Fewer high-risk setting COVID cases; vaccine clinics continue

NOV. 29: COVID-19 high-risk setting cases and hospitalizations are down in Hastings Prince Edward Counties.

The HPE Public Health dashboard reports 42 new and 56 active high-risk setting cases and three outbreaks ongoing.

There are two people in hospital related to the virus.

NOV. 22: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting fewer COVID-19 cases in high-risk settings, in its weekly report.

There were 59 new high-risk setting cases, and 66 active high-risk setting cases. THere are also fewer outbreaks (four) and fewer people in hospital related to COVID-19, at seven. One person requires intensive care.

There are several COVID-19 vaccination clinics planned in Prince Edward County over the next several weeks.

Clinics are to be held at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street, Picton) on the following days:
Tuesday, Nov. 22: 1 pm to 7 pm
Tuesday, Nov. 29: 1 pm to 7 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 6: 1 pm – 7 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 13: 1 pm – 7 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 20: 1 pm – 7 pm

You must book an appointment in advance for the above clinics. Go online to book or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1.833.943.3900. https://www.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/

A walk-in clinic is set for Saturday, Nov. 26 at the Prince Edward Community Centre from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You do not need to book an appointment in advance for this clinic. The clinic will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Vaccines will be available for people of all ages who are eligible.

People aged 12 and over who are eligible for any doses can now get the COVID-19 vaccine at the above clinics. There are also a limited number of appointments for both children under five years of age and children aged five-11 kids at all clinics.

People not sure which bivalent vaccine to get, are encouraged to book an appointment and the health professionals on site will assist with options.

NOV. 8: Two more deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic have been recorded in the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health weekly update. However, there were fewer new (74) and active (98) cases in high-risk settings recorded over the past week. There are also fewer people in hospital at 16. None require intensive care.

There are two more outbreaks in high-risk settings, now at seven. None are in Prince Edward County. Four are at long-term care and retirement homes and the remaining three are at Belleville hospital, Trenton hospital and a congregate living facility in Quinte West.

NOV. 1: The Hastings Prince Edward Public Health weekly update reports three more deaths – now 92 – related to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the update shows fewer active cases, hospitalizations and outbreaks.

There are 82 new high-risk setting cases and active cases are down to 102. There are 23 people in hospital. None require intensive care. There are now five outbreaks ongoing.

OCT. 25 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting four more deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic – now 89 since the pandemic began.

There are 28 people in hospital related to COVID-19. Three require intensive care.

Active high-risk setting cases are down to 140 from 189 last week. Over the past week 125 new high-risk setting cases were reported.

There are nine outbreaks ongoing, including one at Quinte Health Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital declared Sept. 26.

A vaccination clinic is being held Thursday, Oct. 27 from noon to 7 p.m. at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street, Picton).

The clinic will offer both the new Pfizer bivalent vaccine and the Moderna bivalent vaccine. Doses will also be available for children under the age of 12.

OCT. 18 – Two deaths related to COVID-19 have been recorded in the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health weekly update – now 85 deaths related to the pandemic.

Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 are down to 35, from 43 last week. Three people require intensive care.

Cases recorded in high-risk settings include 158 new and 189 active. New cases are defined as ones that have been reported since the last dashboard update. Active cases are defined as any case that has been reported and is not yet resolved.

The 14 outbreaks in high-risk settings are ongoing – including in the County at the Carriage House and Elder Care retirement homes, at the hospital, and a congregate living facility.

A walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic is set for Thursday, Oct. 20 from 3-7 pm at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street, Picton).

The clinic will offer both the new Pfizer bivalent vaccine and the Moderna bivalent vaccine. Doses will also be available for children under the age of 12.

A clinic is also being held Thursday, Oct. 27 from noon to 7 p.m.

Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Medical Officer of Health and CEO at HPEPH encourages residents to get the influenza vaccine when it becomes available, (expected Nov. 1) and to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, to reduce their risk of severe illness and to reduce the risk of spreading illness to others.

In a joint statement from the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, Quinte Health and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH), health care leaders urge residents to take key actions to reduce the spread of illness as cold, flu, and COVID-19 season approaches.

They note evidence suggests the fall and winter of 2022/23 will be challenging as
COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and many residents have not received an annual influenza vaccine throughout the pandemic.

Each year, the spread of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and the common cold peaks around the end of December and beginning of January.

“This year, because of lessened immunity, outdated vaccination status, and existing strain on the healthcare system, we are urging local residents to take small steps to keep the health of our community a priority. When it comes to protecting one another, we can each take small steps that make a big difference in the community.”

The healthcare system, they note, is already under incredible strain.

Stacey Daub, President and CEO of Quinte Health asks that residents help keep emergency rooms for emergencies.

“While our doctors, nurses and support teams are at our hospitals, ready to provide unwavering care, we continue to rely on our communities for assistance. Please keep emergency rooms for emergencies. For mild or moderate cold and flu symptoms, or other non-urgent conditions, consider accessing other care options – call your family doctor, visit a walk-in clinic, or access virtual care.

“We have been working diligently to keep the community safe over the past two years. Now, we’re once again appealing to the community to help protect each other. This means protecting yourself, your family, the vulnerable, and our health care workers.

OCT. 11: Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have risen to 43 in Hastings Prince Edward Counties with three people requiring intensive care.
Cases recorded in high-risk settings are down slightly with 175 new, and 211 active. There are 14 outbreaks in high-risk settings ongoing – including in the County at the Carriage House and Elder Care retirement homes, at the hospital and a congregate living facility.

OCT. 4: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, in its weekly COVID-19 update, is reporting a slight decrease in high-risk setting cases.

There are 201 new, and 257 active high-risk setting cases with 15 outbreaks ongoing. The report notes 35 people in hospital, three requiring intensive care. New cases are defined as ones that have been reported since the last dashboard update. Active cases are defined as any case that has been reported and is not yet resolved.

The outbreaks, in Prince Edward County, include a congregate living facility and Picton hospital.

Several COVID-19 vaccine clinics are scheduled in the coming weeks in Prince Edward County.

Clinics are to be held at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street, Picton) on the following days:
Tuesday, Oct. 11, noon-7 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 18, noon-7 pm
Thursday, Oct. 27, noon-7 pm

In addition, a special clinic to help young children under the age of 12 get the COVID-19 vaccine is set for Thursday, Oct. 13 from 3-6:30 pm at the Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street).

People aged 12 and over who are eligible for their first, second, third, or fourth dose of the vaccine can get the COVID-19 vaccine at the above clinics. There are also a limited number of appointments for both children under 5 years of age and children aged 5-11 kids at all clinics.

You may book an appointment in advance for these clinics. Go online to book or call the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1.833.943.3900. Walk-ins may be accepted at all upcoming Picton clinics depending on vaccine availability.