In an effort to support social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19, riders will not be required to pay or show fare media to board a Peterborough Transit bus. The customer waiting and restrooms at the Simcoe Street Bus Terminal are closed to the public. (Photo: Peterborough Transit)
The City of Peterborough announced on Wednesday (March 18) that, effective immediately, there is no charge to ride Peterborough Transit.
In an effort to support social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19, customers will not be required to pay or show fare media to board the bus.
This eliminates the personal contact that is required for the physical exchange of fares.
However, all customers will now have to board a bus using the rear door, with the exception of individuals who have accessibility needs. The seats directly behind the driver are also not in service.
Also effective immediately, the customer waiting and restrooms at the Simcoe Street Bus Terminal are closed to the public.
Drivers are monitoring the number of customers who board buses to reduce customer loads, promoting social distancing. This may result in delays, but the city says this measure is essential to help protect the public and the staff.
Peterborough Transit will continue to monitor and respond to changing conditions.
Riders are encouraged to regulary check the city’s website at peterborough.ca/transit for changes that may impact travel planning. Peterborough Transit also provides real-time service update on their Twitter feed @Ptbo_Transit.
For transit-related questions, call the Peterborough Transit customer service line at 705-745-0525.
Peterborough Public Health has confirmed the second positive case of COVID-19 in the Peterborough area.
Medical officer of health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra shared the news during a daily media briefing e on Wednesday morning (March 18).
The individual who tested positive is one of 12 close contacts of the first positive case in the Peterborough area, a man in his 30s who had returned from Spain and Portugal on Monday, February 24th.
The man, who was associated with Trent University’s Peterborough campus, 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.
After the diagnosis, Peterborough Public Health had identified 12 close contacts and tested those people who have symptoms. Results of testing can take up to five days.
As of 12 p.m. on Wednesday (March 18), there are two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the area served by Peterborough Public Health (the City and County of Peterborough and Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations), 68 confirmed negative cases, and 41 cases under investigation. There have been no hospitalized cases or deaths.
This story has been updated to include the most recent local statistics on COVID-19 cases and to remove unconfirmed information about additional testing of people who may have come into contact with the second positive case.
This flyer distributed by the Hurlington family in Peterborough's Marsdale neighbourhood offers assistance to self-isolating neighbours. We have redacted the street name and phone number as the family's offer is only for their immediate neighbours. (Photo courtesy of Moray Martin)
A Peterborough family is spreading ‘viral kindness’ by offering to help their neighbours during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hurlington family, who live in Peterborough’s Marsdale neighbourhood, are already known as the “cookie family” for delivering home-made cookies to their neighbours every Christmas.
Now they are offering to help neighbours who are self-isolating during the COVID-19 pandemic, by offering to pick up groceries, mail, or urgent supplies, or by just providing a “friendly phone call”.
United Way campaign chair David Goyette and TVM Group president and CEO Amit Sofer cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the East City Condos showroom on October 26, 2019. TVM Group has donated $1,500 to United Way of Peterborough & District. (Supplied photo)
Toronto-based property development company TVM Group has donated $1,500 to United Way of Peterborough & District.
TVM Group president and CEO Amit Sofer, who drives to Peterborough from Toronto several times weekly, made the announcement on Wednesday (March 18).
TVM Group is building East City Condos, a nine-storey building at the corner of Armour Road and Hunter Street East in Peterborough’s East City.
The TVM Group donation was based on a unique five-month relationship — a first for the Peterborough community — in which TVM Group made a cash donation for every East City Condo unit sold at events involving participation by the United Way.
“We have introduced a number of innovations to the campaign this year and this is one of the most inspiring,” says United Way campaign chair David Goyette. “Amit and his team are exemplary builders of community and their enlightened corporate citizenship will go a long way in helping to serve the many ongoing needs of our community.”
Since its founding by Sofer more than 20 years ago, TVM Group has shown a strong commitment to Peterborough through the development of multiple properties, both commercial and residential. The luxury East City Condos is in its pre-construction sales phase, with an estimated summer/fall 2022 occupancy.
“We are proud of our community relationships and our association with David and the United Way,” Sofer ssys. “We know that our donation will be put to good and valuable use.”
The government-ordered closure of bars and restaurants across Ontario to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is having a huge economic impact on downtown Peterborough, home to more than 100 eateries. Local economic development organizations Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Peterborough, and the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, collectively known as "TeamPTBO", are working together proactively to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the local business sector and possible solutions so that recovery funding from all three levels of government is targeted most effectively. (Photo: Patrick Stephen / Peterborough DBIA)
Those looking for a sign that Peterborough’s business community will survive the fallout from the unprecedented measures implemented to limit the spread of COVID-19, take heart — a group of local business leaders is meeting daily with just that at top of mind.
Known collectively as TeamPTBO, the group — members are Community Futures Peterborough executive director Gail Moorhouse, Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) executive director Terry Guiel, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development CEO and president Rhonda Keenan, and Peterborough Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Stuart Harrison — met in person on Monday (March 16) and will regularly meet — virtually — moving forward.
Also a member of the group, although not represented at Monday’s meeting, is the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, headed by CEO Michael Skinner and president John Gillis.
As executive director of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), Terry Guiel is a champion of local independently owned businesses. Pictured here in late 2019 promoting the DBIA’s Holiday Shopping Passport program, Guiel is one of five business leaders working together to help the local business community survive the fallout from COVID-19. (Photo: Peterborough DBIA)
“We’re identifying everything that needs to be done now, from lobbying to advising levels of government … we’re going to continue to do that and it will be probably be long term,” says Guiel, noting the impact of the government-ordered closure of restaurants and bars is particularly concerning to him, as downtown Peterborough is home to more than 100 eateries.
“Take a place like Riley’s that has upwards of 80 employees alone, and then you add in cleaning staff, security, and DJs — it’s significant. When you multiply that by all the bars and restaurants, that sector is a significant economic driver for the City of Peterborough. Thirty-two per cent of the commercial tax base is downtown alone. Its health is vital to the community.”
TeamPTBO, notes Guiel, has been in regular communication with representatives of all three levels of government regarding short- and long-term needs as they’re identified. That, he says, will continue to happen.
“They need to know what the business community needs now and is going to need. They need to know what the (local) strategies are and where to put any money as it becomes available. There’s going to be lots of red tape. We need to be creative, especially when the all-clear comes and we’re going to have to try to recover. We’re being pro-active.”
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One tangible result of the group’s meeting was Monday’s issuance of a survey to business owners throughout the city and county, asking for information regarding immediate and projected challenges and needs. The survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID-19BusinessSurvey.
“We don’t want to create the wrong solutions that are only going to make things worse,” explains Keenan of the need to compile and understand that information.
“It’s to see what solutions we can help with and how we can work with all levels of government to say ‘This is the type of need our local businesses have’ so that they can build effective programs once we move into the recovery phase.”
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development CEO and president Rhonda Keenan speaks at the 2019 TD Economic Outlook Luncheon at the Peterborough Golf & Country Club on October 30, 2019. (Photo: Alyssa Cymbalista)
Keenan says, as of Tuesday afternoon, more than 160 survey responses have been returned.
“We want to be able to be responsive when we’re in a position to make a decision, and that means having information to give it to the right people so programs that aren’t helpful won’t put in place. We want programs that are actually addressing the needs of business right now.”
“We know there is never going to be enough (money) to address every single need, but we want it to be targeted and have the most effect that it possibly can when it’s made available.”
In addition to TeamPTBO’s efforts to stay ahead of the curve on behalf of the business sector, Community Futures Peterborough announced Tuesday (March 17) that it is offering each of its 147 clients the option to defer their April 2020 loan payment.
“Our mission statement is to foster a vibrant and sustainable community by supporting business development, so we’re being pro-active during this unprecedented time by offering our clients payment relief,” says Moorhouse, noting 65 per cent of Community Futures’ portfolio, which represents a total investment of $9 million, is comprised of hospitality and retail businesses.
“We are working with our TeamPTBO partners on developing assistance wherever possible. The opportunity to postpone the April payment is one option that we hope offers some comfort to our clients during this time.”
Gail Moorhouse is executive director of Community Futures Peterborough, a non-profit organization that works to generate and assist in the creation and maintenance of local employment opportunities through business development and consulting services. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
For his part, Harrison says “having the same message” is the goal.
“We’re not all trying, within our own purview, to figure things out … we’re trying to figure things out as a group,” he says.
“Everybody has their own constituency. We’ve all got our own clients. Speaking as a common voice, there’s a lot of impact there.”
“But I don’t want anyone thinking we’ve got this figured out. The federal, provincial and municipal governments, individual business people, employees, agencies … we’re all trying to figure it out. What we’re trying to figure out is what is the best information we can give to all levels of government. What does our business community need?”
Peterborough Chamber of Commerce CEO and president Stuart Harrison at the Chamber’s introducing Peterborough’s elected officials at the 2020 Power Hour event on February 12, 2020. (Photo: Peterborough Chamber of Commerce)
“Everyone is wanting that information locally, provincially, and federally,” Harrson explains. “Minister (Bill) Morneau has announced $10 billion dollars’ worth of funding, but (the federal government is) still looking for the most efficient ways to get that money into the hands of people who need it — employers and employees.”
From where she sits, Mayor Diane Therrien terms TeamPTBO’s efforts “a great initiative … it shows how in times of crisis our community always comes together.”
She spoke to Guiel on Tuesday and, on Monday (March 16), a conference call involving herself, TeamPTBO members, and Peterborough-Kawartha MP Maryam Monsef took place.
“What I’ve been saying is we don’t need to bail out airlines,” she says. “We need to help the backbone of our economy which is our small- and medium-sized businesses.”
Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
“The challenge is municipalities are so limited in their funding and their capacity to provide assistance. We’re looking at what can do locally, but also continue to advocate higher levels of government about the need to support our entrepreneurs.”
“Everything’s changing, even hourly, but we can lay the groundwork … suggestions and a framework for how we’ll be able to come back from this, which we will do.”
Mayor Therrien’s optimism is wholly shared by Guiel and it’s based on past experience.
“Our business community is very resilient,” he says. “We survived the flood. We’re going to survive this.”
Five of Peterborough's leading economic development organizations have joined forced to launch a survey of local businesses to help determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop a unified approach to possible solutions to offset the impact. (Photo: Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development)
businessNOW™ is the most comprehensive weekly round-up of business and organizational news and events from Peterborough and across the Kawarthas.
Every week, our managing editor collects news and events related to businesses and organizations from across the Kawarthas. If you’d like us to promote your news or event in businessNOW, please email business@kawarthanow.com.
The week’s news features Peterborough’s economic development organizations coming together as TeamPTBO to launch a survey to evaluate impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, Community Futures Peterborough offering COVID-19 loan relief for its business clients, entrepreneur Leslie Bradford-Scott launching a podcast to explore her father’s twisted past, nine municipalities in the Kawarthas get $3.2 million in gas tax funding for public transit, and other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Due to the impact of COVID-19, no new business events have been added this week, and previously listed business events have ether been cancelled or postponed.
Peterborough’s economic development organizations launch survey to evaluate impact of COVID-19 on local businesses
“TeamPTBO” is Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, Community Futures Peterborough, the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
Peterborough economic development organizations, who collectively call themselves “TeamPTBO”, have come together to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the local business community.
The group — Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (PKED), the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area, the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Peterborough, and the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas — is working to assist the local business community in dealing with the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people are saying a lot of different things online about what’s being affected,” explains PKED corporate communications officer Keaton Robbins. “If we can push everyone to this survey, we can begin to triage the main issues for different local businesses and how they are being affected.”
By working together, TeamPTBO will be able to identify issues as well as meaningful programs to assist businesses, from small to large, in recovering from the impacts of the pandemic. The information collected through the survey, which could be used in seek funding from different levels of government, will have the most impact coming from a collective of economic development organizations.
“We want to make sure we are getting the same information and we’re creating a unified program to help our local businesses,” Robbins says.
The survey includes questions such as where a business is located, what sector a business is in, changes to business operations as a result of COVID-19 including impacts on employees, other major concerns, and the type of assistance needed.
Community Futures Peterborough offers COVID-19 loan relief for its business clients
Community Futures Peterborough, located in the VentureNorth building in downtown Peterborough, supports small business by providing flexible financing solutions and services. (Photo: Jeannine Taylor / kawarthaNOW.com)
Community Futures Peterborough (CFP) has announced it is supporting its business clients during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering them an option to defer their April 2020 loan payment.
“We are experiencing an uncertain time and want our clients to know we are here to support their business,” says Grant Seabrooke, vice-chair of the CFP board. “Our priority is to ensure our clients know we are here to help.”
Community Futures Peterborough currently has 147 clients with over $9 million dollars invested in community businesses.
“We are continuing to work with our TeamPTBO partners on developing assistance wherever possible,” adds CFP executive director Gail Moorhouse. “The opportunity to postpone the April payment is one option we hope offers some comfort to our clients during this time.”
The CFP board is continuing to closely review the situation and is prepared to offer future relief as required.
Business clients of Community Futures Peterborough will be contacted via email and will have the opportunity to opt-in to the deferral program.
There is no negative impact to the businesses credit score for those who select to postpone their payment.
Entrepreneur Leslie Bradford-Scott launching a podcast to explore her father’s twisted past
“Rewriting Dad” is a podcast hosted by Walton Wood Farm founder and CEO Leslie Bradford-Scott and local actor and filmmaker Megan Murphy. The podcast is based on a secret manuscript Bradford-Scott’s late father wrote in prison 32 years ago. (Graphic: Rewriting Dad)
Peterborough-area entrepreneur Leslie Bradford-Scott, the CEO and founder of award-winning Walton Wood Farm in Bailieboro, is launching a new podcast on Tuesday, March 24th called “Rewriting Dad”.
A few months ago, Bradford-Scott was given a secret manuscript her late father wrote in prison 32 years ago. The manuscript contained shocking stories of her father’s involvement with the Mafia, the CIA, the INS, the FBI, and the RCMP.
With her childhood memories turned inside-out, Bradford-Scott was left with more questions about her family than answers.
Along with her co-host, local actor and filmmaker Megan Murphy — whose documentary film Murphy’s Law was based on the discovery of own father’s long-lost journal of his 1973 solo bike journey through Ireland — Bradford-Scott will try to discover the truth behind this strange and twisted family saga.
“Light-hearted hosts Meg Murphy, the daughter of a criminal lawyer, & Leslie Bradford-Scott, daughter of a criminal, turn each page inside out as they try to get to the truth of a dangerous, shocking, and twisted history,” the podcast description reads.
For more information about “Rewriting Dad”, including a teaser, visit www.rewritingdad.ca.
Nine municipalities in the Kawarthas get $3.2 million in gas tax funding for public transit
The City of Petrborough has received $1.9 million in gas tax funding for Peterborough Transit. (Photo: Brianna Salmon / GreenUP)
Last Thursday (March 12), the Ontario Ministry of Transportation announced $365.3 million in funding for 111 municipalities to expand and improve local transportation across the province — including $3.2 million for nine municipalities in the Kawarthas.
The funding comes from Ontario’s gas tax program, which provides stable and predictable transit funding for Ontario municipalities by providing two cents per litre of provincial gas tax to improve and expand transit.
Determined by the number of litres of gasoline sold in the province, funding under the program can be used to upgrade infrastructure, increase accessibility, purchase transit vehicles, add more routes. and extend hours of service.
The following nine municipalities in the Kawarthas receiving funding are:
Cramahe (Alnwick/Haldimand, Hamilton Township) – $48,600
County of Peterborough – $41,007
Dysart et Al – $14,458
Other notable business and organization news from across the Kawarthas
Shelley Barrie with her rescue dog Aube and Gail Lockington with Sammy. The two women (and their dogs) have pledged $25,000 to the Peterborough Humane Society’s campaign to build its new animal care centre. (Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society)
Here’s a summary of other notable business and organizational news from across the Kawarthas over the past week:
Shelley Barrie and Gail Lockington have pledged $25,000 to “Our Pet Project”, the Peterborough Humane Society’s campaign to build its new animal care centre. The two made the donation on behalf of their dogs Aube and Sammy. Ground-breaking of the new centre is expected in the fall 2020, with construction anticipated to be complete in winter 2021.
John Rufa, owner of Kawartha Country Wines (2452 County Road 36, Buckhorn), is expanding with a new 3,000-square-foot production facility and a 1,000-square-foot wine tasting room that will also be open for special events.
Demolition of the former Baskin-Robbins plant in Peterborough is about to begin. Dave Pogue purchased the property at Aylmer and Simcoe Streets and is planning to redevelop the property as a combination of commercial units and apartments.
Restwell Upholstery (494 The Parkway, Peterborough) is celebrating 75 years in business in 2020. Kerri Rogers and her husband purchased the business, formerly located at Ashburnham and Lansdowne Streets in Peterborough, from the Peltz family in 2008.
Due to the COVID-18 pandemic, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development (270 George St N., Peterborough) is closed to the public until Tuesday, April 14th. The closure includes the Visitor Centre. While all economic develoopment and tourism services are still available, all workshops and events are cancelled during this time.
The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas has closed both incubator locations in Peterborough and Lindsay until Monday, April 6th due to the COVID-18 pandemic. Innovation Cluster startup clients will still have access to the space with their access cards, but members of the public must be escorted on the premises. All advisory services are still available via phone.
Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre in Cobourg is closed as part of the Town of Cobourg’s shutdown of all municipal facilities in response to the COVID-16 pandemic. All activities and events at Venture13 are cancelled.
Due to COVID-19, most business organizations have either cancelled or postponed upcoming events, including meetings and workshops, during March and into April. Business events will return to businessNOW when restrictions on public gatherings have been lifted.
The COVID-19 assessment centre at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg is located immediately inside the main front entrance. COVID-19 assessment centres are also available at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre in Peterborough. Patients who are concerned they have symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to take a self-asessment and, based on the results, contact Telehealth or their local public health unit for guidance on whether they need to visit an assessment centre. (Photo: Northumberland Hills Hospital)
Following the announcement of the first positive cases of COVID-19 in Northumberland County, Kawartha Lakes, and Peterborough, three hospitals in the Kawarthas region — the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) in Cobourg, Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH) in Lindsay, and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) in Peterborough — have established COVID-19 assessment centres.
Not everyone needs to go to an assessment centre for testing. Due to high demand and according to guidelines from the Ontario Ministry of Health, all three hospitals are asking patients to first complete these steps before deciding whether to go to an assessment centre:
If indicated by the self-assessment results, contact Telehealth at 1-866-797-0000 or your local health unit. For Northumberland County and Kawartha Lakes residents, contact the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5020. For Peterborough residents, contact Peterborough Public Health at 705-743-1000 ext. 401.
If symptoms are severe, call 911 and alert the dispatcher to your travel history and symptoms.
More information about each assessment centre is provided below. For the most up-to-date information, please visit each hospital’s website (links are provided below).
Northumberland Hills Hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre, located in the Ambulatory Care Clinic area of the hospital at 1000 DePalma Drive (immediately inside the main front entrance).
The centre is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with hours of operation changing as needed.
The centre, which will provide assessment and testing for people of all ages, is intended for those who are displaying mild symptoms associated with COVID-19 (a fever and/or a new or worsening cough) and who have either returned from international travel or who have had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
The centre will screen patients, test them for COVID-19 (if deemed appropriate), and direct patients to proceed as required. These directions may be to go home with no action required at this time, to go home on self-isolation to await a test result, or to proceed to the NHH Emergency Department for further assessment by the department’s health care team.
For more information, visit the hospital’s website at nhh.ca/covid-19
RMH COVID-19 Assessment Centre
Ross Memorial Hospital’s COVID-19 Assessment Centre is located within the ambulance bay at the hospital (10 Angeline St. N., Lindsay). It is a ‘drive-thru’ centre, with marked entrance from Angeline Street North.
Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, patients will call first for a phone assessment by a nurse or physician, who will refer the caller for the appropriate next steps, which may include self-monitoring instructions, self-isolation instructions, testing at the offsite location (Lindsay Exhibition), or seeking care in the hospital.
Patients should contact the RMH COVID-19 Assessment Centre only if referred by Telehealth, public health, or a care provider.
Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, the RMH COVID-19 Assessment Centre can be reached at 705-328-6217. The hours of operation are between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For more information, visit the hospital’s website at rmh.org/covid-19.
PRHC COVID-19 Assessment Centre
Peterborough Regional Health Centre’s assessment centre is located within a dedicated area inside the hospital’s Emergency Department at 1 Hospital Drive in Peterborough. On Monday, March 23rd, the assessment centre will be moved to a mobile unit outside of the main hospital building.
Assessments are available by appointment only after following the steps listed at the beginning of this story. Patients should attend the 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.
Patients who have had an assessment scheduled by Peterborough Public Health or Telehealth Ontario should present to the entrance of the Emergency Department at least 15 minutes prior to their appointment time and follow the direction provided by the person screening patients and visitors. Patients coming for assessment should clean their hands and apply a face mask as directed when entering the hospital.
From there, patients will be redirected to the COVID-19 assessment area, where hospital staff will complete the assessment. Testing will be administered according to Ministry of Health guidelines according to the results of the assessment; not all patients who are assessed will be tested for COVID-19.
Following their assessment, patients will be directed on next steps, which may include self-monitoring instructions, returning home to self-isolate while waiting for test results, or remaining in the Emergency Department for further assessment.
Ontario premier Doug Ford announces a state of emergency for the province due to the COVID-19 pandemic at Queen's Park on March 17, 2020. Also pictured are Health Minister Christine Elliott, Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones, and Finance Minister Rod Phillips. (Photo: Government of Ontario)
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.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Rosana Salvaterra discussing Peterborough's first positive case of COVID-19, a 30-year-old man who developed symptoms a week after returning from Spain and Portugal, during a media conference on March 16, 2020 at Peterborough Public Health. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / kawarthaNOW.com)
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Watson & Lou owners Erin Watson and Anna Eidt in front of their shop at 383 Water Street in downtown Peterborough. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, they have decided to temporarily close their bricks-and-mortar shop and are donting five per cent of online sales this week to independent arts organization The Theatre on King. (Photo: Watson & Lou)
Downtown Peterborough creative hub Watson & Lou is turning a bad situation into something good.
In response to the COVID-19 epidemic, owners Anna Eidt and Erin Watson announced on Facebook on Monday (March 16) they have decided to temporarily close their bricks-and-mortar shop at 383 Water Street.
However, they also operate an online shop at www.watsonandlou.com and — “because independent arts organizations are some of the hardest hit right now” — they are donating five percent of their online sales this week to The Theatre of King, an independent theatre venue in downtown Peterborough.
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They are also offering free delivery within the City of Peterborough.
“If you order something locally and choose ‘local delivery’, it will arrive on your doorstep within the week via bike or vehicle, by your friendly neighbourhood W&L delivery woman in mask and gloves,” they write.
And, despite the economic hit local independently owned businesses are taking right now, they haven’t lost their sense of humour, calling it “The COVID special” on their website.
As for scheduled workshops this week, Watson & Lou is postponing them and will contact ticket holders with more information.
For more information and to shop locally online at Watson & Lou, visit www.watsonandlou.com.
“The COVID special: Free local delivery + 5% of online sales this week go to The Theatre on King”
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