing.
• $50 million to further protect frontline workers, first responders and patients by increasing the supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies and equipment to protect them.
• $25 million to support frontline workers working in COVID-19 assessment centres, including the creation of a new fund to provide respite care, child care services and other supports as they are needed.
• $50 million for long-term care homes to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing to support infection control and additional supplies.
• $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth to support additional staffing, respite for caregivers impacted by school closures, personal protective equipment and supplies and transportation costs to minimize client exposure and to support social distancing, as well as additional cleaning costs.
• $5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes through increased infection control and active screening procedures.
• $4 million for indigenous communities to support transportation costs for health care professionals and the distribution of critical supplies.

As Peterborough comes to grips with word that the first case of COVID-19 has been diagnosed in the city, Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra says Peterborough Public Health has “a very detailed list of his activities” and is doing a thorough follow-up.

Speaking Monday afternoon (March 16), Dr. Salvaterra said the 30-year-old man returned from Spain and Portugal on Monday, February 24th but did not develop symptoms of COVID-19 until Sunday, March 1st.

On Thursday, March 12th, he sought testing at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and was diagnosed with COVID-19.

He has since been in self-isolation at his home and, according to Dr. Salvaterra, “has been improving.”

As for people with whom the man had contact before he was tested and diagnosed, Dr. Salvaterra explained Peterborough Public Health has identified 12 close contacts and are testing those people who have symptoms.

“If you have not been contacted by Peterborough Public Health, it means you are not considered a close contact and your risk is no greater than that of any other member of the public,” Dr. Salvaterra said.

While there was a lengthy period between the man showing symptoms and his being tested at PRHC, Dr. Salvaterra said he “worked for the most part at home” during that period, adding “We have a full list of his activities during that time and have reviewed them and, depending on what happens with the contacts we’re testing, we may or may not take further action.”

Julie Davis, Trent University vice-president of external affairs and advancement, confirmed via a conference call during Monday’s gathering that the man had contact with members of the Trent community.

In a previous statement issued on Sunday (March 15), university president Dr. Leo Groarke communicated that a case of COVID-19 “has been associated with our Peterborough campus,” adding Peterborough Public Health “has conducted a detailed investigation and has reached out to those who had close contact with this individual and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms.”

Out of an abundance of caution, Trent has closed most of its Peterborough and Durham campus buildings as of the end of the day Monday (March 16).

While this is the only case of COVID-19 confirmed in Peterborough Public Health’s catchment area of the City of Peterborough, Hiawatha and Curve Lake, the latest numbers show, as of Monday, March 16th at noon, 62 tests have come back negative with no institutional outbreaks reported.

Residents can now visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca where that local situational report, which also lists Canada-wide numbers, will be updated daily.

In addition, Peterborough Public Health will hold a daily media briefing at 11 a.m. from Monday to Friday, effective immediately, to keep the public informed as circumstances change quickly.

Meanwhile, Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien, present at Monday’s gathering, noted City Hall is open for now but that is a matter of daily review. In addition, with City Council set to meet next on Monday, March 23rd, a decision will be made if that meeting will go ahead once the date draws nearer.

Also effective Monday, PRHC implemented a number of new screening and access measures.

Generally, Dr. Salvaterra’s message remains one of reassurance mixed with vigilance.

“For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild and self-limiting illness, not unlike a cold or flu,” she said. “Research from other parts of the world shows that about 80 per cent of people will have a relatively mild version (of COVID-19).”

“It’s our advice that people use the online tools and information to self-isolate if they develop respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, or a cough or fever,” she added. “Now is a great time for all of us to be practising good respiratory etiquette — washing our hands, covering our coughs, and staying home if we’re ill.”

“It’s also the time to be using social distancing as the best way to prevent transmission. Know your risks. If you are at greater risk for COVID-19 — if you’re older or have chronic underlying medical conditions — take additional measures to limit your visitors and your social interactions. This is the time to go virtual.”

For the most recent information on COVID-19 in Ontario and the Peterborough area, visit ontario.ca/coronavirus (where a recommended self-assessment is available if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms) or peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

PRHC is also providing news, updates, information and resources on its website at prhc.on.ca.

If you are planning to have a dental check-up or cleaning, you may want to contact your dentist to reschedule if you haven’t heard from them already.

On Sunday (March 15), the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario issued a message to its members strongly recommending that all non-essential and elective dental services should be suspended immediately.

The college is recommending that Ontario dentists only provide emergency treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have received many calls over the past 24 hours from dentists and hygienists concerned about keeping dental practices open and putting their patients, communities, and staff at risk,” the college states.

“In addition, many health care providers in community settings have not been able to secure a reasonable supply of PPE [personal protective equipment] that would be required to actively treat COVID-19 cases. These factors, along with a spike in new cases and the call for effective social distancing, make it clear that bold action is required.”

The college says it will continue to enforce infection prevention and control (IPAC) standards, in cooperation with public health authorities

“The current crisis requires continued rigour regarding IPAC,” the college states. “The college will not be relaxing any standards or required processes.”

At least one dental practice in Peterborough (Cornerstone Family Dentistry on Reid Street) is already contacting patients to reschedule non-emergency work.

Trent University is closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day on Monday (March 16) to all but essential services.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Trent University president and vice-chancellor Leo Groarke to students, faculty, and staff on Sunday (March 15). In the statement, Groarke said the first positive case of COVID-19 in Peterborough — a man in his 30s who had travelled to Spain and Portugal was seen at Peterborough Regional Health Centre after developing symptoms — was associated with Trent University’s Peterborough campus.

“I am writing to inform you that a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been associated with our Peterborough campus,” he writes. “The public health unit conducted a detailed investigation and has reached out to those who had close contact with this individual and encouraged them to self-monitor for any symptoms.”

Groarke also shared the steps the university is taking to protect the health of students, faculty, and staff, consistent with provincial direction to increase social distancing and increase remote work.

• Trent University will be closing most campus buildings in Peterborough and Durham at the end of the day on Monday (March 16) to all but essential services.
• With classes moving online and campus buildings closing, Trent University is directing Peterborough residence students who can move back home to do so. Housing Services will be communicating details to residence students shortly.
• Essential services including residential accommodation that supports social distancing and food services will be provided for students unable to return home.
• Trent University continues to plan for the alternate delivery of courses and exams. Students will hear from their instructors with further information by Wednesday (March 18).
• All student placements are suspended for the remainder of the term.
• Graduate students who require access to facilities for their research should speak with their supervisors to arrange access.
• Trent University will be asking employees who are able to do so to work from home beginning Tuesday (March 17), and to contact their supervisors for further instructions.

Groake encourages anyone who is concerned they may have come into contact with the virus to consult the recommendations from Peterborough Public Health at peterboroughpublichealth.ca.

“We understand that this is a stressful time and we are committed to supporting our students, staff and faculty,” Groarke writes. “I have been impressed by the sense of calm and cooperation exhibited by our entire campus community.”

Effective Monday (March 16), Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has implemented a number of new screening and access measures.

The measures are intended to protect patients, visitors, healthcare professionals, staff, and volunteers in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the first positive case of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area.

Two public entrances to hospital

PRHC will limit public access to the hospital building. Patients and visitors should use one of two public entrances: the Emergency Department (ED) entrance or the Cancer Care entrance (next to the main entrance).

Once construction on the main entrance is complete, it will reopen and the Cancer Care entrance will be closed to public access.

PRHC healthcare professionals and staff will have separate designated entrances available 24/7 by secure card access.

All other entrances will be closed until further notice.

Active screening of patients and visitors at public entrances

All PRHC patients and visitors will be screened at the two public entrances.

Anyone with symptoms and travel history that indicate they may be at risk of having the virus will receive direction from the screener, and may be directed away from the hospital or advised to contact Telehealth Ontario or Peterborough Public Health for additional information and direction.

This process is intended to keep everyone safe within the hospital.

Patients asked to delay non-urgent appointments, procedures, or visits

PRHC is asking people to delay coming to the hospital for any non-urgent appointments, procedures, or visits.

One visitor allowed per patient

Visitors will be limited to one person per patient.

Exceptions may be made for patients in palliative care.

PRHC volunteers to be removed from hospital

Out of an abundance of precaution, all PRHC volunteers will be removed from areas of service throughout PRHC.

Procedure to follow if you suspect you may have COVID-19

If you suspect you might have COVID-19, do not come to the PRHC Emergency Department.

Instead, complete the COVID-19 self-assessment at ontario.ca/coronavirus.

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 your symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your travel history and symptoms

More information on COVID-19

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

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

Fleming College has announced it is suspending on-site classes on all campuses for the remainder of the winter semester, which ends on Friday, April 17th.

On Sunday (March 15), Fleming College president Maureen Adamson issued an update about the public educational institution’s plans for the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic,

There will be no in-person classes held on any of Fleming campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Haliburton, and Cobourg.

On Friday (March 13), Fleming College announced plans to suspend classes until Tuesday, March 17th, and to implement online and alternate delivery of courses on Wednesday, March 18th.

Now online and alternate delivery of courses will now begin on Monday, March 23rd.

“Please note that this has changed from our original announcement to allow more time to prepare for online and alternate delivery of courses,” Adamnson writes.

Students are not expected to return to campus for the remainder of the semester. The semester will be completed through online and alternate delivery.

Students will receive program information from their faculty by Friday, March 20th. Fleming College is preparing plans to address final exams, projects, and assignments and will share this information in the coming days.

Other developments shared in Adamson’s announcement include:

• Student placements are suspended for the remainder of the semester. Students should contact their faculty if they have any questions.
• Students in residence are encouraged to return home; however, residence buildings will remain open. Assistance will be provided for those requiring alternative accommodation. Further communication will be sent to students who live in residence in the coming days.
• College buildings will be closed with limited access to students and employees for the period from Monday, March 16th to Friday, April 3rd unless otherwise notified. Students and employees will have limited access to the buildings from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be required to sign in and out starting Tuesday, March 17th.
• On Monday, March 16th, employees can access the building to pick up materials and technology to support their working from home.
• Except for some employees who have been identified to provide required services, all employees will be expected to work from home during the period from Monday, March 16th to Friday, April 3rd. Employees who are expected to work on-site will be contacted by their managers directly.
• Unless they have heard otherwise, employees should assume that their attendance on campus on the morning of Monday, March 16th is not required and they should follow up with their manager to receive directions for the remainder of the week.
• Managers are expected to be at work onsite on Monday, March 16th and throughout the closure period.
• Due to these exceptional circumstances, all staff (full, partial-load, part-time and student employees including work study students) who would normally be scheduled to work during this period will receive pay consistent with their regular schedule. No one will suffer a loss of pay of their regular earnings as a result of limiting on-site work during this time period.
• On-campus recreational facilities at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre and the Lindsay Recreation Complex are closed.
• As per the Government of Canada travel advisory, anyone returning from any travel outside of Canada is required to self-isolate for 14 days and will not be allowed on campus.
• Additional information for international students will be available on Monday, March 16th.

“I want to thank all students, parents, employees and community partners for their patience and understanding,” Adamson concludes in her statement.

“We are in uncharted territory and our goal is to help stop the spread of COVID-19. I must say how impressed I have been by the response and support from our employees and partners as we rapidly develop our responses to this unprecedented health crisis and do the utmost to protect our communities.”

For updates, visit Fleming College’s COVID-19 information page at flemingcollege.ca/covid19.

On Sunday (March 15), Peterborough Public Health confirmed the first positive case of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area.

On Thursday (March 12), a man in his 30s presented himself at Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s emergency department with a travel history to Spain and Portugal.

As per established infection prevention and control protocols, the patient was cared for at the hospital using all appropriate precautions, including being isolated as he was tested for COVID-19.

The man was discharged home the same day and, per protocols, went into self-isolation where he remains with follow-up from Peterborough Public Health.

The patient experienced fever, dry cough, and headache.

The first positive case of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area follows two positive cases reported this weekend, one in the City of Kawartha Lakes and on in Northumberland County. The case in Northumberland County was a woman in her 60s who had also travelled to Spain and Portugal.

Peterborough Public Health is actively engaging in contact tracing and case management, including following up with the individual and his close contacts.

“Having a confirmed case in our area is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus around the world,” says Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, medical officer of health for Peterborough Public Health.. “As a community and as a health system, we have been preparing for COVID-19.”

“Hopefully, this news about the first local case helps reinforce the importance of public health measures in place such as school closures and event cancellations, as well as personal precautions like social distancing and regular handwashing.”

Following the news of the first positive case of COVID-19 in Peterborough, the City of Peterborough’s Twitter account posted a video from Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien providing an update on the COVID-19 situation in the city.

Social distancing is one of the best ways to slow down the spread of COVID-19. I know the residents of our City will be calm and compassionate as we face this situation together: Mayor Diane Therrien @mayorptbo pic.twitter.com/PBVBunmxFV

— City of Peterborough (@CityPtbo) March 15, 2020

Similar to the response of Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay following the first positive case of COVID-19 there, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) will be implementing enhanced measures to protect patients, families, and health care workers.

“Beginning Monday, March 16th, patients and visitors will see additional active screening measures, limited hospital entry points, and restrictions for visitors and volunteers,” says Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC chief of staff and chief medial officer.

“We continue to ask people to delay coming to the hospital for any non-urgent appointments, procedures or visits. Thank you in advance to the people of our community and region for their cooperation and diligence, including practising excellent hand cleaning and social distancing, as we work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our patients, visitors, healthcare professionals, staff and volunteers safe.”

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health advise all travellers to monitor their health for fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for 14 days after arriving back in Canada.

If symptoms develop within 14 days, returning travellers are directed to self-isolate as quickly as possible and immediately call their health care professionals or public health to make arrangements to be tested.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild to severe and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing (shortness of breath). Complications from the COVID-19 can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

If you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19 and have recently travelled, contact your local public health unit. In the Peterborough area, call Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000, ext. 401 or email covid19@peterboroughpublichealth.ca Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For medical advice after these hours, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 (TTY 1-866-797-0007). Be sure to mention your symptoms and your travel history, including the countries you visited. If you are ill and must visit a health care professional, call ahead and tell them that you have a respiratory illness.

If you need immediate medical attention, call 911 and mention your travel history and symptoms.

A new Facebook group has been launched for residents in the Peterborough area to help offset the effects of local hoarding during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peterborough resident Kayti Emery created the group, called “Peterborough Shares”, on Friday (March 13).

“This group is a place where people in the area can post things they NEED and if you have things to share in this time of need,” Emery writes in the group’s description.

“Because of people hoarding things during this difficult time, there are people who actually need things, families needing baby items, food, toiletries,” she writes. “Let’s help each other out!!”

The group, at www.facebook.com/groups/1252354844975281/, has grown to more than 3,800 members as of March 17th.

Members of the group are posting information such as local stores where toilet paper, diapers, disinfectant wipes, and other in-demand personal care products are available.

On Saturday (March 14), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit confirmed the second positive case of COVID-19 in the Kawarthas.

The affected person is a woman in her 60s who is a resident of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

The woman was seen at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay on Thursday (March 12) after presenting with symptoms after returning from Germany. The woman had travelled on Air Canada flight 877 from Frankfurt, Germany to Toronto on Tuesday (March 10).

The patient was discharged home and remains in self-isolation with follow up from the HKPR District Health Unit.

Health unit nurses have been in contact with the woman and are working with her to identify anyone she may have been in contact with while ill.

If anyone who travelled on Air Canada flight 877 on that date develops flu-like symptoms, they are asked to call their local public health unit.

Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health for HKPR District Health Unit, says the health unit has been working closely with Ross Memorial Hospital to ensure measures were put in place in anticipation of a positive case, and that hospital staff took the appropriate precautions to isolate the woman so there was no risk to anyone else at the hospital at that time.

This is the second confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Kawarthas. The first case was announced on Friday (March 13) in a resident of Northumberland County who was seen at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg. That person, also a woman in her 60s, had travelled to Spain and Portugal before developing symptoms. That patient was also discharged home and remains in self-isolation with follow up from the HKPR District Health Unit.

“Although we are now seeing travel-related cases in our communities, it’s important for people to remember that most people who have had COVID-19 have had mild symptoms and recovered fully at home,” says Dr. Noseworthy.

If you have travelled and develop flu-like symptoms, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-000, or call the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577, ext. 5020. If symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to the potential concern regarding COVID-19 so they can be appropriately prepared.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Ross Memorial Hospital is implementing enhanced measures effective Sunday (March 15) to protect patients, families, and health care workers.

“We are introducing active screening measures, limiting hospital entry points, and introducing restrictions to visiting and volunteering,” says the hospital’s interim president and CEO Veronica Nelson.

Active screening means anyone whose travel history and symptoms indicate they may be at risk of having the virus will be redirected away from the hospital, and advised to contact Telehealth or Public Health for advice on next steps. This process helps to keep everyone safe within the hospital.

To enable active screening, entry to the hospital will be restricted to four entrances: the Emergency Department entrance (24 hours daily), the main entrance (6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.), the dialysis entrance (for dialysis patients only, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), and the staff and physician entrance (east side of the building, 24/7 card access). All other entrances will be closed until further notice.

Visiting hours will be restricted to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visitors must enter through the main entrance of the hospital. Except for palliative care patients, patients will be limited to one visitor at a time.

The hospital is also asking its auxiliary volunteers, “volunteens”, and patient experience partners to refrain from volunteer service effective Sunday (March 15). As the hospital’s main lobby cafe and gift shop are run by volunteers, these two services will be closed until Sunday, April 5th.

COVID-19 Assessment Centre

The hospital has also opened a COVID-19 Assessment Centre, located at the hospital (10 Angeline St. N., Lindsay) within the ambulance bay. It is a ‘drive-thru’ centre, with marked entrance from Angeline Street North. The hours of operation are between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily.

At this time, patients seeking assessment at the centre are not required to make an appointment. However, patients should attend the centre only on the advice of Telehealth or the local health unit. Contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or the HKPR District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020.

Patients must enter by vehicle in the marked entrance from Angeline Street North and follow direction from staff or security to enter “Lane 2” (Lane 1 is reserved for ambulances). An assessment will be completed by clinical staff, with patients remaining in their vehicle. Patients must remain in their vehicle at all times, unless instructed to exit the vehicle by staff.

The COVID-19 Assessment Centre will assess and direct patients on next steps. These directions may include to follow self-monitoring instructions, to go home to await test results under self-isolation, or to be escorted in to the Emergency Department for further assessment.