Peterborough Public Health (PPH) said people should not hold social events in indoor settings for Thanksgiving because of high COVID-19 case counts. .“Our region is experiencing some of the highest COVID-19 case rates in the province,” said Peterborough medical officer of health Dr. Thomas Piggott in a tweet. .“Ahead of the holiday weekend, we strongly encourage everyone to be mindful of our most vulnerable residents through their own protections.” .PPH said it recommends people wear masks for all interactions with those outside of their households. It added people should avoid going to high-risk settings. .Piggott said older adults, immunocompromised people, and unvaccinated people are at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. If people choose to gather for Thanksgiving, he said they should try to meet outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. .He went on to say people who feel sick should stay home. .“Staying up to date with vaccination and continuing to mask in indoor settings remain some of our best prevention tools,” he said. .This incident comes after former independent MPP Randy Hillier was investigated by the Ontario Provincial Police for a holiday gathering contravening COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. .READ MORE: The Hillier Files: Police investigate MPP Randy Hillier over tweeted holiday gathering.“We, along with the local health unit, are looking into it at this point,” said OPP East Region media relations coordinator Bill Dickson. .The investigation started after a tweet by Hillier saw him flaunting a Christmas gathering with 15 people. The tweet included a photo showing Hillier seated at the head of a table while surrounded by fellow celebrants.
