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GO-VAXX Bus Returning to Haliburton County
Community News Melissa Dafoe Community News Melissa Dafoe

GO-VAXX Bus Returning to Haliburton County

The GO-VAXX bus will once again be rolling into the area, but with a slight change to how it operates. The retrofitted GO bus that serves as a mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be available to provide first, second and booster doses to eligible individuals. COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11 years will also be available.

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First COVID-19 Variant of Concern Detected in Local Health Unit Area
Community News Megan Barton Community News Megan Barton

First COVID-19 Variant of Concern Detected in Local Health Unit Area

The local public health agency has been notified of the first case of COVID-19 variant of concern in a local resident. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) received the test results last night and has notified the individual who resides in Northumberland County. The individual had already been identified as a confirmed case and has been in isolation prior to receiving notification they have a variant of concern. All of the person’s high-risk contacts had also been reached previously and are in isolation as well.

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Take Part in ‘Talk With the Doc’ Virtual Town Halls to Stay Informed on COVID-19
Community News Megan Barton Community News Megan Barton

Take Part in ‘Talk With the Doc’ Virtual Town Halls to Stay Informed on COVID-19

Local residents are encouraged to attend upcoming ‘Talk With The Doc” Virtual Town Halls being presented by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU). Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ian Gemmill will host the “Talk With the Doc” sessions scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, from 1 to 2 pm and Tuesday, March 2, from 1 to 2 pm. During the online information sessions, Dr. Gemmill will provide COVID-19 updates and answer the audience’s questions. Topics will include information on the local COVID-19 cases and transmission rates, the rollout of vaccines in Haliburton County, Northumberland County and the City of Kawartha Lakes, and HKPRDHU’s ongoing pandemic response.

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A Dose of Good News - First Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives
Community News Megan Barton Community News Megan Barton

A Dose of Good News - First Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives

The health unit today received the first local allocation of COVID-19 vaccine and is rolling out its plan to start vaccinating residents of the area’s long-term care homes this week. The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPRDHU) has received 700 doses of the Moderna vaccine and may receive more next week. Following the roll out plan put forward by the province, the Health Unit will be delivering the vaccine to area long-term care homes so that residents can be vaccinated as soon as practical. The province announced today that it has revised its goal and is aiming to have all residents of long-term care and retirement homes vaccinated by February 5, 2021.

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New Program Offers Free Counselling and Nicotine Patches to People Trying to Quit
Active Living, Lifestyle Megan Barton Active Living, Lifestyle Megan Barton

New Program Offers Free Counselling and Nicotine Patches to People Trying to Quit

If your New Year’s Resolution to quit tobacco has already gone up in smoke, this free program may be just what the doctor ordered to get you back on track in 2021. During National Non-Smoking Week (Jan. 17-23), the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit is promoting a new program for Ontarians (ages 18+) that offers phone counselling and a free six-week supply of nicotine patches/lozenges to help individuals become tobacco-free. Funded by the provincial government, the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation Community Program has been shown to reduce smoking rates and tobacco- related deaths. The program is based at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

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