All County, All the Time Since 2010 MAKE THIS YOUR PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY HOME...PAGE!  Friday, March 29th, 2024

Local COVID-19 case counts exceed 1,000; new testing and isolation rules now in effect

DEC. 31: Hasting Prince Edward Public Health has posted 252 reported new COVID-19 cases and 52 recoveries on Dec. 31, bringing active cases to 1,040. There are 13 people in hospital, five in intensive care.

The year ends with 3,572 total cases reported, 2,513 recoveries and 19 deaths since the pandemic began.

The 252 new cases include 78 in Belleville, 72 in Quinte West, 40 in Prince Edward County, 28 in Centre Hastings, 16 in North Hastings, 11 in Tyendinaga and four in Deseronto. (Three not posted on the map as data is missing).

Of the 1,040 active cases reported, there are 395 in Belleville, 275 in Quinte West, 135 in Prince Edward County, 115 in Centre Hastings, 75 in North Hastings, 24 in Deseronto and 17 in Tyendinaga.

There are 38 outbreaks (high-risk settings recorded only) – 27 in Belleville, four in Centre Hastings, three in Prince Edward County and one each in North Hastings, Quinte West and Deseronto.

Ontario is reporting a second record-breaking number of COVID-19 cases and public health officials warn case counts are much higher given the limited access to testing.

There were 16,713 new cases confirmed with nearly 30 per cent of all samples coming back positive from about 75,000 tests – called the capacity of Ontario’s lab network.

Due to new testing and isolation rules coming into effect today, posting of COVID-19 case numbers are expected to change to a focus on hospitalizations and intensive care numbers.

Starting today, the province is limiting publicly-funded COVID-19 PCR tests to high-risk people who are symptomatic, or who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes hospital patients and staff, people who live, work or provide care at long-term care or other congregate settings and people from, or who work in Indigenous communities.

Most people who test positive with a rapid antigen test will no longer need to confirm their diagnosis with a PCR test or a molecular test as the province’s public health system does not have the capacity to test everyone amid the surge in cases.

Vaccinated people and children under the age of 12 are now only required to self-isolate for a minimum of five days following the date when their symptoms started, instead of 10. Household contacts are also required to isolate with them.

Close contacts of people with COVID-19 who are fully vaccinated, asymtomatic and who don’t live with the positive case, won’t have to self-isolate at all, but are advised to self-monitor for systems and to not visit any high-risk settings or vulnerable people for 10 days.

The change is based on evidence that generally healthy people with COVID-19 are most infectious for the two days before and three days after symptoms develop.

People who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or immunocompromised are required to isolate for 10 days.

Health care workers with symptoms, including those working in long-term care homes, must stay away from work for 10 days. They can return after isolating for seven days if they test negative on a PCR test, or two rapid tests, taken on days six and seven of their isolation period.

DEC. 30 – There are 232 new reported COVID-19 cases in Hastings Prince Edward counties and 40 recoveries for an active case load of 840. There are 13 people in hospital, five in intensive care.

An outbreak at Belleville General Hospital’s emergency department involves two staff members. Quinte Healthcare states it believes transmission occurred during a break in personal protective equipment while in a break room. Contact tracing is under way and staff on the unit will be tested for COVID-19 for surveillance reasons. Patients who were cared for by the positive staff members will also be contacted and advised to seek testing.

The 232 new cases include 96 in Belleville, 65 in Quinte West, 27 in Prince Edward County, 17 in Centre Hastings, 14 in North Hastings, 11 in Deseronto and one in Tyendinaga. (One case not yet listed on map)

The 840 active cases include 337 in Belleville, 221 in Quinte West, 99 in Prince Edward County, 91 in Centre Hatings, 64 in North Hastings, 20 in Deseronto and six in Tyendinaga. (Two cases not yet listed on map)

There are now 37 outbreaks which include three cases at Hallowell House in Picton and four from Prince Edward Collegiate Institute. There are 27 outbreaks in Belleville, four in Centre Hastings, two in PEC and one in each of Quinte West, Deseronto and North Hastings. (One not yet recorded on map).

 

DEC. 29: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting 448 new COVID-19 cases and one death related in its report covering the past four days. There are 13 people in hospital, five in intensive care. With 298 recoveries, there are now 649 active cases. The COVID-19 related death is the 19th here since the pandemic began.

A record-breaking 10,436 new cases were reported in Ontario today but health experts indicate this number is underestimated. The last record was for the province was 10,412 on Christmas day.

The HPE new cases include: 189 in Belleville, 113 in Quinte West, 56 in Centre Hastings, 45 in Prince Edward County, 33 in North Hastings, nine in Deseronto and two in Tyendinaga. (One case not located on map) HPEPH notes the this is due to missing administrative data.

The 649 active cases include: 259 in Belleville, 162 in Quinte West, 77 in Centre Hastings, 75 in Prince Edward County, 55 in North Hastings, 10 in Deseronto and six in Tyendinaga. (Five cases not located on map)

Outbreaks (now only recorded for high-risk settings including schools, LTC and retirement homes, hospitals and congregate living settings) remains at 33. Included are 24 in Belleville, four in Centre Hastings, two in Prince Edward County and one each in North Hastings, Quinte West and Deseronto.

Individuals not fully vaccinated represent 21 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 40 per cent of active cases in the region. About 79 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Public Health lists 43 per cent of cases are breakthrough (cases that are in people fully vaccinated). Of the 649 cases, 390 people were fully vaccinated, 163 were not vaccinated and 96 were partially vaccinated.

The Prince Edward Community Centre (375 Picton Main Street) will remain open for testing from 1-4 p.m. Monday to Friday. For testing, call Picton’s site at (613)-813-6864. For morning and weekend testing, you can call the Belleville/Trenton hotline at (613) 961-5544.

Appointments are required.

The Picton clinic will be open for walk-ins on Thursday, Dec. 30 between 9:30 and 1:30 for people age 5+ seeking their first dose. Note, first dose only.

Ontario residents will need QR codes to prove vaccination status as of Tuesday, Jan. 4 to enter a restaurant, bar, movie theatre and other settings. Those with an eligible medical exemption can ask their doctor or a registered nurse to submit the exemption for review to receive a QR code.

Click here to visit the online portal, https://covid19.ontariohealth.ca/ or call the Prince Edward County Public Library to get your digital, or paper copy, at 613-476-5962.

No reporting from HPEPH Dec. 25-28)

DEC. 24 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 97 new cases and 38 recoveries for 504 active cases in the two counties. Eight people are in hospital, four in intensive care.

The 97 new cases include 33 in Belleville, 24 in Quinte West, 16 in Prince Edward County, six each in North Hastings and Centre Hastings, three in Tyendinaga and two in Deseronto. (Seven cases not on the map)

The 504 active cases include 204 in Belleville, 99 in Quinte West, 74 in Prince Edward County, 48 in Centre Hastings, 45 in North Hastings, 12 in Deseronto and 11 in Tyendinaga. (11 cases not marked on the map).

There are 37 outbreaks. The outbreak map notes 33 of the outbreaks – 24 in Belleville, four in Centre Hastings, two in Prince Edward County and one in each of North Hastings, Quinte West and Deseronto.

HPEPH is following exposures to COVID-19 in high-risk settings including schools, LTC and retirement homes, hospitals, and congregate living settings. As a result, its ability to identify outbreaks in other settings (e.g. workplaces, retail, restaurants) is severely limited. While the HPEPH dashboard is now reporting outbreaks only in the settings above, it may not accurately reflect the number of outbreaks in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.

The HPEPH COVID-19 reporting dashboard will continue to be updated, with the exception of Dec. 25-28 and Jan. 1-3.
Individuals who are identified as a high-risk contact will not receive a call from public health unless their exposure took place in a high-risk environment.
All individuals who seek testing for COVID-19 should monitor for their test results online.
Answers to common questions from individuals who test positive, and their high-risk contacts, are available at hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-information

DEC. 23: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health is reporting another death related to the COVID-19 pandemic, 105 new cases, 81 recoveries, for an active case load of 445. There are 10 people in hospital, four in intensive care. There have been 18 deaths related to the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.

The new cases include 46 in Belleville, 19 in Prince Edward County, 15 in Quinte West, 13 in Centre Hastings, four in North Hastings, three in Deseronto and two in Tyendinaga. (three not represented on map)

The 445 cases include 185 in Belleville, 85 in Quinte West, 60 in Prince Edward County, 51 in Centre Hastings, 41 in North Hastings, 10 in Deseronto and nine in Tyendinaga. (four not represented on map)

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 21 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 44 per cent of active cases in the region.

There are now 30 outbreaks. Though HPEPH is only reporting outbreaks in high-risk settings including schools, LTC and retirement homes, hospitals, and congregate living settings, the list does not yet include Prince Edward Collegiate Institute.

A letter to parents and guardians and staff yesterdaty from the school states an outbreak has been declared as at least two people have tested positive and share a link – meaning at least one became infected in the school setting. The outbreak is being declared in response to an additional case connected to a previously identified case.

DEC 22: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 104 new COVID-19 cases and 43 recoveries and an active case load of 422. There are 10 people in hospital, four in intensive care.

The new cases include 40 in Belleville, 22 in North Hastings, 14 in Prince Edward County, 11 in Quinte West, nine in Centre Hastings and one in Deseronto. (Seven cases unaccounted)

There are now 171 cases in Belleville, 88 in Quinte West, 49 in Prince Edward County, 48 in Centre Hastings, 37 in North Hastings, 14 in Deseronto and eight in Tyendinaga. (seven cases unaccounted)

In alignment with current provincial guidance, HPEPH is following exposures to COVID-19 in high-risk settings including schools, LTC and retirement homes, hospitals, and congregate living settings. As a result, it states ability to identify outbreaks in other settings (e.g. workplaces, retail, restaurants) is severely limited. The current 27 outbreaks continue.

As the HPEPH dashboard is now reporting outbreaks only in the settings above, it is important to recognize this may not accurately reflect the number of outbreaks in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 21 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 46 per cent of active cases in the region. 79 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

HPE Public Health states will not always be possible for representatives of public health to contact individuals who test positive within 48 hours. All individuals who seek testing should monitor for their test results online to receive their results as quickly as possible.

HPE states:
If you test positive for COVID-19 please notify your high-risk contacts as soon as you become aware.
High-risk contacts can be provided a notification letter available at hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-information.

The HPEPH case and contact management team is focusing efforts on responding to cases that arise in the highest risk settings including congregate care settings, retirement and long-term care homes, schools, child care settings and hospitals and acute healthcare settings. Cases that arise in other settings will be managed by the provincial workforce.

If you test positive for COVID-19:

Do not wait for a phone call from public health. Isolate immediately.

Review information for individuals who test positive for COVID-19, available at hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-information.

You must self-isolate a minimum of 10 days from the time you developed symptoms (or from the date of your test, if no symptoms were present).

It may take several days for you to receive a call from a representative of public health. The call may appear as an “unknown number”. Please answer the call if you have tested positive for COVID-19, as additional helpful information will be provided.

You must immediately notify your household members and high-risk contacts of your positive COVID-19 status as many will need to isolate.

Household members include anyone who lives in your residence – whether you have had close contact with them or not.
A high-risk contact, also known as a close contact, is someone who has been in contact with you during your contagious period (48 hours prior to when your symptoms started or your test that led to a positive result – whichever came first – and up to 10 days after symptom onset. High-risk contact is defined as:
Any face-to-face contact within 2 metres for a cumulative duration of at least 15 minutes or longer (even if wearing a mask).
Any face-to-face or physical contact while one or both people were not wearing a mask and within 2 metres for any length of time.
Received or provided any service or interaction without appropriate and consistent use of PPE (medical mask and eye protection) for any length of time.
There are isolation requirements for household contacts and high-risk contacts of individuals who test positive (see below).
Please follow the guidance on the Information for those who test positive and their contacts and Requirements for self-isolation web pages.

If you are a household member or high-risk contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19:

Household members of individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are required to isolate regardless of vaccination status.

Many high-risk contacts will be required to isolate, regardless of vaccination status. The following individuals will need to isolate if they have had high-risk contact with an individual who has tested positive:

Household members of the person who has tested positive (regardless of vaccination status).
High-risk contacts who work or attend a high-risk setting* (regardless of vaccination status).
High-risk contacts who are not fully vaccinated.

If you are identified as a high-risk contact and meet the criteria above

You must isolate immediately and seek testing.
Review information for high-risk contacts of people who test positive, available at hpepublichealth.ca/covid-19-information.
Get tested immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms and/or are fully vaccinated. Testing information is available on the HPEPH website on the COVID-19 Testing and Test Results page. Due to an increase in cases, it can take several days to receive an appointment for testing.
While you wait for your test results you MUST self-isolate. Check for your test results online. High-risk contacts of individuals who test positive will be required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days, regardless of test results.
Do not wait for a representative of public health to contact you.

Due to high case volumes, only high-risk contacts who were exposed in a high-risk setting will be notified by public health. All other high-risk contacts will not be contacted by public health unless you test positive.

If you are fully vaccinated and do not meet the criteria listed above, you are not required to isolate unless you develop symptoms, but should seek testing and avoid close contact with vulnerable individuals.

* If you work in a high-risk setting and are identified as a high-risk contact, you must isolate immediately, notify your employer, and follow any direction provided by your employer. Your employer will provide guidance regarding your return to work. If you do not receive guidance from your employer, isolate for 10 days regardless of your vaccination status. High-risk settings include hospitals and health care settings (complex continuing care facilities and acute care facilities), congregate living settings (long-term care, retirement homes, group homes, shelters, hospices, post-secondary dormitories, temporary foreign worker setting, correctional institutions), schools, child care centres, camps.

Workplaces that have an individual who has tested positive will not be contacted by HPEPH (with the exception of high-risk settings). All other workplaces should visit the COVID-19 guidance for business and workplace web page for directions.

 

DEC. 21 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) reports 44 new cases, and 40 recoveries – putting the active case load in the region at 365. Twelve people are in hospital, five in intensive care.

The 44 new cases include 20 in Quinte West, 12 in Belleville, four in Centre Hastings, three in Prince Edward County, two in each of Deseronto and Tyendinaga and one in North Hastings.

The 283 active cases include 115 in Belleville, 64 in Quinte West, 35 in Centre Hastings, 32 in Prince Edward County, 15 in North Hastings, 12 in Deseronto and 10 in Tyendinaga.

The 27 outbreaks in the region continue.

HPEPH has been notified by the Ministry of Health of a shipment cancellation that has impacted the availability of Pfizer vaccine for immunization clinics across Ontario, including those in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties.

However, momentum to deliver booster vaccinations will continue, as most clinics in the HPEPH region will offer the Moderna vaccine, and the Pfizer vaccine that is available will be prioritized for individuals who are 18 to 29 years old. This prioritization is in alignment with provincial recommendations to offer Pfizer to this age group to reduce risk for pericarditis or myocarditis. The Paediatric Pfizer vaccine dose for ages five to 11 years of age is still available and will continue to be offered at the clinics for this age group.

“I urge all residents to access their third dose in any approved combination as quickly as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones, and our community,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health for HPEPH. “Getting a booster dose as quickly as possible will help provide you with stronger protection against the Omicron variant, as case rates continue to climb in our region.”

Book vaccine appointments through the provincial booking site, or by calling the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre at 1-833-943-3900 from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week.

DEC. 20 – As the COVID-19 Omicron variant spreads at an alarming rate, Hastings Prince Edward Counties Public Health recorded 146 new cases and seven more outbreaks over the weekend for a record 361 active cases. There are now 11 people in hospital, four in intensive care.

The 146 new cases include 64 in Belleville, 34 in Quinte West, 21 in Centre Hastings, 14 in Prince Edward County, 10 in North Hastings, two in Deseronto and one in Tyendinaga.

The 361 active cases include 161 in Belleville, 73 in Quinte West, 56 in Centre Hastings, 33 in Prince Edward County, 16 in North Hastings, 13 in Deseronto and nine in Tyendinaga.

Ontario reported 3,784 cases – more than double the number of infections recorded last Monday – but no deaths, as the province-wide positivity rate approaches 10 per cent.

In response to the provincial government announcement of new COVID-19 restrictions in Ontario, HPEPH is repealing its Dec. 15 class order and letter of instruction (similar to the province’s guidelines).

There are now 27 outbreaks (on the HPEPH dashboard)

Individuals who attended the North Hastings Community Centre at 103 Newkirk Boulevard, Bancroft from Dec. 7-18 advised to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, isolate and seek testing if symptoms develop

 

DEC. 17 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 29 new cases and 35 recoveries for an active case load of 249. There are seven people in hospital, five in intensive care.

Of the 29 new cases – 12 in Belleville, four in each of Prince Edward County, Quinte West, Centre Hastings, three in North Hastings and one in each of Deseronto and Tyendinaga – 15 people were fully vaccinated, 14 were not vaccinated.

Of the 249 active cases – 109 in Belleville, 44 in Quinte West, 40 in Centre Hastings, 26 in Prince Edward County, 12 in Tyendinaga, 11 in Deseronto, and seven in North Hastings – 125 people were fully vaccinated, 114 not vaccinated and 10 partially vaccinated.

Rapid Antigen Tests may be purchased from retailers. The local LCBOs have not received their allocation for test distribution as of 10 a.m. this morning. Currently the provincial testing holiday pop up schedule does not include Hastings Prince Edward locations. Click here for COVID-19 test and testings locations

There are 20 outbreaks still under way:

DEC. 16 – Hasting Prince Edward Public Health has recorded another death related to COVID-19 and cases continue to rise in the region. Nine people are in hospital, six in intensive care.

The death is the 17th recorded during the pandemic in this region. There have been 2,131 total cases.

Of the 34 new cases – 10 in Belleville, nine in Quinte West, eight in Prince Edward County, three in Tyendinaga and two each in Deseronto and Centre Hastings – 21 people were fully vaccinated, 11 were not vaccinated and two were partially vaccinated.

With 30 recoveries, there are now 257 active cases. Of those – 115 in Belleville, 50 in Quinte West, 42 in Centre Hastings, 23 in Prince Edward County, 11 each in Deseronto and Tyendinaga and five in North Hastings – 124 people were fully vaccinated, 123 were not vaccinated and 10 were partially vaccinated.

The highest numbers of cases are in the 18-29 age group at 51, followed by the five to 11 age group at 42, and the 10-49 and 50-50 at 35 and 36 cases.

DEC. 15 – Thirty-five new COVID-19 cases recorded, along with 10 recoveries, for an active case load of 255. There are 10 people in hospital, seven in intensive care.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 22 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 53 per cent of active cases in our region. 78 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Of the new cases – 18 in Belleville, four each in Prince Edward County and Centre Hastings, three in Quinte West and two each in Deseronto, Tyendinaga and North Hastings – 21 people were fully vaccinated, 12 were not vaccinated and two were partially vaccinated.

Of the 255 active cases – 118 in Belleville, 52 in Quinte West, 43 in Centre Hastings, 17 in Prince Edward County, 11 in Deseronto, eight in Tyendinaga and six in North Hastings – 125 people were not vaccinated, 121 were fully vaccinated and nine were partially vaccinated.

There have been 11 outbreaks resolved, reducing the active outbreaks to 19.

DEC. 14 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 26 new COVID-19 cases in the region. While there were 51 recoveries, there are still 231 active cases. Ten people are in hospital, six in intensive care.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 22 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 54 per cent of active cases in the region. About 78 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Of the 26 new cases – nine in Belleville, six in Quinte West, five in Centre Hastings, three in Deseronto, two in Prince Edward County and one in North Hastings – 14 people were not vaccinated, 12 were fully vaccinated.

Of the 231 active cases – 107 in Belleville, 51 in Quinte West, 40 in Centre Hastings, 13 in Prince Edward County, 10 in Deseronto, six in Tyendinaga and four in North Hastings – 118 people were not vaccinated, 106 were fully vaccinated and seven were partially vaccinated.

There are now 29 outbreaks.

DEC. 13 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 93 new cases over the weekend for a record active case load of 256 in the region. There were 38 recoveries recorded. Six people are in hospital, four in intensive care.

Of the 256 active cases – 123 in Belleville, 52 in Quinte West, 46 in Centre Hastings, 13 in Prince Edward County, nine each in Deseronto and Tyendinaga and four in North Hastings – 134 people were not vaccinated, 113 were fully vaccinated and nine were partially vaccinated.

HPEPH states individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 22 per cent of HPE’s total population and amount to 56 per cent of active cases in the region. 78 per cent of the local population have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Of the 93 new cases – 37 in Belleville, 24 in Centre Hastings, 19 in Quinte West, six in Prince Edward County, five in Deseronto and two in North Hastings – 49 people were not vaccinated, 42 were fully vaccinated and two were partially vaccinated.

Twenty-five outbreaks are listed though the HPE dashboard states there are 26. (See chart below)

As of Friday, there has not yet been a confirmed case of the Omicron variant of concern in HPEC, HPEPH is identifying and isolating multiple individuals who have had high risk exposure to COVID-19 cases who have tested positive for the Omicron variant in other regions.

“It is just a matter of time before we see a local case with the Omicron variant, and while we are continuing to learn more about this variant, evidence suggests it is much more transmissible than previous variants,” said Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “While HPEPH is prepared to respond to new cases that emerge, the public can help slow the spread by stepping back and re-evaluating whether gatherings, social visits, and close contact could be postponed until case rates stabilize.”

HPEPH has updated contact tracing protocols and isolation requirements in response to the Omicron variant.

Individuals who are identified as close contacts of a COVID-19 case with the Omicron variant will be required to isolate – even if vaccinated and/or not symptomatic. A negative test will be required for close contacts to leave isolation. If close contacts choose not to seek testing, they will be required to isolate for 20 days.

UPDATE DEC. 10: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who were at The Empire Theatre, at 321 Front St., Belleville on Dec. 2 that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. An individual who attended the concert at Empire Theatre between 7-11pm on this date has been identified as a positive case of COVID-19. The Empire Theatre is working with HPEPH to respond to the situation.

To seek testing, book an appointment online for the Belleville or Trenton testing centre. You can also call 613-961-5544. For other testing options, please visit hpepublichealth.ca/getting-tested-for-covid-19/.
When seeking testing, please provide investigation number 2238-2021-52725 to the testing centre.

DEC. 10 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health recorded 38 new COVID-19 cases and 15 recoveries for an active case load of 203. Eight people are in hospital, three in intensive care.

Of the 38 new cases – 23 in Belleville, six in Quinte West, four in Centre Hastings, three in Prince Edward County and one in North Hastings – 20 people were not vaccinated, 17 were fully vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated.

Of the 203 active cases – 106 in Belleville, 43 in Quinte West, 23 in Centre Hastings, 13 in Tyendinaga, 11 in Prince Edward County, five in Deseronto and two in North Hastings – 112 people were not vaccinated, 83 were fully vaccinated and eight were partially vaccinated.

As of Dec. 10 there are 51 cases reported throughout the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board – including one at PECI in Picton. All schools remain open, except Marmora Public which declared three cases Dec. 8. It will remain closed until the new year.

There are now 25 outbreaks:

 

DEC. 9: There are 20 new COVID-19 cases, two new outbreaks and 10 recoveries, bringing the active case load in Hastings Prince Edward to 180. Seven people are in hospital, three in intensive care.

The two new outbreaks include three people with Tri-Board Bus 684 and at a transportation workplace affecting two cases. There are now 24 outbreaks.

Of the 20 new cases – seven in Belleville, five in Quinte West, four in Tyendinaga, two in Centre Hastings and one each in Deseronto and North Hastings – 14 people were not vaccinated, six were fully vaccinated.

Of the 180 active cases – 90 in Belleville, 40 in Quinte West, 20 in Centre Hastings, 14 in Tyendinaga, nine in Prince Edward County, five in Deseronto and two in North Hastings – 104 people were not vaccinated, 69 were fully vaccinated and seven were partially vaccinated.

The highest numbers of cases are in children aged five to 11, at 36, followed by people aged 30 to 39 at 30 cases and 18 to 29 at 25 cases.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 22 per cent of HPE’s total population and 61 per cent of active cases in the region. 78 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

DEC. 8 – With 30 new cases, an additional outbreak and 33 recoveries, COVID-19 cases in Hastings Prince Edward stand at 170. Seven people are in hospital, three in intensive care.

Of the 30 new cases – 13 in Belleville, seven each in Quinte West and Centre Hastings, and one each in Prince Edward County, Deseronto and Tyendinaga – 19 people were not vaccinated, nine were fully vaccinated and two were partially vaccinated. Nearly half of the new cases were in people aged 5-11 and 30-39 with seven each.

Of the 170 active cases – 86 in Belleville, 39 in Quinte West, 19 in Centre Hastings, 12 in Tyendinaga, 10 in Prince Edward County, three in Deseronto and one in North Hastings – 96 people were not vaccinated, 67 were fully vaccinated and seven partially vaccinated.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended The Duke Pub, 248 Front St., Belleville on Dec. 2, 3, 4 and the Signal Brewery event space Henry’s, 86 River Rd., Corbyville, between Nov. 19 and Dec. 5 (updated) that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating multiple cases of COVID-19 who were present at the pub on these dates.

The new outbreak is at a Belleville business. Outbreaks affect 119 cases.

UPDATE DEC. 7 – A student at PECI has tested positive for COVID-19. Hastings Prince Edward Public Health says all high-risk contacts have been notified and given a letter with guidance. Students at low-risk were sent a letter by email. The school remains open. This is the first COVID-19 case at the school.

DEC. 7 – Twenty new COVID-19 cases, and 10 recoveries, bring the active cases to 173 in Hastings Prince Edward. There are seven people in hospital, three in intensive care.

Of the 20 new cases – eight in Belleville, five in Tyendinaga, three each in Prince Edward County and one in Centre Hastings – 11 people were fully vaccinated, eight were not vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated.

Of the 173 active cases – 88 in Belleville, 41 in Quinte West, 14 in Tyendinaga, 13 in Centre Hastings, 12 in Prince Edward County, three in Deseronto and two in North Hastings – 94 people were not vaccinated, 73 were fully vaccinated and six were partially vaccinated.

The new outbreak is in Belleville at The Duke Pub, affecting six cases.

UPDATE DEC 6: Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended Quinte Bowl, 17 Roy Blvd., Belleville on Nov 27 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating.

“The current increase in COVID-19 cases in our region is very concerning and is resulting in greater risk of community transmission. Proof of vaccination requirements reduce the risk for individuals who attended Quinte Bowl on Nov. 27, but I am urging anyone who was there on this date to closely monitor for symptoms of COVID-19,” says Dr. Ethan Toumishey, Acting Medical Officer of Health at HPEPH. “If you have symptoms, even mild ones, get tested.”

DEC. 6 – Active COVID-19 cases have soared to 164 with 54 new ones reported from over the weekend, 37 recoveries, and two more outbreaks. There are six people in hospital, three in intensive care.

Of the 54 new cases – 31 in Belleville, 13 in Quinte West, four in Centre Hastings and three each in Prince Edward County and Tyendinaga – 29 people were fully vaccinated, 23 were not vaccinated and two were partially vaccinated.

Of the 164 active cases – 86 in Belleville, 39 in Quinte West, 13 in Prince Edward County, 12 in Centre Hastings, 10 in Tyendinaga, and two each in Deseronto and North Hastings – 92 people were not vaccinated, 67 were fully vaccinated and five were partially vaccinated.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated represent 22 per cent of the Hastings Prince Edward population and amount to 59.15 per cent of active cases. HPEPH reports 78 per cent of the local population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Most of the active cases are in children ages 5-11, at 39; followed by 24 cases in people aged 18-29 and 23 cases in people aged 40-49.

Two new outbreaks were added:

DEC. 5 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who were at Signal Brewery, on River Road in Corbyville, between Nov. 19 – Dec. 4 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19.

HPEPH is in the process of investigating multiple cases of COVID-19 that were present at the restaurant during this time frame. Signal Brewery has closed voluntarily while the investigation is underway.

People who were there between those dates are advised to seek testing immediately for COVID-19, even if you do not have symptoms. Book an appointment online for the Belleville or Trenton testing centre. You can also call 613-961-5544.
For other testing options, visit hpepublichealth.ca/getting-tested-for-covid-19/
When seeking testing, please provide investigation number 2238-2021-51372 to the testing centre.
Monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, even mild ones such as a runny nose or sore throat, isolate at home and away from others, and seek testing again, even if you were negative the first time.

DEC. 3 – With new outbreaks, there were 27 new COVID-19 cases recorded, and 27 recoveries, but Public Health shows the active case load in Hastings Prince Edward counties dropping by two to 147.

Four people are in hospital, one in intensive care.

Of the 27 new cases – 13 in Belleville, four each in Quinte West, Centre Hastings and Tyendinaga and one each in Prince Edward County and North Hastings – 12 people were not vaccinated, 13 were fully vaccinated and two partially vaccinated.

Of the 147 cases – 70 in Belleville, 40 in Quinte West, 11 in each of Prince Edward County and Centre Hastings; eight in Tyendinaga, five in Deseronto and two in North Hastings – 86 people were not vaccinated, 55 were fully vaccinated and six were partially vaccinated.

Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) is advising individuals who attended The Duke Pub, 248 Front St., Belleville on Nov. 28 or Nov. 30 that they may have had an exposure to COVID-19. HPEPH is in the process of investigating a case of COVID-19 that was present at the pub on these dates.

There are now 18 outbreaks:

DEC. 2: Fourteen new COVID-19 cases and 15 recoveries bring the total active cases to 149 in Hastings Prince Edward.

Of the 14 new cases – four each in Belleville and Centre Hastings, three in Prince Edward County, two in Quinte West and one in Tyendinaga – 12 people were not vaccinated, two were fully vaccinated.

Of the 149 active cases – 76 in Belleville, 42 in Quinte West, 11 in Prince Edward County, 10 in Centre Hastings, five in Deseronto, four in Tyendinaga and one in North Hastings – 97 people were not vaccinated, 47 were fully vaccinated and five were partially vaccinated.

The highest numbers of cases, by age groups, is in the ages 5-11 category at 37, followed by ages 40-49 at 23, ages 30-39 at 20 and ages 18-29 at 19.

Four people are in hospital, one in intensive care. The 16 outbreaks continue, affecting 84 cases.

DEC. 1 – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health has declared a ‘red’ risk level with 29 new cases reported, and 15 recoveries, bringing the active case load to 151. Four people are in hospital, one in intensive care. The ‘red’ risk level refers to a seven-day case rate per 100,000 population at 75.2; seven day average contacts per case 9.4 and two week average seven-day incidence rate at 63.4. Red indicates very high risk, orange indicates high risk, yellow indicates moderate risk, and green indicates low risk.

Of the 29 new cases – 14 in Belleville, 13 in Quinte West and one each in Deseronto and Tyendinaga – 21 people were not vaccinated, seven were fully vaccinated and one was partially vaccinated. Nine of the cases were in children ages five to 11.

Of the 151 active cases – 82 in Belleville, 42 in Quinte West, nine in Prince Edward County, seven in Centre Hastings, five each in Tyendinaga and Deseronto, and one in North Hastings – 94 people were not vaccinated, 51 were fully vaccinated, six were partially vaccinated. The highest number of cases by age group is in children ages five to 11 – at 36; followed by people aged 40-49 at 23 and ages 30 -39 at 21 and ages 19-29 at 19.

There are now 16 outbreaks – 11 in Belleville, two each in Prince Edward County and Quinte West, and one in Centre Hastings.

Beginning today, HPEPH is using 2020 population estimates from Statistics Canada to calculate case, testing and vaccination rates. The change results in a 2.6 per cent increase in population.

To date, 83 per cent of residents aged five an older have received a first vaccine dose (940 ages 5-11) ; 78 per cent has received a second dose, using a population in Hastings Prince Edward of 164,832.

Click here to view the HPEPH dashboard 

 

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  1. Dennis Fox says:

    I heard a radio phone-in show on CBC today that exposed many of the problems that Dee has explained (below). As hard as it is to believe (or is it?), Ontario does not seem to be ready for this COVID emergency. Our local Health Dept. can only do what both staff and equipment allows for. As we know, the province cut back on all public health departments, prior to the pandemic and had millions of test kits stored away since last year – tests they said they doubted they would ever need. So, all in all, due to their miscalculations we will have to be that much more careful – which we will be. However, let’s place the responsibility on who owns it! It is not our public health people! Place it on our provincial political leadership – the people we elect and pay big bucks to make the right decisions for us. Obviously, they are not doing a good job with COVID.

  2. Dee says:

    WOW. Today’s message from HPEPH was mine boggling! I understand the pressure PPEPH is under with the upsurge of cases, but the overall message is that HPEPH is not there for the average citizen, just like the province.

    Aplogize in advance for this long rant brought on by FRUSTrATION

    When they opened for 50+ to get boosters, 168 days after 2nd shot – there were no clinics available to book in on the province’s site – you got kicked off with a message we cannot process your request at this time – and there were no sites within 25km of Picton listed when you did get on. PEC had no clinics, but they promised them. Then before clinics opened up, they lowered the required time to 58 days from 2nd vacc and to 18+. There were people who were just about to qualify for booster having put in 160 days only to be thrown into competition for eligibility by the influx of 10s of thousands of people who have their now required 58 days in. The efficacy of their immunization is much lower than those wo received their 2nd shot two months ago. Second time that the province has thrown the 50+ under the bus. Now you have seniors competing navigating on line with the quick, talented younger generations to garner that coveted vacc spot-likely 100 km away which you cannot get to anyways because you do not drive long distances, or don’t have a car or don’t drive. You were told to buy a rapid test if you had symptoms…Wait, there were no rapid tests available at pharmacies to purchase ($40) – supply chain problems we were told.
    So now they are telling residents that unless you are part of the listed groups, you basically have to deal with COVID 19 on your own. – if you think you were exposed, figure it out if you are high risk – isolate and get a test. We will not contact you with the results – check on line (if you have internet and are computer literate) we will not contact you because we are busy – read all of these protocols ( if you have a computer) or wait until County Live posts it (if you have a computer or are computer literate) or wait until the weekly newspapers come ou( a week later) If somehow you do get to buy a $40 rapid test ( giving out for tree in urban areas) and your results are positive, phone all people you have been in contact with. Get them to do the same thing you are supposed to do. So I ask:
    What about the 68 year old who lives on their own, does not have internet, and has health problems? Who is there to assist them? What about the senior that has had immunity diminished by drugs like prednisone and needs the booster just to get back close to the protection that they would have had at the end of 6months wait after 2nd shot? What about the residents who live on Ontario Works, Disability income, OAS and/or CPP and have limited inclome to fund the internet, a computer, a vehicle, or the $40 cost of a a rapid test?
    So I ask this:
    Why does the province not let our Family Health Team operate and book our own clinics with them reporting status to the province? It would allow for PEC residents to get the service they need. The FHT has done a good job and the Drs and volunteers have stepped up. It would also allow them to give priority to residents for appts and not force them to travel to Peterborough, Cobourg or beyond because the provincial bookings system does not prioritize bookings based on residential status. ( HPEPH clinics – HPEPH postal codes given priority)
    Why is there not sufficent Rapid Test stock available for the County especially when HPEPH is directing residents to do own testing?
    Why was our region with the highest increase per capita of new cases not given the infrastructure (clinics) & supplies earlier?
    The COVID 19 booking system is broken, and it has shown so in the trickle down effects. Schedule surgeries cancelled or postponed, yet again< due to lack of capacity at our hospitals. (transfer of out of region patients into our ICUs) Residents are paing the price for Ontario Health's incompetent handing of the process and HPEHC is flailing .
    Once again they are all reactive, not proactive. April 2021 has been repeated. They knew this was coming. There is no excuse.
    They should track deaths during this pandemic in more detail-
    -Covid 19
    -Covid 19 related illness
    – heat attack, congestive heart failure etc
    – lack of medical care due to Covid 19 (postpnement of treatment)
    -NEGLECT

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