Public Health Sudbury and Districts confirmed another case of COVID-19 over the weekend.
The health unit says a woman in her 40s is the third confirmed case in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, though it is travel-related and not connected to the first two cases - the woman returned from Switzerland on March 10th, then flew from Montreal to Toronto the same day, then Toronto to Sudbury on March 11th - anyone who may have sat near the woman on those flights is considered a "close contact" and advised to self-isolate for fourteen days, while anyone else who was on one of the flights is urged to self-monitor for fourteen days.
As of Saturday, the health unit had submitted over 350 tests, though only three positive cases have been confirmed - the first was a Sudbury man believed to have been exposed when he travelled to the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto at the start of the month, while the second is a woman who's a close contact of that man.
As of Sunday afternoon, Algoma Public Health's reported only one case with 65 negative tests and 60 more pending, emphasizing the sole case was a woman who arrived at Sault Ste. Marie's Chippewa International Airport on Delta 4212 around 10:45 the night of March 15th, then drove home before contacting the health unit the next day, staying in self-isolation.
Porcupine Health Unit's also reported a case - warning those who attended a stag and doe at the McIntyre Ballroom in Timmins on March 7th may have been exposed - while the Northwestern Health Unit's reported a Fort Frances adult who recently returned from international travel has tested positive.
Ontario Government Extends Validity Period for Driver's Licences and Health Cards
The Ontario government's extending the expiry date for various items amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Intended to reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, DriveTest centres, or International Registration Plan offices, the "validity period" has been extended for driver licences, licence plate validations, Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, and Ontario Photo Cards, while expiring and expired health cards will still be able to access health services.
Due dates for medical or vision reports needed by the Ministry of Transportation are also being extended.
The extensions will stay in place until Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and public health officials advise that the situation's improved.
Mischief Charges Laid After Separate Incidents in Hornepayne and White River
Local police have laid a couple of mischief charges for incidents in nearby communities.
A 29-year-old Hornepayne resident is facing a domestic mischief charge after Superior East OPP were called to a domestic dispute in that community shortly after noon on March 2nd - officers were told the suspect fled prior to their arrival, but he turned himself in to police yesterday.
Officers also responded to a disturbance on Highway 17 in White River late Wednesday afternoon, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 23-year-old from Timmins on a charge of mischief under $5000.
Both accused have been released from custody with a future court date.
Firearm and More Taken in Chapleau BnE
Local police are asking for public help after a firearm and other items were taken in a Chapleau break and enter.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the break and enter happened at a Cherry Street residence some time between February 13th and yesterday, with a 9mm GIRSAN pistol, a Garmin 64S GPS, and about $300 in Canadian currency taken.
Investigators have no suspects at this time, and urge anyone with information about the incident to immediately contact police or Crime Stoppers.
Ontario Parks & Snowmobile Trails Closing
Ontario's provincial parks are closing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Calling it a move to "assist the province with its efforts to keep Ontarians safe", the provincial government's announced all provincial parks are closed to the public from now until the end of April - that includes car camping, backcountry camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities, and all public buildings.
Current visitors are required to vacate today.
Anyone who has a reservation before April 30th will be automatically refunded with no penalty.
Snowmobile trails will also close this weekend.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Board of Governors has decided to cease trail operations and grooming immediately for any trails still available to the public, with all OFSC prescribed snowmobile trails to close by midnight Saturday - anyone who accesses the trails after that will be trespassing.
It notes advance notice is being given to give the remaining touring snowmobilers "ample time to get home".
Saying "these are unprecedented times", the OFSC assures this is meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and not an economic decision, with any funds from permit buyers not spent this season to be invested next season.
LDHC Updates on COVID-19 Measures
In an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre is keeping most programs and services going - though with some restrictions.
The hospital notes restricted visitation's in place, limited to one or two people visiting patients or residents who are very ill or requiring end-of-life care, or the guardian of a minor who's very ill or requiring end-of-life care.
Anyone who goes to the hospital will be screened at the front reception of the hospital or the Wawa Family Health Team, though people are asked to avoid going to the hospital unless you require emergency care.
The emergency department is still open - though anyone who suspects they've been exposed to COVID-19 should call Algoma Public Health - while diagnostic imaging department and laboratory remain open, but reserved for emergency and urgent care needs.
Essential appointments will be maintained for telemedicine, with physiotherapy services on for acute referrals - all others will be rebooked later - while the North Algoma Diabetes Education program and North Algoma Counseling Services are focusing on telephone and virtual care.
The Dubreuilville Medical Centre remains open, though travel to the Missinabie Nursing Station is suspended at this time, with continued access to the Nurse Practitioner in Dubreuilville.
Wawa Closing Municipal Office to Physical Visits
The Municipality of Wawa's closing its offices to the public - and making other changes.
During their meeting last night, Council approved further measures to address the COVID-19 pandemic, closing the municipal office to the public starting today, though residents can still phone, email, or mail the Municipality during regular business hours.
A release from the Municipality says there are still ways to make property tax or water and sewer payments: in person at the bank; using online or telephone banking; by mail; by credit card; by credit card over the phone; or - as a temporary measure only - through e-transfer payments.
Temporary automatic withdrawals could also be set up.
Anyone with inquiries about building permits, business licences, or other property inquiries are directed to call or email Kevin Sabourin, the Assistant Director of Protective Services, which includes the role of Chief Building Official and By-Law Enforcement.
Council had already agreed to close the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre until at least April 20th - directing staff to remove the arena and curling ice, as the closure runs nearly to the end of the season - while the Wawa Public Library's also closed, though the transit bus is continuing to run, with increased cleaning.
In Chapleau, the recreation centre and library are closed now, while the Public Works garage is closed to the public and access to the Civic Centre is restricted, though the landfill's open as normal and the handi-transit bus continues running.
Wawa Council Approves 2020 Capital Budget and Schedule of Fees
Wawa Municipal Council's approved the municipality's 2020 capital budget.
Presented to Council just over a month ago, the document outlines nearly $6.4-million in projects, though much of that total would be covered by outside funding, with only $314,000 coming from taxation and a further $1.3-million from reserves - the rest would be covered by another source, such as grants, donations, or - in the case of water and sewer projects - water and sewer user fees.
Many of the projects had already been approved to some extent, including the finishing of the Waterfront Project and work at Scenic High Falls Park, the replacement of the arena condenser, the purchase of a new fire pumper/tanker for the fire department, the Connecting Link project for Mission Road and Main Street, the landfill expansion, the LNG study, and the wrapup of the THM Study.
Other projects include a service delivery review, Broadway Avenue street furniture, arena truss painting - noted to be required this year - an air compressor for the fire department, a computer software upgrade, airport gas tank replacement, a sewer jet and vacuum trailer, and water main valve installation.
Also highlighted was school zone road work, noted to be dependent on government funding.
In addition to the new capital budget, Council has also approved the new schedule of fees for the year.
Plans were originally to present the operating budget in early April, though that's been delayed, as Council has cancelled all of its meetings - and all committee meetings - through April 20th.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 21st, and would be held in the banquet room of the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.
More Local Closures Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
OWawa's Adult Learning Centre and Regional Employment Help Centre are now "by appointment only", while the Children's Aid Society office is closed with exceptions for those with appointments or reporting child protection concerns.
Superior East OPP are now restricting access to their Wawa detachment - suggesting calling 9-1-1 for emergencies or the direct line for the detachment on Pinewood Drive for non-emergencies.
Some local stores have closed or reduced hours, while restaurants that haven't closed are offering takeout only - those still open are encouraging payment by debit or credit card.
The Wawa Food Bank is still running as normal today, though clients must thoroughly wash their hands on arrival.
Local Closures Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Locally, Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre and Wawa Public Library are both closed, though the transit bus is still running and the municipal office is open, though people are encouraged to consider options other than going there, like calling instead.
The Chapleau Recreation Centre and Chapleau Public Library are also closed now, with the Public Works garage closed to the public - while services continue - and access to the Civic Centre is being restricted.
Chapleau's landfill remains open as normal, with the airport available for emergency services and refueling, and the handi-transit bus continuing with increased cleaning, as in Wawa.
John's Valu-Mart in Wawa is open, but limiting the number of customers allowed in the store at any time - it's also designating 9 am to 10 am Monday to Friday for seniors and those with disabilities, further asking customers to limit purchases of certain items and not buy in bulk, as supply trucks are still expected.
Subway Wawa is open for takeout only, while Tim Hortons Wawa is also open for takeout and drive-thru - both are encouraging payment by debit or credit rather than cash.
The North of 17 Restaurant's closed today, but will reopen tomorrow with limited hours and menu for takeout only, while the Embassy Restaurant and Wawa Goose Bar and Grill are both closed until further notice, and the Roxy Bowling Centre's closed for the day, to assess options.
Contact North and The Thrift Barn are also closed for the moment, while the Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board and Algoma District Services Adminstration Board are limiting office visits to appointment only - clients for the Sudbury board are assured social assistance payments will continue and they will not need to submit monthly income statements, nor will they be denied benefits simply because they couldn't sign documents.
Wawa Council Holding Final Meetings Before Ceasing Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Despite closing the community centre and library, Wawa Municipal Council's still going ahead with a pair of meetings tonight.
First up is a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which includes department head monthly reports and the policy on accounts receivable write-offs, as well as Kresin Engineering's technical memo on implementing the addition of alum into the water.
That will be followed by a regular Council meeting, with items on the agenda including resolutions to accept the capital budget presented a month ago, approving a broadband collaboration agreement, and appointing a new member to the Cemetery Committee.
Council will also consider approving the 2020 schedule of fees, and will go in-camera for three legal issues - a Freedom of Information request, a Ministry of Labour-related item, and an offer to purchase tax sale properties - with a final resolution stemming from that, to approve the vesting of properties, writing off of taxes, and sale of the land.
Tonight's meetings - the last until at least mid to late April - will be held at 6:30 in Council Chambers.
Wawa Closing MMCC & Library to Mitigate COVID-19 Infections
Wawa's closing a couple major facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Ron Rody explains Council approved temporary closure plans during a meeting earlier this afternoon.
The library will also be waiving late fees during the closure.
Mayor Rody adds the transit bus will run as normal - with increased cleaning - and the municipal office will remain open, though people are encouraged to explore other options rather than physically going to the office, such as calling or using the municipal website.
The mayor assures residents this is meant for public health and safety.
Council's also cancelling or postponing its own - and any committee - meetings after tomorrow night, as it expects to tackle important items in the next meeting, while "non-essential" travel by Council or staff is suspended indefinitely.
Local Police Respond to 3 Domestic Disputes Over Weekend
Three locals are facing charges after police were called to domestic disputes over the weekend.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a dispute in Chapleau around 11 o'clock Friday night, with investigation leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old Chapleau resident on a charge of spousal assault.
Officers also responded to a domestic dispute in Wawa on Saturday, leading to a spousal assault charge for a 28-year-old Wawa resident, while another dispute on Sunday led to the arrest of a 34-year-old Wawa resident on a charge of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
The accused have all been released with future court dates - their names are not being released, in order to protect the identity of the victims.
Local Events Cancelled Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting local events.
Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 has cancelled its St. Patrick's Day celebration, though it is offering do-it-yourself sandwich kits - featuring bread, corned beef, and swiss cheese - at the Legion Hall from 2 to 4:30 today.
Mission Motors is postponing its March 25th Customer Appreciation Luncheon and Baked Goods Sale - no new date is set - while local churches are suspending services, with Wawa Baptist Church also pausing its weekly and monthly activities until early April, when it will reassess the situation.
Chapleau Health Services - including Chapleau General Hospital, Turning Point, Cedar Grove Apartments, and Bignucolo Residence - is not permitting visitors at this time, while Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre has suspended "non-essential" visits, only allowing people visiting patients or long-term care residents who are very ill or requiring end-of-life care, or the guardian of a minor who who meets those conditions - screening will be done.
Wawa Council Holding Meeting on COVID-19 Response
Wawa Municipal Council will discuss the municipal response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in a special meeting early this afternoon.
There are only two items on the agenda: a "COVID-19 update" and a resolution regarding the cancellation of Council and committee meetings - the resolution has not been publicly posted at this time, but it is not expected to effect tomorrow's planned Corporate Planning Committee or regular Council meetings.
Chapleau Town Council cancelled its regular/open forum meeting last week and next week's regular/finance meeting, scheduling its next regular meeting for March 30th.
The Wawa Council special meeting is scheduled for 12:15 this afternoon.
Impaired Driving Charge After Single Vehicle Collision in Wawa
A Wawa resident's facing an impaired driving charge after a collision in town.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a single vehicle collision on Churchill Avenue around 2:55 Sunday morning, with officers detecting "the odour of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver's breath" - a subsequent breath sample registered "fail" on an approved screening device, leading to the 22-year-old's arrest and transport back to the Wawa detachment for further testing.
The 22-year-old's been charged with "operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)".
While they've been released from custody - with a Wawa court date early next month - they've been issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and their vehicle's being impounded for seven days.
Wawa Students Help Stock Local Lakes
Some Wawa students were put to work recently, helping stock some local lakes.
For the seventh consecutive year, students in the grade 9 and 10 physical education classes at Wawa's École secondaire Saint-Joseph worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, releasing 700 small lake trout into Wawa Lake and 300 small speckled trout into Rod and Gun Lake.
The students helped determine the specific place for the restocking, then used augers and ice picks to make three holes 100 metres from each other, large enough to release the trout.
Local Hospitals Highlight Important Warnings
Chapleau Health Services says visitors are not permitted until further notice, while anyone experiencing new cough or cold symptoms and fever after travelling to an impacted area - or contact with someone who has - is advised to self-isolate for fourteen days and monitor symptoms, though medical attention's advised if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or a continuous fever above 38 degrees Celsius.
Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre is allowing visitors, but says "active screening" is in place: all out-patients and visitors must enter through the main entrance for active screening at registration, and anyone who is unwell is urged not to visit Long-Term Care residents or patients, while screening will also be done in pre-appointment reminder calls.
It also advises anyone who attended the recent PDAC conference to monitor symptoms for fourteen days, and self-isolate if any develop, calling health care professionals or Algoma Public Health to arrange for testing.
ESJ Wawa Gr. 7/8 Class Thanks Community for Supporting Trip
A group of Wawa students are thanking the community for their support.
St. Joseph French Immersion Catholic School Grade 7 and 8 teacher Adam Carricato says the students are "overwhelmed by the continued generosity and support of the community", particularly during the bake sale and the bottle drive, both held in the last week.
Carricato highlights volunteer support seen throughout the fundraising campaign.
The student trip is scheduled for June.
Hawk Junction Annual Family Fishing Derby Arrives
Families are being encourage to get out on the ice and enjoy themselves this weekend, with the Hawk Junction Annual Family Fishing Derby.
Offering trophies for first, second, and third place in the adult and youth categories, the derby will be held on Hawk Lake tomorrow, from 8 am to 3:30 pm, with the last weigh-in at 4 pm.
Registration will be held at the Hawk Junction Community Hall tonight from 5 pm to 8 pm and tomorrow morning from 7 am to 11 am.