HHHS responds with unprecedented action

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April 16, 2020

LG - HHHS changes - 1_Easy-Resize.com — HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer

As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to six in Haliburton County as of press time April 15, the Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) has responded with a series of unprecedented initiatives to tackle the pandemic on a local level.

In its weekly community update, released April 10, HHHS announced the expansion of the acute care unit in Haliburton to 21 beds, from 15, for COVID-related needs. They have also created a new, nine-bed, acute care unit in Minden for non-COVID-19-related admissions.

“Together, these 15 new Acute Care beds and the separation of our sites will help us be as prepared as possible for the anticipated increase in patients caused by COVID-19,” HHHS CEO Carolyn Plummer said.

In an interview with The Highlander April 14, Plummer conceded both moves have not been sanctioned or funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care but, “funding is something that’s going to be sorted out at a later date. I know it’s not unique to us. All hospitals are either establishing additional in-patient beds within their walls or in some cases setting up field hospitals.”

Plummer said while they’re asking residents with respiratory symptoms, such as cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and fever, who want to go to an emergency department to go to Haliburton – and those without respiratory symptoms to Minden, “no emergency will be turned away from either site.”

The HHHS president added that they are talking to regional hospitals several times a week. She said it isn’t a case of Haliburton and Minden hospitals not handling COVID-19 patients and immediately shipping them out of town to Lindsay or Peterborough, for example.

“At this point, all hospitals have been instructed that they need to be prepared to care for COVID patients.” She said it is about managing capacity. So, for example, if someone comes to a local hospital in acute distress, their job is to stabilize them and transfer them to a hospital with an intensive care unit. However, she said the Haliburton hospital can handle patients with moderate symptoms. In some cases, those with mild symptoms are sent home to self quarantine and heal.

“We all have to be ready to provide the care for these folks but we’re trying to do it in a way that makes sense given the nature of resources we have at each of our individual hospital sites,” Plummer said.

She added that HHHS has sufficient testing equipment and ventilators for now. She said the assessment centre that opened March 31 has had an increase in volume.

“At this point, it seems to be working okay. If we do need to increase capacity, we will look at that.”

She said they are monitoring the number of people going to the centre, and calls for appointments.

With news that the virus can be spread by shoes, Plummer said staff are changing clothes and shoes when they enter and exit any HHHS facility. They don a new pair of scrubs and footwear for their shifts. When they leave, they change out of them and HHHS has laundry facilities so staff are not wearing clothing home.

HHHS further announced a partnership with the Pinestone Resort and Conference Centre to supply separate accommodations to any staff who would prefer to stay there after their shifts, or because they’re working extra-long hours and commuting. Plummer said the accommodation would not be used by staff who have to self-isolate.

The CAO acknowledged community support, and thanked the public for offering to bring staff food, but said HHHS cannot accept food donations.

“If you, or someone you know, wishes to donate food, we encourage you to reach out to our local food banks (Central Food Network, Minden Food Bank, and Haliburton 4C’s Food Bank) to support local families in need during this difficult time.”

And while there has been a positive response to HHHS’s call for additional staff, Plummer said they are still looking for healthcare professionals. She said they have had people apply with no direct care experience. They’re helping out as observers and screeners at entranceways. “We’re still certainly looking for frontline, maintenance and housekeeping staff.”

Pregnant women opting for stay-at-home births

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Lisa Gervais

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April 15, 2020

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JQ - Pregnancy COVID - 1-web — Morgan Dinunzio, pictured with her partner Dustin Taylor, opted to change her birth plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo submitted.

Morgan Dinunzio did not expect to be having a baby under the circumstances of a pandemic.

The Bancroft-area resident, who is 38-weeks pregnant, said she had intended to have her first baby at a Peterborough hospital. But concerns about COVID-19 changed her plans.

“With everything going on, once I heard they had cases there, and once I’ve seen how quickly it’s spreading everywhere else in the world,” Dinunzio said. “Midwives convinced me to do a home birth.”

Midwifery Services of Haliburton-Bancroft said that’s a trend amongst their clients, with more expecting families opting for home over hospital.

Registered midwife Stephanie Simon said about two-thirds of their clients are now choosing a home birth, versus about onethird before the pandemic. She said although Peterborough’s unit is a fairly closed area, their clients have still been worried about the transmission in the city.

“The safety net of being in the hospital doesn’t feel quite as safe anymore,” Simon said. “One is the worry that they themselves would get COVID-19. And the other, bigger concern we hear about is the babies might get it.”

“It worries me knowing there’s definitely cases at Peterborough hospital,” Dinunzio said. “Whereas I know in my home, who’s coming in and out of my house. A little more reassuring.”

Hospitals are also limiting how many support persons are allowed during birth. But Simon said they are still recommending hospital births for people with low risk.

But social distancing rules have impacted pregnancy as well. Simon said like everyone else, midwives have had to adjust, doing more remote conferencing, wearing protective equipment and upping sanitization.

“No longer having any face-to-face interaction has been quite different for us,” Simon said. “A lot more anxiety and worry. Spending a lot more time doing counselling appointments.”

However, Simon said fortunately, research is showing pregnant women are not more vulnerable to COVID-19, nor can they transmit to a child before birth. Dinunzio said there have been additional hurdles in the last weeks of her pregnancy, as she’s stayed home and relied more on her partner to take care of things such as shopping. Prenatal care has also been different, but she praised midwifery services.

“I was really thankful that I had them,” she said. “One of the midwives visited me at home for one of my visits. So, they’ve been really accommodating.”

Dinunzio said there is a lot of preparation with a home birth, but the midwives have been reassuring.

“I was a little skeptical at first, but they’ve been good,” she said. “I’m pretty confident about it.”

Fraudsters take advantage of virus

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Lisa Gervais

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April 15, 2020

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Local Renata Swiezawski said she was alarmed when a fraudster contacted her family as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.

The person attempted to coax an account number from her husband over the phone with the promise of payment from a government tax credit. The fraud did not fool them, but Swiezawski said she worries about other vulnerable people during the crisis.

“The government is throwing lots of money,” Swiezawski said. “Our brains are working double time. We’re not checking everything carefully, lots of people get confused.”

OPP said frauds are continuing during the pandemic and scam artists are leveraging the crisis into their efforts.

Central region media relations spokesman Sgt. Jason Folz said police have seen COVID-19 adapted into scams, such as selling protective equipment and sanitizer at inflated prices, more door-to-door collecting since people are staying inside and falsely soliciting donations for charities.

“The OPP has seen numerous people taking advantage of this situation with people at home,” Folz said. “People need to be wary of anyone they don’t know either soliciting them at their door, by phone, text or email.

“I can’t say for sure it’s increased, but it’s changed its direction,” he added. “Everyone’s mind is on the COVID outbreak. That’s how they’ve adapted what they’re doing.”

Folz said rather than trust strangers soliciting charitable donations, people should instead stick with charities they already know and trust.

People can report scam attempts to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501. Those victimized by a scam can also contact the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122.

Swiezawski said people need to be careful and ask questions if anyone requests personal information or money.

“Everything at the moment is a state of emergency … It will be a time for crooks, really bad crooks, people who don’t have the mercy,” she said. “We’re scared.”

Businesses shift after essential service list cut

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Lisa Gervais

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April 13, 2020

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JQ - Business closures COVID - 1-web — Construction continues April 6 at the future site of a new seniors housing complex at 1 Sunnyside St. in Haliburton. The province is allowing ongoing construction projects to continue during the pandemic, but new residential construction will be limited. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

Haliburton’s construction and marina sectors are winding down but accepting of the provincial government’s decision to limit their operations on the newest essential businesses list April 3.

The province cut the list of businesses which could stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The construction and marina industries were considered essential when the first list was released March 23. But now new residential construction is halted, though ongoing construction projects can continue. Marinas can also only open to assist those accessing a primary residence. The rules apply until at least April 18.

Haliburton Marine and Storage owner Pat Bradley said he is not thrilled by the decision, but he agrees with it.

“We’re a community that’s going to get affected very, very drastically if we don’t all do something about it,” Bradley said. “Morally, the right thing to do is limit the exposure to everybody in any way that you can.”

The province also restricted several businesses to alternative models like curbside pick up and delivery only. These include stores selling hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies, computer products and repairs and safety supplies.

“If you are not an essential business, you need to close your doors, work from home if possible and play a role to help contain this outbreak. This is a matter of life and death,” Premier Doug Ford said in a press release.

The Haliburton County Home Builders’ Association said in a press release it supports the province’s decision to limit construction. It added members have worked to meet requirements for sanitization and distancing on build sites allowed to continue.

“The Haliburton County Home Builders’ Association has been focused on the health and safety of everyone on job sites,” president Keith Thomas said.

As far as the government flipping on what businesses are essential, Bradley said he can understand how COVID-19 could make it difficult to figure out.

“If I’m being completely honest, it would be hard to argue a boat is an essential service,” Bradley said. “But this thing evolves so quickly. Nobody knows the right thing to do at the time.”

For now, Bradley said working online and phone only has not hurt them much and customers are supportive. But he added a delayed start date to the cottage season will hurt.

“It has yet to hit our pocketbook, but it will, I know it will. The way other businesses have been hit already, very, very hard. I sympathize with them,” he said. “I hope everybody chooses to do the right thing and we get over this as soon as possible.”

COVID-19 reaches Haliburton

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Lisa Gervais

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April 13, 2020

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LG - Assessment Centre - 3-web — Haliburton had its first confirmed case of COVID-19 the day before a new testing centre opened. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

COVID-19 has officially reached the County of Haliburton with the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit confirming the first six cases in the area April 1 and 13.

The health unit said the first case was a man in his 90s, who was brought to Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) March 30, diagnosed with pneumonia and tested positive for COVID19. The County resident had no travel history and had not been in direct contact with any other confirmed cases. HKPR said the man was admitted to hospital, isolated and is recovering.

HKPR medical officer of health Dr. Lynn Noseworthy said it is another reminder to take precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and hand washing. The first Haliburton case comes more than two weeks after the first case in the district, which was March 11 in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

“I don’t know why it’s taken this long to have a first case confirmed in Haliburton,” Noseworthy told The Highlander. “People should take appropriate precautions. They should stay home unless they’re providing an essential service.”

The health unit indicated it would not send media releases about cases beyond the first but will continue to provide updated numbers on cases, deaths and outbreaks.

In a press release, Noseworthy said the health unit has worked with HHHS throughout the pandemic to prepare for a positive case. HHHS also partnered with the County and the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team to open a COVID testing centre March 31.

“We will continue to take the steps required to protect the health and safety of our community, patients, residents, clients, staff and physicians, and encourage everyone to do their part to keep our community safe,” HHHS CEO and president Carolyn Plummer said.

Noseworthy said she had no idea how many unconfirmed cases there might be in Haliburton but added people “should assume it’s in the community” and limit trips to essential ones, such as grocery shopping.

“Very, very, very important that people stay home, stop the spread and stay safe,” she said.

There are still people not heeding that directive, Noseworthy said.

“For the most part, they are, but I do believe there are people out there who aren’t,” Noseworthy said. “We know there are people congregating out in the community … and that’s got to stop.”

Public health must be protected

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 12, 2020

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With people recognizing the everyday heroism of frontline workers during this pandemic, I would like to give a shout out to those working in public health.

Public Health officials are not always recognized as much as their counterparts in emergency rooms or family clinics. Things such as education campaigns, flu shot reminders, research and sometimes-controversial harm reduction initiatives can be easy for your average person to brush aside. But the battle against COVID-19 will be won by the incredible labour of public health workers and they deserve all the praise in the world for their efforts, which have gotten most people on board with social distancing.

Perhaps public ignorance is part of why the province targeted public health for cuts and restructuring this past year, something that garnered relatively little fanfare compared to cuts to education and autism programming.

But people should have a better understanding now of what makes public health so vital – and why we cannot afford to cut it.

The province began downloading public health unit costs to municipalities this year, earning scorn and putting municipal leaders in an awkward position. Public health units also received information last year the government would amalgamate the 35 units into 10. That has not yet come to pass but a modernization review was underway before COVID-19 hit.

It is uncertain at this point how many units the province will amalgamate, moves which would assuredly be done with cost savings in mind. I am sure some adjustments will be welcome efficiencies. But anything that can be reasonably interpreted as a cut will, and should, be extremely unpopular.

The costs of investing in public health to prevent illness will generally be cheaper than the costs of treating that illness down the line. Although there may be some duplication in public health work, amalgamating units is questionable as an answer, when there is plenty of local-specific health issues that need a local-specific response. We have seen that during the pandemic in our tri-county area, where numbers differed drastically in the City of Kawartha Lakes due to the outbreak at Pinecrest Nursing home in Bobcaygeon.

The crisis has shown what makes public health so important – to prevent the spread of illness before people reach emergency rooms and hospital beds. Whenever we are safe from COVID-19, any government will have a hard time slashing public health.

By the end of this, based on Ontario’s projections, tens of thousands of Ontarians will owe their lives to the work of public health.

But the service will remain just as important even when COVID-19 fades into memory. Harm reduction and illness prevention are vital, even if underrated. This crisis has also taught us to be more mindful of serious health threats to come. We need health units to be prepared for the next pandemic, whenever it is.

It was not right for the province to download costs to municipalities, a copout to save costs when ultimately, the taxpayers still bear the bill. The County has complained about getting more of the bill when they have little say in health unit spending and it is a fair argument. The province may feel pressed to find more savings, but municipalities are also under economic pressure and do not have the same ability to absorb costs.

When the dust settles after COVID-19, the public needs to stand up and protect public health, just as public health protected them. We cannot take it for granted.

Spending time in nature

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Tolentino

Have you started to put on weight because you’re snacking too much, or simply stress eating over COVID-19? It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s totally understandable, even to be expected. Thankfully, you can do something about it before things get out of control.

For many, our emotions and collective anxiety have begun to tamper down as we begin to get used to the physical distancing and stay-at-home guidelines recently put in place. As we start to develop more routines and regular activities, we can turn our attention to our ongoing and overall wellbeing – creating a balance between our physical, mental and emotional health.

For instance, we have been hearing a lot lately about focusing on what we can control as opposed to what we cannot. Therefore, we might want to avoid impulsive behaviours such as emotional or stress eating by developing a plan for dealing with feelings of being overwhelmed or distressed.

Such a plan can look different for each of us depending on how we cope with various conditions. Some of us might draw on positive coping behaviours that have worked for us in the past (such as having a large glass of water or going for a walk whenever we have an unhealthy craving). We may just have to adapt to our present situation (such as working from home and/or spending every day of the week with our kids). Others will have to develop new strategies. These may be things that we’ve never tried before, or that we’ve attempted in the past but didn’t work. We have an opportunity now to consider trying these things for the first or another time. They might work under these altered circumstances.

Whatever your situation, keep an open mind about developing your plan and strategies, and use whatever works for you. Remember to be realistic and kind to yourself – only pushing as much as your mind, body and spirit can take right now.

Get some Vitamin N

There is lots of research that has shown the role that the natural world plays on the physical, mental and emotional health of human beings.

Richard Louv is the author of several books that tout the benefits of Vitamin “N” (N = nature). Drawing on his own research, as well as that of scientists and great thinkers throughout history, he illustrates that individuals and groups that spend more time in nature receive incredible physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. They are happier, less anxious, have stronger immune systems, better ability to cope with difficult circumstances, increased social skills, and are more physically fit.

Getting outside reduces obesity and depression, boosts creativity and allows us to have fun. It’s hard to be sad, mad or stressed when we’re outside in nature, as it calms our nerves, opens our hearts and allows us to get exercise at the same time.

Plus, studies show that viruses are more difficult to transmit outdoors than outdoors.

I think Vitamin “N” is the perfect prescription for us to deal with the world right now. In the Haliburton Highlands, we are infinitely blessed to be surrounded by nature. So, rather than screen time and snacking, get outside more (either by yourself or with the others in your household) – it will do all of us a world of good while still physically distancing.

Realtors turning to technology to continue working

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Harrison

Property prices in Haliburton County have risen substantially over the past three years.

From December 2016 to December 2019, the average sale price of a lake cottage rose by almost 30 per cent to $486,250. The average “off-waterfront” residential price soared by 47 per cent to $280,000.

Local real estate agents attributed the growth to the ripple effect from Toronto and the GTA that we experience eight to 12 months later.

Then came COVID-19. So, what now?

“Interestingly enough, the spring market has been active with buyers calling and wanting to see property,” said Rick Forget, broker with Re/Max Professionals Inc., in a Mar. 25 email interview. “It is hard to say if or when this will change, but so far interest appears stronger than expected despite COVID-19.”

As the severity of the virus became known, agents implemented best practice precautions to protect everyone’s health when clients wanted personal tours, but otherwise turned to technology.

For example, sales representative Hilary Morrin said her firm eXp Realty Brokerage is a virtual company. Agents have been able to work remotely since inception 10 years ago.

“We are able to take advantage of video conferencing, e-signatures and viewing videos of listings during this unprecedented time,” said Morrin via email Mar. 28.

In times of economic uncertainty, it’s natural for people to postpone large purchases, noted Anthony vanLieshout, Broker of Record with Royal LePage Trillium Team. “As long as the number of cases [of COVID-19] is increasing, I don’t see that there’s going to be much activity in the marketplace,” he said in a Mar. 24 phone interview. “Once those numbers have peaked and they start to decline, I think we’ll see a great deal of optimism and enthusiasm … we’re going to see a lot of pent-up demand … [and] we’re going to be swamped.”

“Stay the course with [a] level of flexibility, we will need to adapt to the changing situation,” Morrin advised buyers and sellers. “Remain educated and speak to your real estate professional for market updates and analytical strategies.”

Forget said there’s reason to be optimistic. “The natural beauty of our towns and lakes draws potential buyers from all over Ontario, and the recreational and residential real estate market in Haliburton County offers everyone an affordable choice, when compared to a lot of other regions in Ontario,” he said. “At this point I expect this will continue for quite some time.”

(Real estate statistics supplied by the Trillium Team. For details, visit trilliumteam.ca/market-stats)

Tekrider makes shift to medical clothing

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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With a military background, Tekrider TekVest owner Steve Brand said he’s been absolutely fine with the logistics of converting from making high-end recreation and sports clothing to medical protective gear.

The Haliburton County company began making products earlier this week, including gowns, masks, booties and bouffants.

Brand said the turn-around time has been quick but the business has been in the cut and sew business for 24 years, making top of the line safety apparel, so it was “very easy for us to switch over to medical gear.”

Brand said he started making inquiries before the government started listing essential services. When Premier Doug Ford made the announcement, he said some red tape ensued. He said he spoke with Warden Liz Danielsen, who wrote a letter to the province asking Tekrider be declared an essential service.

Danielsen said sourcing materials such as protective masks was something that the County’s EMS department has been working on during this unprecedented emergency. She said that through the process, Tekrider was contacted about the manufacture and supply of masks for local paramedics. She said this extended to their ability to produce gowns and booties for hospital staff.

“Unfortunately, Tekrider was not identified as an essential business based on the criteria set down by the province as this is not their normal product. In order to facilitate Tekrider remaining open, retooling their equipment, sourcing material required and to allow their workers to be on site, they needed a letter of support from the County which we were glad to be able to offer,” the Warden said.

Danielsen said any local firm that can help in the production of badly-needed protective equipment is to be applauded for their efforts, and which could play a part in saving lives, in the County.

While employees remained at home for a short time, the company purchased several new machines. Ten staff are back now and started sewing April 6. Brand said they have established social distancing among other safety features in the newly-reconfigured plant. For example, staff wear protective clothing. Their temperatures are monitored. There are procedures in place so their homes are also safe. He said workers who volunteered to come back have been given a 15 per cent wage hike because there is some risk involved.

“Morale is really good. Everybody is quite happy to be at work,” he said.

Brand said they will get a better idea of production costs once they complete sampling this week. It’s been a win-win, with Tekrider able to keep people working, and contributing to coronavirus pandemic efforts.

Tekrider has been in touch with Haliburton Highlands Health Services as its first goal is to look after the needs of Haliburton County. They may also assist efforts in the City of Kawartha Lakes. While not finalized, Brand has also reached out to quilter’s groups in the County about offering them work to sew mask from home. People are encouraged to follow Tekrider on Facebook for more details.

“We can cut 2,500 masks a day using a high-tech computer but we can’t sew that many a day,” Brand said.

Brand is retired military so says something such as this comes naturally to him and is “low stress.” It’s another way of giving back and “my folks are gung-ho to do it. “

Highlands Summer Festival cancels season

By

Lisa Gervais

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April 9, 2020

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By Lisa Gervais

As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Highlands Summer Festival announced April 6 it’s reluctantly cancelled its 2020 season.

“The decision was taken after much deliberation and consideration of the options available to us,” president of the board of directors, Brian Kipping said. “But in the end, the welfare of patrons, cast, crew and volunteers was uppermost in our minds in taking this course of action.”

Kipping added while it is difficult to predict what the situation will be on the proposed opening day, June 29, the preparation work for the season would be starting now, with rehearsals, set construction, costume creation and meetings.

The recent banning of gatherings of more than five people and the uncertainty over the availability of venues, meant the theatre company cannot begin the processes needed to ensure a successful season.

Artistic producer Scot Denton said, “we were deeply committed to the 2020 season – the festival’s creative team has been working since last August to put it together. Performance rights have been purchased, we have beautiful set designs, and three wonderful casts were ready to begin work.”

The line-up of shows for the 21st season included the musical, The Sound of Music, the Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest, the touching Every Brilliant Thing, comedian Lucien with tales of a working man, and the musical revue, Across the Pond, starring Leisa Way and the Lonely Hearts Club Band. The season was scheduled to open June 29 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion at the high school in Haliburton. It would have run until August 6.

At the moment, the festival is expecting to move the presentations planned for this summer ahead to the 2021 season, however that could change depending on the availability of performance rights. And, while the season may look the same, the actual dates of the performances will have to be adjusted.

Ticket and pass holders are being offered three options:

* Donate the cost of the ticket purchase to the festival. Patrons would receive a receipt that can be used for income tax purposes.

* Roll ticket purchases forward to the 2021 season. The festival says it will endeavour to ensure the 2021 tickets are as close to the dates/days selected for this season. The box office staff will be in contact with patrons to discuss options.

* Receive a complete refund for the ticket purchase.

“As a charitable theatre company, the Highlands Summer Festival relies on the support of our patrons, both in donations and ticket sales to carry the season financially,” Kipping said.

“We have already incurred expenses related to the 2020 season, will have more as we wind down for this year and when preparations begin for the 2021 season.

“Again, I would like to reiterate the thanks of everyone at Highlands Summer Festival for the community’s support,” Kipping said, emphasizing he was speaking for the board and everyone involved in the creation of the six-week summer theatre season.

“We share everyone’s disappointment that the 2020 season will not happen as planned, but we look forward to seeing you at the theatre in 2021.”