(October 29, 2025) – As the respiratory season arrives, which includes the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Lakelands Public Health is thrilled to unveil a newly updated Respiratory Diseases Dashboard containing localized infection data for the Lakelands Public Health area (the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, the City and County of Peterborough, and Alderville, Curve Lake, and Hiawatha First Nations).
The Respiratory Diseases Dashboard will be updated every Tuesday throughout the respiratory season to include data on weekly emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and outbreaks. The interactive online tool provides weekly data to help individuals, families, and community partners make informed, prevention-focused decisions this respiratory season.
“Knowledge is one of our best defences against illness,” said Dr. Natalie Bocking, Deputy Medical Officer of Health for Lakelands Public Health. “This dashboard empowers our community to understand what’s happening locally and to take simple evidence-based actions to stay healthy this respiratory season.”
In addition to providing the activity levels, the dashboard will assign an overall respiratory virus activity level – “low”, “medium”, or “high”. For each activity level, recommendations are provided to prevent infection or spread of disease. Residents are strongly encouraged to use the dashboard and associated recommendations to reduce the spread of respiratory diseases in our community.
Currently, the local respiratory virus activity is low. Residents are encouraged to:
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Stay up to date with flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations
- Monitor community trends and adjust plans for gathering and/or travel
- Recognize that masking may be required in certain settings (e.g., health care)
Local Vaccinations Available
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all populations, as of October 27th. Residents are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy or health care provider to book an appointment.
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