Hospital, retirement homes hit by COVID
Several outbreaks reported by district health unit
I was going to say, COVID-19 is back, but it never really left, we just stopped keeping track or talking about it. I know several people who had it over the summer.
But each Fall for the past few years, COVID-19 outbreaks have increased as we spend more time inside in larger groups.
On Tuesday, the inpatient unit at Campbellford Memorial Hospital had a COVID-19 outbreak declared by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. Masks are now required in all clinical areas of the hospital and there are visitor restrictions in place – only one visitor per patient at a time.
On Oct. 16, the health unit declared an outbreak at the Hillside Haven Retirement Residence on Ranney Street South.
On Monday, the health unit declared a respiratory outbreak with an unknown cause at Aspira Island Park Retirement Living. It was awaiting test results to determine the exact cause.
Two other COVID-19 outbreaks have been declared at retirement homes in the county – Legion Village in Cobourg and Brighton Retirement Living in Brighton.
“Let’s all continue to protect ourselves and our community by staying up to date on our vaccinations, which include influenza, COVID-19 and RSV,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Medical Officer of Health and CEO for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Both COVID-19 and flu vaccines are available at local pharmacies and primary care teams. By doing so, we are ensuring our critical health care services are there for those who need them most.”
More power, water for boaters
Services are being upgraded for boats that dock on the west side of the Trent River at Old Mill Park.
The channels have been dug for the new wires and pipes, but delivery of the wire and electric pedestals has been delayed a bit.
The Trent Hills Chamber of Commerce is installing seven pedestals that provide 50-amp service, said Nancy Allanson, CEO of the Chamber. The sites will also include water hookups for the boats.
“Many of the newer boats need 50-amp service,” she added. That level of service is already available on the east side of the river.
The pedestals, one more than was available in the past, will be spaced out better to allow more boats to dock at the park, Allanson said. More tie-ups are being added to make it easier and safer for larger boats.
A grant from the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario helped pay for the upgrades.