Avoid travel out of area: Salvaterra

No new cases reported, but proximity to GTA hot spots puts people at risk

While Peterborough maintains a lower rate of COVID-19 transmission, it’s still in proximity to hot spots like the GTA where infection rates are much higher.

Because of that, Peterborough Public Health is reminding the public not to travel unnecessarily, especially to regions hit harder by the pandemic.

“Travelling anywhere, especially to those hot spots, does represent a greater risk for COVID transmission,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, medical officer of health.

Wednesday saw no new cases of COVID-19 reported in Peterborough city and county, Hiawatha First Nation or Curve Lake First Nation.

There have been 147 confirmed cases since March, with six currently active and 139 resolved.

There were two deaths in the spring.

The last new case was reported Monday.

Health officials have tested about 24,000 people, or 23 per cent of the population of the communities covered by Peterborough Public Health.

At Wednesday’s press briefing, Salvaterra said that while cases continue to be on the increase in the area, it’s still far lower than the rest of the province.

That week Peterborough's incidence rate was 6.8 cases per 100,000 people, an increase from 4.1 per 100,000 from the week prior.

That’s much lower than the province’s weekly incidence

rate of 42 per 100,000, said Salvaterra.

While Peterborough is dealing with far fewer cases than other areas, she also notes it’s still within driving distances of those COVID-19 hot zones.

“Take care not to travel outside of Peterborough if you can,” she added, noting that’s especially true if you are a caregiver or care worker for vulnerable people.

If you do have to leave the area, she recommends people self-monitor for 14 days upon returning, and if symptoms develop to seek out testing.

With Halloween just a few days away, Salvaterra also advised people on both sides of trick-or-treating transactions to wear face coverings, consistently wash hands and suggests that candy be handed out with tongs or other alternatives to passing it out directly.

The most recent holiday weekend, Thanksgiving, did lead to an increase in cases, said Dr. Salvaterra.

While families did stay home and abide by health unit recommendations, it couldn’t have stopped all the cases.

“Even with the greatest amount of care, not all risk can be avoided,” she said.

Many opted to keep their Thanksgiving celebrations local, and while the holiday did spur new cases, they appear to be drying up, she said.

“People tried their best.”