Self-isolation means not leaving home at all or having any visitors except as permitted by the local health unit, such as a health care worker who must visit the home. People in self-isolation should arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered to them.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit is taking stronger steps to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community by issuing an order on Tuesday (April 14) requiring anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, is considered a probable case, or has had contact with a confirmed case, to self-isolate in their home for 14 days.
The order, made under section 22 of Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, comes with a penalty of up to $5,000 per day for anyone who fails to self-isolate as required.
“The health unit has heard from many people that there are others who have returned from travel or been confirmed to have COVID-19 and are seen outside of their home, shopping, or visiting friends,” says Dr. Lynn Noseworthy, medical officer of health for the HKPR District Health Unit. “This order allows the health unit to ensure those people are isolating and not spreading the virus to others in the community.”
The HKRP District Health Unit serves the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County, so all residents of these areas are subject to the order. As of April 14th, there are 109 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the City of Kawartha Lakes, 14 in Northumberland County, and six in Haliburton County. There have been 33 deaths, including 29 at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon.
“We are asking everyone to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 through our communities,” Dr. Noseworthy says. “If we all work together, we can keep each other safe.”
Health unit staff are continuing to contact area residents who have tested positive for the virus, as well as anyone who has had contact with those individuals. Staff ensure those affected understand they are required to stay home.
Self-isolation means not leaving home at all or having any visitors except as permitted by HKPR District Health Unit, such as a health care worker who must visit the home. People in self-isolation should arrange to have groceries and other necessities delivered to them.
If a person with COVID-19 is homeless, or where their home is otherwise unsuitable or unsafe for isolation purposes, the HKRP District Health Unit will accommodate them in an isolation facility to be determined.
“It is our hope that everyone understands the importance of self-isolating and we do not need to levy any fines under this order,” Dr. Noseworthy adds.
The health unit is also encouraging anyone who is not ill or required to self-isolate to continue to heed public health guidance of staying home to stay safe:
Asking people to stay at home other than for essential reasons including obtaining groceries or medicines and going to medical appointments. Daily exercise should be done alone or with one family member or to exercise a pet.
Encouraging people over the age of 70 to stay at home, emerging only for essential needs (groceries, medications, or seeking health care). If possible, they should rely on family and social supports to minimize interaction with others. This advice also applies to people who have underlying medical conditions or compromised immune systems.
Asking people who have seasonal cottages to refrain from going to the cottage, as it could put extra strain on the already limited resources of the cottage communities.
Asking essential businesses that choose to remain open to limit access to their facilities and the number of occupants on their premises. They must also move their operations to delivery and pick-up as much as possible and maximize physical distancing, infection prevention and control practices, and cleaning.
Asking essential businesses that choose to remain open should also consider active screening of their employees and staff for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
If residents who are not symptomatic or not required to self-isolate at home must leave their home, they are reminded to practise physical distancing, avoid crowds and physical contact, and stay a safe distance of at least two metres (six feet) from other people.
Premier Doug Ford addresses the speaker of the house during a special sitting of the Ontario legislature on April 14, 2020 to extend the the province's state of emergency for an additional 28 days until Tuesday, May 12th. (Photo: Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
As expected, the Ontario government is extending the province’s state of emergency for an additional 28 days until Tuesday, May 12th.
The extension under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) was approved on Tuesday (April 14) during a special sitting of the Ontario legislature, on the advice of Ontario’s chief medical officer of health and with the full cooperation of all the parties.
“During these unprecedented times, we cannot let our guard down,” Premier Doug Ford said. “The actions being taken by everyone to stay home and practice physical distancing are making a difference, but we are not out of the woods yet. With the support of every Ontario MPP, we continue to take any and all actions necessary to support our front-line health care workers and respond rapidly and decisively to slow the spread of this deadly virus.”
VIDEO: Premier Doug Ford addresses the Ontario legislature – April 14, 2020
The provincial government first declared a 14-day state of emergency on Tuesday, March 17th. Under the provisions of the ECMPA, the state of emergency could be extended for one additional 14-day period (until April 14th) with further 28-day period extensions requiring the support of the legislature.
The extension of the provincial declaration of emergency allows Ontario to continue to enforce current emergency orders, such as the closure of all non-essential workplaces, outdoor amenities such as parks and recreational areas, public places and bars and restaurants, as well as restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and prohibitions against price gouging.
The legislature also passed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act to amend the Education Act, Planning Act, Development Charges Act, Police Services Act and the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act.
The amendments to the Education Act will allow school boards to continue charging fees on new construction to retain a source of revenue for new school projects. The bill also includes an amendment to provide consistent province-wide approach to addressing school suspensions and expulsions for the safety of students and staff upon the reopening of schools.
The changes to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Act will temporarily suspend student loan payments for OSAP borrowers and initiate a six-month interest-free moratorium on OSAP loans.
The government is making it possible to suspend certain municipal planning decision timelines during the state of emergency, changing the Development Charges Act to ensure municipalities can continue to count on a source of revenue that helps pay for local growth-related infrastructure, such as roads, water and sewers, as well as fire and police services.
The amendments to the Police Services Act also allow the Solicitor General to give municipalities an extension beyond January 1, 2021 to prepare and adopt a community safety and well-being plan.
The Peterborough Police Service is reminding residents that police are continuing to enforce emergency orders made under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).
The emergency orders include the closure of non-essential workplaces, public places, and bars and restaurants, as well as a prohibition on gatherings of five or more people — even at someone’s home (unless the people live together).
Over the course of the Easter long weekend, Peterborough police received and responded to 23 EMCPA-related complaints and issued three warnings.
While no charges were laid in the 23 incidents, police have the option to lay charges for three offences under the Provincial Offences Act:
Fail to comply with an order made during an emergency = Fine of $750
Obstruction of person exercising a power in accordance with an emergency order = Fine of $1,000
Obstruction of person performing a duty in accordance with an emergency order = Fine of $1,000
Corporations (as a Part 3 offence) Fine = $500,000
Under Ontario’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, gatherings of five or more people are prohibited, even if these gatherings take place at someone’s home (unless the people live together). (Graphic: Peterborough Police Service)
People who are being charged with an offence under EMCPA are also required to identify themselves if asked by a provincial offences officer, which includes police officers, First Nations constables, special constables and municipal by-law enforcement officers. This temporary power was approved by the Ontario government on Tuesday, March 31st through an emergency order.
Failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made under the EMCPA, or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial offences officer issues a ticket.
In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.
These penalties apply in addition to the penalties for breaching other emergency orders.
Peterborough residents who wish to report a complaint of a violation of EMCPA should call the non-emergency line at 705-876-1122. Do not call 9-1-1 to report ECMPA complaints.
On Tuesday (April 14), the Ontario legislature is expected to approve the extension of Ontario’s state of emergency by another 28 days.
The provincial government first declared a 14-day state of emergency on March 17, 2020. Under the ECMPA, a state of emergency can be extended for one additional 14-day period (until April 14th) with further 28-day period extensions requiring a vote in the legislature.
A health care worker at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon, Ontario responds to passing cars honking support on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: Fred Thornhill / The Canadian Press)
For the fifth day in a row, Pinecrest Nursing Home is reporting no additional deaths of residents at the long-term care facility in Bobcaygeon.
The number of people who have died from COVID-19 at the home remains at 29.
“We are fortunate to report, for the fifth day in a row, there are no new deaths at Pinecrest Nursing Home,” the home’s administrator Mary Carr shared in an update to the community on Tuesday (April 14).
“We are also pleased to welcome a few staff members back to the team. I want to thank all our staff for their diligence in providing safe and compassionate care to our residents.”
Carr also says that the home currently has a surplus of personal protective equipment (PPE) that they will be sharing with other facilities.
“Our staff continue to have access to the PPE they need at all times while working in the home. We currently have a surplus of PPE and are working to share much-needed supplies with other homes in the province.”
“Our home is committed to working with other long-term care homes, our partners at Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and with the Ministry of Health to ensure all new and ongoing care directives are implemented. The health and safety of our residents and our staff is, and always has been, our number one priority.”
Carr also noted that the Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised more than $100,000 in donations.
“I want to again acknowledge the support from the community. The Bobcaygeon and Area COVID-19 Relief Fund, created two weeks ago to support the needs of people affected by coronavirus, has now received more than $100,000 in donations. This fund, along with many other daily acts of kindness, illustrates what our community is made of, and how we will get through this together.”
Cedar Grove Organic Farm is offering porch delivery of fresh, seasonal vegetables during COVID-19. It's just one of many local food-related businesses that are adapting to the pandemic. (Photo: Cedar Grove Organic Farm)
This month, food writer Eva Fisher takes a look at some of the many fresh, vibrant, and local food options available during the COVID-19 pandemic, including farms, bulk stores, small food shops, and restaurants.
Local farmers offer convenient and fresh food options during COVID-19
You can respect social distancing protocols and still support local farmers; in fact, it may be easier than placing that grocery order. Local farms are offering new ways to get farm fresh produce, meat, honey, maple syrup, and more.
Lunar Rhythm Gardens (253 Gray Rd, Janetville, 905-986-9612) is offering an on-farm mini-market. Orders are placed in advance online. To get an order form, you can either follow them on Facebook or sign up on their website at www.csafarmdurhamkawartha.com to receive emails.
Lunar Rhythm Gardens offer a contact-free on-farm market with products from their farm, as well as other farmers and small businesses. (Photo: Lunar Rhythm Gardens)
Farm owner, operator, manager, and field worker Jessica Foote originally set up online ordering for their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes.
“I never expected it to be our primary sales means,” she says.
For safety, customers aren’t allowed in the farm building. Jessica recommends parking on the side of the road and calling the farm. The order will be brought out to a freshly sanitized table for pickup. Trunk drops are available for people who request it.
Lunar Rhythm Gardens offers certified organic vegetables and naturally raised pork and beef. Since opening the on-farm mini-market, they have expanded to offer products from other farms and small businesses, including Honey from Jon’s Wildflower Honey, Yellowlees Family Farm lamb, Puddleduck Maple Syrupduck eggs, baked goods, and Kombucha from the Food Shop in Peterborough. They also sell Tall Boy Roasters Coffee Black Peppercorn sourced directly from a friend’s farm in Vietnam,and products from South Pond Farms.
Jessica says that this is an important time for them to support their neighbours.
“I’m committed to growing and keeping local small businesses going as much as I can. Right now is the time to support what you want to see come out of this. If you want your local people and your friends and your neighbours to be around that’s what we’ve got to dig in and work with.”
Meanwhile, Cedar Grove Organic Farm (625 Shamrock Rd, Omemee, 705-799-1728) is offering porch delivery of their produce. Owner and operator Scott King takes orders through an online form. Customers have until Thursday evening to place their order, then it is harvested on Friday and delivered on Saturday. Payment is taken exclusively by e-transfer.
As the season progresses, Cedar Grove Organic Farm will offer more produce options, including freshly harvested kale. (Photo: Cedar Grove Organic Farm)
Cedar Grove Organic Farm currently offers lettuce mix from the greenhouses and root vegetables like carrots and turnips and watermelon radish. In the next few weeks, they will also offer heads of lettuce, bok choi, kale, kale mix and stirfry mix, and by summertime they will have a full selection of vegetables and berries.
While the delivery program has been successful, Scott emphasizes that farmers’ markets are still very important.
“The more that the market gets supported, it basically provides a more robust food system in Ontario. Right now a lot of our food comes from elsewhere, but it doesn’t have to. It’s just because we haven’t encouraged our local food economy.”
He says that markets are the key to this.
“As much as I enjoy deliveries, I really want to say how important market is.”
Speaking of local farmers’ markets, the Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Citi-Centre courtyard, at the corner of Aylmer and Charlotte Streets in downtown Peterborough. They have moved to this outdoor location to offer safer service during the pandemic. For more information, visit ptboregionalfarmersmarket.org.
The Peterborough Farmers’ Market at Morrow Park has temporarily closed due to the pandemic, but they recently published an online catalogue with farmgate sales options for many of their producers. You can find that listing on their Facebook page at facebook.com/peterboroughfarmersmarket/.
Avoid big grocery store stress and support independent locally owned businesses
Jo Anne’s Place is offering porch deliveries throughout the Kawarthas to minimize contact during COVID-19. (Photo: Julia Burnett)
For those who are daunted by big line ups at grocery stores, or who don’t want to risk facing the crowds, small groceries and bulk businesses are offering a physical-distancing-friendly shopping experience. Here are just some of the businesses in the Kawarthas that are stepping up to the challenge of COVID-19, offering heightened safety measures and in some cases contact free purchasing and deliveries.
The Lakefield Pantry
(44 Queen St, Lakefield, 705-652-6062)
At the Lakefield Pantry, customers are asked to phone in their order in advance by calling 705-652-6062. The order will be prepared, then a staff member will call you when it is ready.
Customers are allowed inside the storefront to pick up and pay for their order, or payment can be processed manually and they will meet you outside. For high-risk customers, The Lakefield Pantry is offering porch delivery.
The Lakefield Pantry stocks flour, yeast, Empire Cheese, local beef, Kawartha Dairy milk and ice cream, local honey, spices, gluten-free baking supplies, cereals, and pastas.
Burns Bulk Food
(118 Kent St W, Lindsay, 705-324-8501)
Burns Bulk Food is encouraging customers to place phone-in orders. They will put together an order based on a customer’s list, and they take payment by phone so orders can be completely contact free. They are also offering free in-town delivery.
The store is open an hour earlier on weekdays exclusively for seniors to shop, and every aisle of the store is equipped with hand sanitizer.
Customers aren’t allowed to scoop their own products, and staff are there to guide customers through the store and minimize contact.
Jo Anne’s Place
(1260 Lansdowne St, Peterborough, 705-749-9474 and 84 Russell St W, Lindsay, 705-328-3628)
Jo Anne’s Place is offering free delivery to Lindsay and Peterborough customers, and paid delivery to Bobcaygeon, Buckhorn, Stoney Lake, Lakefield, Omemee, and Port Hope, with delivery charges ranging from $12 to $30.
You can also place an order and pick it up in store. More information about pickup and delivery can be found at Jo Anne’s Place’s website at joannesplace.ca.
In addition, from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Jo Anne’s Place offers “Mindful Shopping”, which restricts store access to elderly and immune-vulnerable people, including pregnant women. Note: Jo Anne’s Place has temporarily closed their Water Street location in Peterborough.
The Food Shop
(372 Water St, Peterborough, 705-775-7467)
The Food Shop is offering curb side pickup, delivery and in store shopping with a limit of two people. They also offer to shop for people while they’re in store to limit contact if they desire. Private shopping is available after hours or by appointment for people who would like to limit contact. They sanitize contact spots after each customer.
The Main Ingredient
(326 Charlotte St, Peterborough, 705-745-5271)
The Main Ingredient is taking orders by email. The order will be packed, then sent to processing where it is double-checked. The processor then calls the customer and either takes payment over the phone by credit card or arranges with the customer to do contact-free payment in the front foyer of the store.
With around 6,000 items in store, there is no product list, but you can watch a video on their website at themainingredient.wixsite.com/mysite to get a sense of what is available.
VIDEO: The Main Ingredient 2020 Tour
Highlights include baking ingredients, cooking ingredients, spices, teas, coffees, chocolate, pasta, sugars, Empire cheese, and organic milk.
Co-owner Ken Fraser urges customers to be mindful of the added strain that COVID-19 has put on staff, and be understanding if they are running a few days behind.
He also encourages customers to stick to the necessities and try to be organized with your order: last-minute add-ons mean the whole order needs to be reprocessed. He also suggests that you may want to think about how your consumption habits are changing while in self isolation and order accordingly.
“A customer wrote yesterday and said ‘We usually have a pound of coffee to last us a week’,” Ken recalls. “They ordered four pounds of coffee for the next week. They said ‘All we do is sit home and drink coffee!'”
Hungry? This list shows what’s available for delivery and takeout in downtown Peterborough
Downtown Peterborough’s listing of restaurants open for takeout and delivery makes it easy to support Peterborough’s downtown businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. (Graphic: Peterborough DBIA)
The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA) has released a list of every downtown business open for takeout and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
DBIA executive director Terry Guiel says that having this information centralized will make it easier for people to support their downtown businesses.
“Everybody right now is bombarded with information, so we want to make it as easy as possible for our members and for the public to access that information.”
Terry points out that supporting downtown restaurants isn’t just a matter of enjoying a convenient and delicious meal, it’s key for Peterborough’s economic future.
“One of our largest employers in the city of Peterborough is the hospitality industry,” Terry points out. “It’s not Quaker, it’s not Trent University, it’s not PepsiCo — it’s the hospitality industry. To make sure that remains healthy is essential for the workforce.”
Restaurants also provide essential revenue to the city, Terry notes.
“Our downtown, which the restaurants make up a great deal of, makes up 32 per cent of the commercial tax base for the City of Peterborough. That’s a significant amount of money that the xity gets from the downtown to operate the rest of the city.”
Terry stresses that the survival of these restaurants is essential to the city as a whole, including social benefits with restaurants being key partners for local charities and not-for-profits.
“Our downtown restaurants are very receptive of sponsoring events, providing gift certificates for special events and silent auctions. They’re also front and centre with charitable events such as Paint the Town Red.”
Furthermore, restaurants are an important part of the downtown scene.
“Restaurants are a rich part of our culture and identity in Peterborough.”
The Electric City Bread Company is offering family-style takeout, such as this roast chicken dinner with carrots and roasted potatoes. (Photo: Jonathan Linton)
So how can we support our restaurants, beyond ordering delivery and takeout? Terry recommends ordering gift certificates if your finances allow, but to hold off on spending them all at once until restaurants have had a chance to bounce back.
“When the all-clear happens and you get into September or October, it’s going to do them no good to have 100 people walking in with $50 gift certificates. Spread it out, have it for Christmas. Do it for Christmas stockings. Think down the road.”
For those who are experience financial hardship during the pandemic, Terry points out that there are other ways to support restaurants.
“Send a message, do a posting about your favourite restaurant. Go on Google and do a Google review. Send them a little message that says you can’t wait until they open, or post a fond memory on Facebook of the birthday lunch you had or the pints you had with friends. They will appreciate that. This is a very very fearful time. And sometimes there’s the economic help but there’s also the community spirit help.”
Terry says that if any businesses can survive the pandemic, it’s those found in Peterborough’s downtown.
“I have immense faith in the strong, resilient and creative entrepreneurs that we have in our downtown that run the restaurants, and I have complete faith that many of them will come through this stronger and better positioned and they will be victorious against COVID-19.”
New online Peterborough community celebrates local takeout and delivery options
That’s a Wrap Catering is one of the businesses featured in the new PTBO Food To Go – during COVID19 Facebook group. Pictured is their rib steak with broiled mushrooms, baked potato, and sauteed peppers. (Photo: Heather Doughty)
When local real estate agent Wade Hamblin noticed that local restaurants were struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to do something about it.
His new Facebook group PTBO Food To Go – during COVID19 is growing quickly and has become a space for restaurants and caterers to offer behind-the-scenes videos, post their menus, and offer specials to people looking for local takeout and delivery options.
Wade points out that restaurants are key to our community.
“Our local restaurant owners (and any local business owners) have always been the backbone of Peterborough. They are continually sponsoring our kids’ sports teams and local events that Peterborough is known for.”
He also notes that the outlook is dire for restaurants. A recent survey by Restaurants Canada revealed that one in 10 restaurants in Canada have already closed permanently as a result of the pandemic. Wade is hoping that his group will help to offset this trend.
The Peterborough Chamber of Commerce has spearheaded a new Takeout Tuesday campaign. Making a plan to order takeout or delivery regularly helps small businesses thrive. (Graphic: Peterborough Chamber)
While Wade recommends ordering take-out whenever it’s convenient for your family, he also points to “Takeout Tuesday”, a challenge offered by the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, as a great way to show your support for local businesses.
Finally, Wade would like to thank the community for coming together on all fronts to take on the challenge of COVID-19.
“I am so proud of our fantastic community for all the support and unity surrounding all aspects of this pandemic. This truly shows the heart of Peterborough and the Kawarthas. Let’s not just ‘get through this’, let’s become better because of this!”
The main entrance of Peterborough Regional Health Centre. (Photo: PRHC)
Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is currently treating two COVID-19 patients in its intensive care unit (ICU) while three staff members who earlier tested positive continue to self-isolate at home.
During a media briefing held Tuesday morning (April 14), Dr. Lynn Mikula, the hospital’s vice-president, chief medical executive and chief of staff, noted she is cautiously encouraged that the hospital “has not seen a surge” in positive COVID-19 cases.
“There is a little bit of promising evidence that we may be seeing a little bit of the flattening of the curve … a slowing of the rate of the number of positive cases per day both provincially and in the region,” Dr. Mikula said.
“But I think it’s too early to say if things are going to get better or worse or stay the same,” she added. “We need to continue to watch the situation very closely and hold ourselves in readiness. At this point I don’t feel we’re prepared to make predictions.”
Previously, the hospital had been treating three COVID-19 patients in the ICU, but one patient died on Sunday (April 12) from complications of the disease — the first COVID-19 related death in the Peterborough area. Facebook posts on Sunday afternoon identified the patient as 68-year-old Peterborough photographer and retired psychologist Dr. George Dimitroff.
As of Tuesday morning, Peterborough Public Health reported a total of 53 positive COVID-19 cases in Peterborough city and county, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha. However, 268 test results are pending.
Across the province, the total number of positive cases stands at 7,470 with 3,357 of those resolved and 291 deaths linked to COVID-19. Just more than 108,000 people have been tested with results awaited on 1,534 tests.
Dr. Mikula also updated the operation of the COVID-19 Assessment Centre at PRHC, noting, to date, more than 1,000 people have been tested at that location with the daily average of people tested in the 20 to 40 range.
She stressed that anyone who is having symptoms can be tested there but must phone ahead for an appointment. The number to call is 705-876-5086 and the centre is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
PRHC, adds Dr. Mikula, has “a lot of capacity” should there be a surge of COVID-19 patients.
“We are prepared to increase beyond our usual capacity quite significantly if we need to,” she said.
“We’re not putting an absolute upper limit on the number of people we will care for. We’ll care for however many people we need to, to the utmost of our ability.”
“We’re watching our levels of many different items of PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) very closely on a daily basis. We’re not in immediate danger of running out of anything.”
Dr. Mikula adds the 1,000 Mask Challenge issued earlier has so far seen more than 5,000 masks made by the community sent the hospital’s way.
kawarthaNOW is providing a daily report of COVID-19 cases in the greater Kawarthas region.
This report is based on data supplied by the region’s three public health units, as retrieved by province’s integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS). This information is at least 24 hours old, so it is not real-time data.
We publish the daily report, usually by late afternoon, with the most current information released by health units. Note that each health unit reports the information in a different way.
Peterborough Public Health’s service area is the City and County of Peterborough and the Hiawatha and Curve Lake First Nations.
Confirmed positive: 53 (increase of 1 from April 12) Confirmed negative: 1,021 (increase of 53 from April 12) Under investigation: 268 (decrease of 15 from April 12) Deaths: 1 (no change from April 12) Resolved: 24 (increase of 5 from April 12) Institutional Outbreaks: Peterborough Regional Health Centre, St. Joseph’s at Fleming, Riverview Manor*
*Number of cases not reported.
Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit’s service area is the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County.
Confirmed positive: 128, including 108 in Kawartha Lakes, 14 in Northumberland, 6 in Haliburton (increase of 1 from April 12, with 1 new case in Haliburton) Hospitalizations: 6 (no change from April 12) Deaths: 33, including 29 in Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon (no change from April 12) Institutional Outbreaks: Pinecrest Nursing Home*
*Number of cases not reported.
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health’s service area is Hastings County (including Bancroft) and Prince Edward County.
Confirmed positive: 26 (no change from April 12) Probable cases: 264 (decrease of 2 from April 12) Deaths: 0 Institutional Outbreaks: Hallowell House (Picton), Hastings Manor (Belleville), Quinte Healthcare (Belleville)*
*Number of cases not reported.
Province of Ontario
Confirmed positive: 7,470 (increase of 421 from April 12) Under investigation: 1,534 (decrease of 85 from April 12) Hospitalized: 760 (increase of 22 from April 12) Hospitalized and in ICU: 263 (increase of 2 from April 12) Hospitalized and in ICU with ventilator: 203 (increase of 7 from April 12) Deaths: 291 (increase of 17 from April 12) Resolved: 3,357 (increase of 236 from April 12)
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario by public health unit, January 15 – April 12, 2020. (Graphic: Public Health Ontario)
Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for all of the Kawarthas for strong winds on Monday afternoon and evening (April 13).
Although the rain will come to an end on Monday afternoon, strong gusty west to southwest winds are expected to develop and continue into early Monday evening.
A few gusts of 80 km/h winds may occur.
Loose objects may be tossed around, and scattered power outages are possible.
Healthcare workers at Pinecrest Nursing Home in Bobcaygeon wave as passing cars honk support on April 1, 2020. (Photo: Fred Thornhill / The Canadian Press)
The Easter long weekend has proven to be a good one for the residents at Pinecrest Nursing Home and their families.
No additional residents of the Bobcaygeon long-term care facility have passed away since Thursday (April 9), leaving the number of residents at Bobcaygeon nursing home who have succumbed to COVID-19 at 29.
“For the fourth day in a row, we are fortunate to report no new deaths at Pinecrest Nursing Home,” the home’s administrator Mary Carr writes in an update to the community.
“Our front-line staff continue to monitor all residents carefully and are diligently working to provide the highest quality care and comfort to our residents. I want to thank our staff again for continuing to serve our community and our residents with dedication and kindness.”
“We have daily conversations with Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit and the Ministry of Health to ensure all new and ongoing care directives are implemented and that our staff have a clear understanding of these directions.”
“I know that this update is hopeful news for the community and we continue to receive messages of love and encouragement. We will not forget the outpouring of support from the community and look forward to getting through this together.”
George Dimitroff in a self-portrait posted on his Facebook page. The 68-year-old reitred psychologist and avid photographer passed away in Peterborough at the age of 68 on April 12, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during his travels. (Photo: George Dimitroff / Facebook)
kawarthaNOW has learned the identity of the man in his late 60s who passed away on Sunday (April 12) at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) due to complications from COVID-19. This is the first COVID-19 related death in the Peterborough area.
In a media release issued earlier on Sunday, Peterborough Public Health indicated the man had acquired COVID-19 through a travel exposure.
According to public Facebook posts on Sunday afternoon from friends, the man who passed away is Peterborough photographer Dr. George Dimitroff.
“My heart is broken for friend and neighbour George Dimitroff and family,” Lisa Jackson wrote. “George passed away today from Covid-19 and is the first death here in Peterborough. We had the pleasure of first meeting George as a local photographer who did many photo shoots with Nathan and other STRUTT Talent.”
“George and his wife Sheila were both incredible nature photographers and world travellers. It was said that he contracted Covid from his travels. The world is a sadder place without this incredible man. This has hit home right in our backyard.”
Formerly the chief psychologist with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board, Dr. George Dimitroff explored his passion for travel and photography after retiring in 2012. Here he is in April 2019 photographing Machu Picchu, the 15th century Inca citadel located in the Cusco region of southern Peru. Dimitroff passed away in Peterborough at the age of 68 on April 12, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 during his travels. (Photo: George Dimitroff / Facebook)
The 68-year-old Dimitroff was a retired psychologist who had worked with the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington Catholic District School Board for 27 years as the board’s psychologist, the first person to serve that role at a system level.
According to a media release issued by the board on Monday (April 13), Dimitroff was highly regarded in his field and dedicated his career to supporting the mental health and well-being of staff, students, and school communities.
“In his position, George Dimitroff was called upon to bring a sense of calm and understanding as he helped the board and schools navigate challenging times throughout his distinguished career at the board,” says the board’s director of education Michael Nasello in the media release. “He will be dearly missed by former colleagues and many in our board community. The board offers its prayers to Dr. Dimitroff’s family. We join our prayers for the repose of his soul and for comfort and condolences to his entire family.”
Superintendent Joan Carragher says Dr. Dimitroff always brought a strong sense of care and compassion to his work.
“One of the last duties George performed before he retired was supporting a school community through the tragic loss of one of their very young students,” Carragher recalls. “George went to the school every day to ensure the students and staff had the support they needed to manage this profound loss. We relied on George’s professionalism, knowledge, and skills to support many students and staff over his 27 years with our board.”
Peterborough-born model and actress Theresa Longo at Trent University in a series called “Portraits of Health” by George Dimitroff, which was featured at the 2015 SPARK Photo Festival in Peterborough. Dimitroff’s collection of Atlantic Puffins was featured at the 2014 festival. (Photo: George Dimitroff)
After Dimitroff retired in 2012, he became an avid nature and travel photographer.
A member and president of the Peterborough Photographic Society, he held various exhibitions of his photography, including at the SPARK Photo Festival.
He was also a photographer with Strutt modelling agency and photographed Peterborough native Theresa Longo. The model and actress expressed her shock on Facebook upon learning of his passing.
I am in complete shock. My thoughts and love are with Sheila Dimitroff and family. I took this photo of George Dimitroff…
Dimitroff became ill in late March, according to social media posts.
He is survived by his wife Sheila and their three children and four grandchildren.
Tributes from those who knew Dimitroff, either in his work as a photographer or as a psychologist with the school board, continue to be shared on Facebook as people learn of his passing.
It is with very heavy hearts that we post this very sad news. Peterborough Photographer and Retired Psychologist…
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