The price of gas at the Shell station at Hunter and Burnham streets in Peterborough's East City dropped from 73.5 to 65.8 cents per litre minutes before this photo was taken on March 25, 2020. THe last time gas prices were this low was in 2003, and the price could continue to drop. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW.com)
With many of us sheltering at home due to COVID-19, we have nowhere to go — but it’s a whole lot cheaper to get there.
Gas prices plunged again on Wednesday (March 24), dropping to around 65 cents per litre from Tuesday’s low of around 74 cents a litre.
The last time prices were this low was in 2003, when the average price was 65.8 cents per litre.
The lower prices are a result of a decline of oil prices due to an ongoing oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia and less demand for gas as people stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the pricing war between Russia and Saudi Arabia continues, petroleum analysts say the price of gas could continue to plummet.
If your car runs on diesel, you’re not getting much of a price break.
Diesel fuel remains at over $1 per litre and may go higher, as the trucking industry that helps keep the supply chain moving uses diesel.
Despite the low prices, gas stations have few customers as most people are heeding the advice of public health officials to stay at home.
Owned and operated by the City of Peterborough, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre is located on Fleming College's Sutherland Campus at 775 Brealey Drive. (Photo: City of Peterborough)
The City of Peterborough will be using Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at Fleming College for emergency shelter space during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will provide more space in the existing emergency shelter network for people who need to practice social distancing, according to a media release from the city.
As part of the city’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre at 775 Brealey Drive was closed to the public on Saturday, March 14th, with all scheduled programs and events cancelled or postponed.
Brock Mission and the overflow shelter bed program will be temporarily relocated to identified areas in the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
The space may also be used as secondary shelter space for Cameron House and YES Shelter for Youth and Families to allow for social distancing within those shelters.
“We are urging people in our community to stay home as much as possible to practice social distancing in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19,” says Mayor Diane Therrien. “For people who don’t have a home, that’s not possible. We’re providing more shelter space to spread out the existing beds in our shelter network to help protect the health of some of the most vulnerable people in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to the city’s media release, the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre with its numerous rooms and washroom amenities provides much needed flexibility for the shelter network.
The city is working with Peterborough Public Health, the existing shelter operators (Brock Mission and YES Shelter for Youth and Families), and Fourcast (which delivers homelessness services) to continue to provide services for people who are homeless.
Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith was also involved, offering provincial facilities to support the community.
“Our community is working together,” Mayor Therrien says. “It’s taking action for the health and safety of people during this difficult time.”
As the COVID-19 situaiton develops, the city may make additional decisions affecting municipal services and facilities. For an up-to-date list of affected municipal services and facilities, visit www.peterborough.ca/covid19.
The City of Kawartha Lakes declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 24, 2020. (Photo: City of Kawartha Lakes)
The day after the city and county of Peterborough jointly declared a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Kawartha Lakes has done the same.
Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham made the declaration on Tuesday (March 24).
He said the state of emergency declaration will allow the municipality to mobilize local resources where needed to support front-line healthcare partners and emergency services to support the COVID-19 pandemic efforts.
“The situation before us is accelerating,” Mayor Letham said. “There will be more positive cases in the coming days. Our front-line healthcare workers are in need of additional support. By declaring a state of emergency, we are able to deploy municipal resources to help the health care system fight the spread of COVID-19 and care for those who have become ill.”
“This is a worldwide pandemic. Closer to home, the province has called a state of emergency. We support the province and our declaration is in line with those decisions. It’s a community response. The lines of government fall away and we all need to work together.”
VIDEO: Kawartha Lakes declares State of Emergency
All municipal buildings and all non-essential services have been closed to the public, with all municipal resources now solely focused on the COVID-19 pandemic response, emergency services, and supporting vulnerable populations. For a list of municipal closures and service reductions, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca.
For more information about the City of Kawarthas Lakes’ response to COVID-19 and additional resources, visit www.kawarthalakes.ca/covid19.
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.”
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