COVID case increase moves incident rate into orange zone numbers

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health could find itself moved to the “orange” restrict zone of the province’s COVID-19 response framework.

Public Health added nine new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, Dec. 10, bringing active cases to 47 which brings the seven day case rate to 25.5 per 100,000 population. The province’s framework criteria for the “orange” zone includes a weekly incident rate of higher than 25 but less than 40.

There were three new cases in Quinte West, five in Belleville and one in Centre Hastings. Prince Edward County continues to have two cases. The region’s case load since March is now at 199, with 147 recoveries.

Hastings Prince Edward moved from the green to the yellow zone Nov. 30 with a weekly incidence rate between 10 and 24.9 per 100,000 people.

The province also uses other factors to determine which zone a region will fall into – including repeated outbreaks in multiple sectors/settings, increasing numbers of large outbreaks or strain on the health system. Changes to zones are generally announced by the province on Fridays.

The municipality announced Dec. 2 it was preparing to take further action if Hastings Prince Edward Public Health was moved to the orange zone.

Private businesses, churches, and outdoor markets would be permitted to remain open under orange-restrict as long as they are following the measures set out in the provincial response framework.

Prince Edward County Public Library branches would continue to stay open should the region move to orange-restrict, offering curbside pick-up and with limited in-person access. Service updates will be posted on the library website.

All municipal buildings, town halls, and museums would close to the public under orange-restrict for at least 28 days. The municipality would continue to provide essential services in-person by appointment only. Other non-essential services such as acquiring a burn permit or making a payment can be accessed through the County’s website or by mail.

The County plans extra precautions and will close all recreation facilities including the walking track at the Wellington and District Community Centre. The municipality would pause team sports, practices, and training in municipal facilities. This measure would go beyond the provincial requirements under orange-restrict.