More cases of COVID-19 are being reported in northeastern Ontario.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says it has confirmed two more cases - a man in his 20s and a man in his 30s, both close contacts of confirmed cases elsewhere in Ontario.
This brings the total for the health unit's region to six.
The Porcupine Health Unit's also reporting two new cases - bringing its total to six, as well - a Timmins woman in her 40s who's linked to international travel and a Cochrane woman in her 50s, who's linked to both international travel and to contact with another case the health unit's investigating - she is noted to be their first case outside of Timmins.
Algoma Public Health's still confirmed only one case, though it says 118 of the 224 tests it's aware of are still pending.
Ontario reported 170 new cases this morning - bringing the total to 858 - while the provincial death toll has risen to 13.
RYAM Lumber Shutting Down Chapleau Sawmill
Chapleau's sawmill is shutting down temporarily.
Rayonier Advanced Materials says it is curtailing production at seven Canadian locations, reducing or ceasing operations at all of its softwood sawmills in Ontario and Quebec - including the RYAM Lumber mill in Chapleau - with a full halt of production at its newsprint plant in Kapuskasing.
It's scheduled to last at least two weeks, but the company adds that may be extended "depending on market conditions", adding existing orders will be filled from current inventory and reduced production at the Kapuskasing sawmill.
Mill operations had been exempted from the provincial government's closure order, considered "essential".
REHC Closes Office, But Continues Service
An important local resource has shut its doors - but it's still working to help the community.
The Regional Employment Help Centre in Wawa has closed its office to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with phones no longer answered, but they can be contacted at the email address info@wawarehc.com, with plans to maintain remote servicing, as possible.
Travellers Returning to Canada Must Self-Isolate
Stricter quarantine rules are now in force for travellers returning to Canada.
Health Minister Patty Hajdu says all travellers returning to Canada must go into self-isolation for fourteen days, though there are exceptions for "essential workers".
Returning travellers are also forbidden from self-isolating in a place where they may come into contact with vulnerable people - like the elderly or those with underlying medical conditions - with the Public Health Agency of Canada to make alternate arrangements.
While the government's continually urged travellers to enter a two-week self-isolation once returning to Canada, this order will make it illegal to disobey, on penalty of fines or arrest.
Local Police Seize Suspected Drugs in Brunswick House First Nation
A 44-year-old from Brunswick House First Nation is facing drug possession and trafficking charges after police executed a search warrant earlier this week.
Superior East OPP say members of the OPP's Northeast Region Community Street Crime Unit, the OPP Northeast Region Canine Unit, and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service executed the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a Brunswick House First Nation residence on Tuesday, with officers seizing unspecified quantities of what's believed to be fentanyl, methamphetamine, hydromorphone, and oxyNEO.
That's led to charges of possession of a schedule I substance - opioid other than heroin; possession of a schedule I substance - opioid other than heroin - for the purpose of trafficking; two counts of possession of other schedule I substances for the purpose of trafficking; and one count of possession of a schedule IV substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The man's been released from custody with a future court date in Chapleau.
Prime Minister Trudeau Urges Everyone to "Go Home and Stay Home"
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau - meanwhile - is strongly urging everyone to "go home and stay home" to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The message comes after Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, announced an equal number of Canadians have contracted the coronavirus from within their community compared to travel, something she has called a "fundamental shift" in transmission of the disease.
Every province and territory has declared some form of public health crisis or state of emergency, urging Canadians to stay at home, self-isolating and physically distancing from others as much as possible.
Ontario Government Orders "Non-Essential" Workplaces Closed
Ontarians are being urged to stay home to help curb the spread of COVID-19, as "non-essential" workplaces have been forced to close for the next two weeks - at least.
Premier Doug Ford's mandatory closure order took effect this morning, though a broad range of businesses are exempted as "essential" or because they have moved to "the provision of work and services...either online, by telephone, or by mail [or] delivery", while "teleworking and online commerce are [still] permitted...for all businesses".
Ontario's launched a hotline to support businesses with questions about the emergency order closing "non-essential" workplaces.
Dubbed the "Stop the Spread Business Information Line", the toll-free line - 1-888-444-3659 - is meant to address questions about the closure order or how other emergency measures impact businesses or employment.
Regina Driver Arrested For Driving While Prohibited Near White River
A Saskatchewan driver's facing a pair of charges after he was stopped in White River.
Superior East OPP say they stopped an eastbound minivan after officers observed it dragging its muffler on Highway 17 early yesterday afternoon, with subsequent investigation revealing the driver was actually prohibited from driving.
That's led to charges of operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code and drive motor vehicle not equipped with an approved ignition interlock device while prohibited from doing so.
The 61-year-old Regina man's been released from custody, with a future court date in Wawa.
Parks Canada Halts Vehicle Access
Canada's national parks are restricting access in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Noting many parks have seen high visitation levels despite suspending visitor services and closing facilities last Thursday, Parks Canada says is temporarily suspending all motor vehicle access by visitors at all national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas - a measure which too effect just after midnight this morning and will stay in palce "until further notice".
It's intended to "significantly reduce visitation", following on advice from public health experts that people should stay home and avoid public gatherings - in fact, the parks agency asks Canadians to stay home, cancelling any plans to go to a Parks Canada location.
Ontario provincial parks closed to the public last Thursday, closing car camping, backcountry camping, roofed accommodations, day use opportunities, and all public buildings - it's currently scheduled through the end of April, but could be extended.
Chapleau Warns Residents to Beware What They Flush
The Township of Chapleau's warning residents to be careful what they flush.
Though it acknowledges people may be using more disinfectant wipes, paper towels, and facial tissues at this time, the Township's warning that such items can clog pipes, causing sewage backups and costly damage to wastewater infrastructure - that includes wet wipes, even if the packaging claims they're flushable.
Instead, the Township urges throwing wipes, facial tissues, and paper towels in the garbage.
Ontario Government Temporarily Lifts Time-of-Use Electricity Rates
The Ontario government's temporarily lifting time-of-use electricity rates.
A government release says electricity will be charged at a flat rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour for 45 days, the same price 24 hours a day, seven days a week - a move expected to see rate reductions of over 50% compared to on-peak rates.
That discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills for residential, small business, and farm customers who currently pay time-of-use rates.
During the ongoing pandemic, the Ontario Energy Board has also extended its winter ban on disconnections until the end of July.
Porcupine Health Unit Confirms 4th COVID-19 Case
The nearby Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed a fourth case of COVID-19.
The health unit - which covers the Cochrane district as well as Hornepayne - says a man in his 70s is their fourth confirmed case, though they emphasize it's travel-related - the man flew from Houston, Texas, to Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Air Canada flight AC594 on March 12th, then from Toronto to Timmins on Air Canada flight AC8291 the same day.
Ontario's reported over 500 cases.
Rotary Club of Wawa Postpones Radio Auction
The Rotary Club of Wawa is delaying its annual Radio Auction.
Event chair Mark Owen explains preparations were already "well underway", but it was decided the event could not be held as scheduled.
The event is the local club's biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting various causes.
Wawa & Chapleau Suspend Transit Service
Wawa's put the brakes on its transit service.
Citing concerns for the safety of staff and the general public, the municipality's suspended the service indefinitely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Township of Chapleau made a similar move yesterday.
Both communities have closed their libraries and recreation or community centres, with the general public banned from visiting the municipal office or civic centre, though staff can be reached via phone, fax, or email.
Michipicoten First Nation's cancelled all programs and meetings until further notice, though essential services are still available via email or phone.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has similarly closed its Chapleau office to public visits, though appointments can still be made for certain services, with many programs running online or over the phone - anyone with questions about COVID-19 can call the health unit's main office in Sudbury, or if you believe you have symptoms, contact either the health unit or the hospital.
PHSD Reports 4th COVID-19 Case
This comes as Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its fourth confirmed case of COVID-19, a woman in her 70s.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says the case is unrelated to the previous three and stems from travel, adding the individual wore a mask during all her air travels and immediately self-isolated upon returning to Canada, staying home since she was tested last Wednesday.
The health unit notes she flew from Fort Myers, Florida, to Toronto's Pearson International Airport on Air Canada flight AC1975 last Tuesday, March 17th - flight crew and passengers from rows 22 to 26 are considered close contacts and urged to self-isolate - and she flew that same day from Toronto to the Greater Sudbury Airport on Air Canada flight AC8611, with flight crew and passengers in rows 1 to 4 considered close contacts.
While the health unit confirms the woman was assessed at Sudbury's Health Sciences North, it won't comment on what community she's from - the unit's coverage area includes Chapleau - but the health unit emphasizes it is identifying and informing close contacts, so anyone not contacted by Public Health Sudbury and Districts should not assume they're a close contact, though everyone is urged nonetheless to practice social distancing - staying at least two metres or six feet from others - and to frequently wash hands with soap and water.
Chapleau Closes Civic Centre to Public Visits
Chapleau's closed the doors of its civic centre amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A statement from the Township of Chapleau says the office is temporarily closed to the general public, though staff are still able to conduct business over the phone, via fax, or by email.
It had already closed the recreation centre and library, with the Public Works Department Garage closed to the public, though the landfill remains open as normal, the airport is open for emergency services and refueling, and the handi-transit bus is running.
The Municipality of Wawa similarly closed the municipal office to the public last week, after closing the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre and the Wawa Public Library - like Chapleau, the transit bus is continuing to run with increased cleaning.
Wawa's also announced "temporary service measures" for building permit applications, encouraging electronic submissions via email, but also allowing drop-off by appointment.
The Township of Chapleau further encourages residents to watch the Public Health Sudbury and Districts for updates on COVID-19, and urges everyone to take precautions such as washing your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, sneezing or coughing into your sleeve, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, avoiding contact with people who are sick, staying home if you are sick - particularly avoiding long-term care facilities or retirement homes - and self-isolating for fourteen days if you've travelled anywhere outside of Canada.
Algoma-Manitoulin NDP MPP Raises Concerns About Online Learning Plans
Local New Democrat Michael Mantha's raising concerns about the Ontario government's plans for online learning amid school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the Algoma-Manitoulin MPP welcomes the idea of the "Learn at Home" online portal as a learning opportunity for students, Mantha is calling for contingency plans for students in northern and rural communities where broadband internet often isn't available, emphasizing that "no one wants to see any student fall behind, but for many, many students in northern and rural communities, online learning is not an option".
Mantha adds that the NDP are "ready and willing to work with the government to ensure appropriate education solutions are in place".
NDP Education Critic Marit Stiles has also questioned whether the school year will be completed and how - including how final grades will be assessed, particularly for high school students preparing to graduate.
Though the portal unveiled on Friday focuses on math and literacy resources for elementary students plus STEM courses for high school students, Education Minister Stephen Lecce has suggested a "second phase" is being prepared if the current school closures need to be extended beyond April 5th.
More Northeastern Ontario COVID-19 Cases Reported
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.