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School kids face possible impacts if those eligible do not get doses, says chief medical officer

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The report broadcast on Northumberland 89.7 FM:

Northumberland residents are being urged to get vaccinated before the fall to protect school children heading back to the classroom. Dr. Natalie Bocking, chief medical officer for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, says the more adults who are fully vaccinated, the safer children will be. Currently, children under 12 are not able to get a vaccination. As Bocking explains, it is up to all eligible people to help keep them safe. “I guess part of that is when we think about schools, and we think about schools needing to reopen COVID virus infections in schools really a reflection of the amount of COVID infections happening at a community level,” Bocking said. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, Community, Health

Vaccine appointments cancelled as residents being asked to rebook sooner to stem fall surge

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A report broadcast on Northumberland 89.7 FM:

Don’t be surprised to get a notice your upcoming vaccination appointment is cancelled. It’s not that the health unit doesn’t want you to get the shot. In fact, it wants you to get it sooner. Dr. Natalie Bocking, chief medical officer for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, says about 8,000 people with second dose appointments are scheduled for later in August, September, October, and November. Yet, these people are eligible to set their shots sooner. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, Community, Health

Northumberland County behind on vaccinations, says chief medical officer

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The report broadcast on the Northumberland 89.7 FM newscast:

The need for Northumberland County residents to get vaccinated is more urgent now than ever, according to Dr. Natalie Bocking, the chief medical officer for the Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit. On Tuesday, Dr. Bocking emphasized the importance of getting 90 percent or more of the people eligible for vaccines inoculated before the fall or face serious consequences. Northumberland County is behind the rest of the regions making up the health unit’s coverage area. It is also behind the provincial average. Only 67 percent of residents have received their first dose. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Local News, Community, Health

Pandemic created challenges and opportunities over the past year, says hospital board chairperson

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

For the past year, the pandemic has dominated the efforts of all health services in Northumberland. The hospital is a cornerstone in providing services but also been a leader throughout. Its partnerships with various agencies and institutions through the Ontario Health Team, the health unit, and others are a driving force in the county. Like so many other changes, this year’s annual general meeting was held virtually. But this did not take away from the significance of the report and what it means going forward. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Chambers of commerce in Northumberland launch free rapid screening program to assist all businesses

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The full interview:

The Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce provides rapid COVID 19 screening kits to all businesses in the county. Through a collaboration with Campbellford, Brighton, and Colborne, people can apply to get these kits to test employees, an important step in preventing the spread of the virus at workplaces. The spread of COVID-19 in the workplace is one of the largest untold stories of the pandemic. Entire factories have closed. Small businesses can be crippled. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Tipping point and case surge on horizon for Northumberland if stay-at-home orders not followed

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The show:

Northumberland County is quickly reaching a tipping point when it comes to the pandemic. The new Medical Officer of Health for the region, Dr. Natalie Bocking, predicts a surge in the next few weeks. Hospitals in the county are preparing to deal with a spike in cases. Emergency plans are well underway, she said. Intensive care units across the province are filling up quickly as the third wave takes its toll. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Hyperlocal News, Local News, Community, Health

New rural outreach clinic marks collaborative efforts by municipality and health team to increase access

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

On April 5, 2021, the new rural outreach clinic in Colborne was open for business. A month before, officials gathered to mark the completion of the new facility. Through a collaboration between the municipality and the Ontario Health Team, the clinic will be offering mental health services, foot care, diabetes education, and a host of other programs aimed at improving access to health care. In this interview with Consider This Northumberland, Cramahe Township Mayor Mandy Martin talks about the unique opportunity and the efforts by all parties to make this clinic a reality. It is the county’s first rural outreach clinic and was a major promise of the Northumberland Ontario Health Team when it was created. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health, Politics

The lasting effects of COVID-19 in Northumberland County – a Longhauler’s Tale

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The show:

Imagine being sick for a year. Think about it. Most of us recover from the flu in a few days or weeks. For some recovering from COVID-19, they are marking a milestone more than 12 months after getting sick. They are known as long-haulers – people taking more time to get better after suffering from the virus. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

Sharing experiences from the frontlines of treating COVID-19 in Northumberland

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Dr. Mukesh Bhargava

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Most of us are working hard to avoid the COVID-19 virus. We wear masks, wash our hands multiple times a day. We social distance. We stay home, following the guidelines and recommendations of health officials. But what is it like for those who treat the sick? Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health

COVID-19 patient shares story of fighting the debilitating illness that has transformed their life

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The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

Last week marked the first anniversary of the pandemic. It is only one week later, and the province is bracing for its third wave. The cases involving variants of the original virus are quickly spreading across Northumberland and around the province. Mass vaccinations began earlier this week in Cobourg for those over 80-years old. We are in the yellow category as more businesses are open. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Community, Health