Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, provided an update on the current status of the pandemic noting that over 9,000 COVID-19 cases have been investigated in the Region of Peel. Dr. Loh noted that daily cases have gone from the 20s and 30s to the 80s and 90s, stating that this is reflective of increased contacts by case, in average, leading to increased transmission.
Regarding the community spread indicator, Dr. Loh noted that it fluctuates because it is reflective of the disposition of cases when the data is pulled. He noted it takes more time to investigate cases, especially as the number of cases have increased and the investigations have become more complex with more contacts. Over time, cases are solved, but new cases make the indicator fluctuate.
On a cumulative benchmark basis, the source of transmission is identified 85 per cent of the time, which shows tracing in Peel is occurring effectively. 100 per cent is often not achievable due to limits of human memory and on occasion, loss to follow-up.
We are again in a stage in which people need to take precautions seriously. However, Dr. Loh stated there is currently no recommendation for broad shut downs as seen in the Spring because there is no severity in hospitalizations or mortality, and we have better knowledge on how the spread happens in our community, among other indicators. This also allows for more targeted roll backs. The aim now is to encourage people to continue distancing, masking, staying home when sick, and washing hands frequently, regardless of where they are.
The overall goal is to encourage greater adherence to precautions and limiting numbers, duration, and proximity at social gatherings; continue to proactively address transmission at work places within challenged sectors such as transfer and logistics, manufacturing and food processing; educate the public on self isolation. This will continue to interrupt the cycle between workplaces, homes and social gatherings, keeping COVID-19 out of priority settings such as senior homes and schools.
The Medical Officer of Health provided an overview of capacity changes with respect to testing. He stated that testing is a provincial responsibility and Ontario Health, as the lead agency, has launched additional testing sites in Peel. The Province has announced revised testing criteria for testing centres, and people should get tested there only if they are having symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19, have been exposed to confirmed cases of virus, as directed by the public health unit or the COVID Alert app, if they are a resident or work in a setting that has been identified as having an outbreak of COVID-19 as directed by public health, or if they are eligible for testing as part of a targeted initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care. Starting on September 25, 2020, testing for COVID-19 will be available at select pharmacies, but details are still pending on how this is going to roll out.
The Medical Officer of Health outlined quarantine processes when returning from abroad, noting that before departing for Canada, all passengers are pre-screened and temperatures taken. On arriving at Pearson Airport, before entering passport control, travelers download the ArriveCAN application and/or fill out a web or paper form with their contact information to permit check-ins. The application also prompts them to submit a self-assessment of symptoms. In addition, a Canadian border screening agent will assess and ask questions, including plans for quarantine and/or any exemptions. All passengers are given a handout and directed to quarantine for 14 days regardless of symptoms or country they are returning from.
Staff Superintendent Sean McKenna, Peel Regional Police, stated that Peel Regional Police have conducted over 500 checks of individuals under quarantine orders and the vast majority adhere to the orders. He noted that early in the pandemic the Public Health Agency of Canada provided guidelines for local law enforcement to emphasize public education. That focus has now changed to laying appropriate charges under the Quarantine Act for non-obeyance of orders.
In response to a question from Councillor Damerla regarding the targeted approach to managing COVID-19, Dr. Loh stated that indicators such as the seven day moving average of cases, hospitalizations, outbreaks, tracing and testing capacity and turn-around times, acute care capacity and ICU capacity are all being monitored and if there was a dramatic change in all indicators, broader measures may be considered. He noted that he would provide information regarding thresholds in his updates to Regional Council.
Council moved in camera at 12:35 p.m.
Council moved out of in camera at 1:43 p.m.