Another Algoma resident's tested positive for COVID-19.
Algoma Public Health says its ninth confirmed case is a woman in her 40s who was exposed both through international travel and close contact with a confirmed case - it's noted that she flew from London, England to Toronto on Air Canada flight AC 869 on March 23rd, then took Air Canada flight AC 8611 from Toronto to Sudbury, the same flights taken by the region's seventh confirmed case, a woman in her 70s.
Flight crew and passengers in rows 18 to 22 of the first flight or 14 to 18 of the second flight are considered close contacts of the two women, who are both self-isolating.
The health unit does not specify where the women live, but it does say the regions where Algoma residents have tested positive are Sault Ste. Marie and Area, Central and East Algoma, and Elliot Lake and Area, though more than 200 tests in the region are still pending.
So far, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed 26 cases - with one death - while the Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed 31 cases with two deaths - several cases are believed to have stemmed from community exposure, something suspected in at least one case for the Sudbury District.
Wawa Council Holding Back-to-Back Electronic Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's set to hold a pair of electronic meetings tonight.
Corporate Planning Committee and regular Council meetings are both scheduled, with the committee meeting including a COVID-19 update and a recommendation to postpone the implementation of new water meter rates, while the regular meeting includes a resolution officially postponing the new rates and another resolution to waive interest charges on property taxes and water and sewer payments, as previously announced by the Municipality.
Though residents can't physically attend the meeting, comments about items on the agenda can be submitted to Clerk Cathy Cyr by email - ccyr@wawa.cc - by 4 o'clock this afternoon, and proceedings will be livestreamed on the Municipality of Wawa's YouTube channel, and later posted on the municipal website.
The meeting starts at 6:30 tonight.
Canada's Chief Medical Officer Admits Masks May Help Curb Spread of Coronavirus
Canada's Chief Medical Officer has reversed course on masks, suggesting non-medical masks can help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Dr. Theresa Tam says the masks could help limit transmission of the virus when people must go out in public for things like grocery shopping or going to the pharmacy, though only along with social distancing measures - and more to protect others from a pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic wearer, not the wearer from others.
Application Process Opens for CERB
The application process has opened for the main economic support for Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Canada Revenue Agency opened application portals this morning for those born in the first three months of the year - to limit the overwhelmingly strain on its systems - with those born in later months able to apply later in the week.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's promised up to $2000 a month for up to four months for Canadians who've lost their income because of COVID-19, with direct deposits expected within three to five days of applying, or cheques within ten.
Speaking earlier today, Trudeau promised more help is on the way for those who don't qualify for current benefits, including students, those working reduced hours, and struggling businesses.
White River Resident Charged With Failing to Attend Court
A White River resident's facing a charge for failing to attend court.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers observed the 28-year-old Friday evening in White River, nearly a month after they failed to attend court - they were arrested and charged, then released with a future court date in Wawa.
Ontario Promises COVID-19 Support for Parents
The Ontario government's promising direct financial support for parents, as schools and child care centres remain closed.
Parents will receive a one-time payment of $200 per child up to age 12, or $250 for those with special needs, up to age 21.
Public schools are currently closed until the start of May, while private schools and licensed child care centres until Monday, though only because the emergency declaration only allows their closure to be extended by two weeks at a time.
Local MPP Urges Against Smelt Run
Local smelt fishers are being urged to rethink this year's smelt run.
In an open letter, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha asks people "take a moment and think of the potential negative impacts to your family, your elders, your community, and the public at large before choosing to leave your home", noting parks and trails are already closed and control measures have been put in place for travel through First Nations.
Mantha acknowledges "these are unprecedented time", but emphasizes that the procedures and regulations are "working towards a common goal" of protecting the public.
He notes Algoma Public Health warns against smelt fishing in more than "small family groups" - and to follow physical distancing recommendations of at least two metres or six feet - while Public Health Sudbury and Districts recommends against the smelt run, but emphasizes those who do participate must maintain physical distancing.
Ontario Government Releases COVID-19 Modeling
The Ontario government's forecasting 3000 to 15,000 people will die from COVID-19 in this province alone - and that's with current health measures.
That's according to the government's modeling, which forecasts up to 100,000 deaths without any public health measures.
The modeling expects 80,000 cases by the end of the month, but warns that would be 300,000 would current measures - and it expects the pandemic may last between 18 months and two years.
Premier Doug Ford had faced calls to release the modeling, but warned it would be a "real sobering discussion" about "really stark figures".
OPP Urge Voluntary Compliance With COVID-19 Measures
Ontario Provincial Police are urging businesses and individuals to voluntarily comply with restrictions imposed to combat the spread of COVID-19.
OPP remind they can lay charges for "non-essential" businesses staying open or gatherings of more than five people, and can arrest anyone who is not complying the federal Quarantine Act, which requires travellers to self-isolate for fourteen days upon their return, not going out for groceries or medications, or to visit anyone.
Anyone wanting to report non-compliance of the act is directed to the Public Health Agency of Canada, with 9-1-1 for emergencies only.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts Reports 1st COVID-19-Linked Death
The first COVID-19-related death has been reported in the Sudbury District.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a Greater Sudbury man in his 70s who is now deceased has tested positive for COVID-19 after a history of international travel, though they are not sharing any further information "out of respect for the family".
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says this shows that "more than ever, we need to be able to reach out and count on each other despite our critical need to keep physical distance from one another", though she emphasizes that "each of us has an obligation to our loved ones, neighbours, and community to do our part to limit the spread of COVID-19", emphasizing that "we know that COVID-19 is spreading in our community" and "we know that lives are at stake".
The health unit's reporting several more cases - including a Greater Sudbury youth - some with a history of international travel, others who contracted it through close contact with another case - the total for the health unit is now 25.
Algoma Public Health's reporting its seventh case - a woman in her 70s who flew from London, England, to Toronto, then to Sudbury on March 23rd - so far, no cases have been confirmed in north Algoma, though more than 190 tests are still pending.
The Porcupine Health Unit - which includes the Timmins area and Hornepayne - has reported 28 cases.
Chapleau Declares State of Emergency
Chapleau's declared a state of emergency.
Mayor Michael Levesque issued the declaration Thursday afternoon, though he assures it is not because there is a local case.
Instead, Levesque says it is meant to show support for health care workers in the community, as the Township's been working closely with Chapleau Health Services and the Chapleau and District Family Health Team, even setting up an assessment centre at the Recreation Centre - it's also meant to emphasize the need for the public to stay at home at this time, practicing physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - if they must go out.
Mayor Levesque adds that there are multiple calls for volunteers to assist seniors and the vulnerable with things like groceries or picking up medication, so they can maintain self-isolation - those who need such help are also urged to reach out to the family health team.
The Municipality of Wawa similarly declared a state of emergency on Monday.
Wawa Residents Reminded to Bag and Seal Garbage
Wawa's reminding residents to bag and seal their garbage for collection.
Noting safety measures are in place for curbside garbage collection, the municipality's warning residents garbage will not be collected unless enclosed inside a properly sealed, regular-sized garbage bag - loose garbage will not be collected, nor will "overly heavy" bags.
The municipality's also warning since all of Ontario has been declared a Restricted Fire Zone, open air burning is banned and open air burn permits will not be issued until that is lifted.
Health Canada Warns Against Homemade Hand Sanitizer
Health Canada's warning of health risks from homemade hand sanitizers.
Noting homemade recipes and products are becoming increasingly common online, the federal health agency warns many of the products lack a high enough concentration of alcohol to kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 - and various formulas could present other health risks such as skin irritation, increased sensitivity, or allergies.
Health Canada's recommending against making hand sanitizer - no matter the recipe, even a reputable formula recommended by the World Health Organization - as only licensed producers can manufacture in a controlled environment to ensure accurate concentration.
Instead, it's recommend you wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, though a Health Canada-approved hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% will work as a lesser alternative.
Alamos Gold Extends Island Gold Mine Closure
A local mine's staying closed a while longer.
Alamos Gold has extended the temporary suspension of operations at its Island Gold Mine, leaving it on "care and maintenance" until April 22nd, though the company adds it's continuing to closely monitor the situation and will "institute additional measures as appropriate".
It's not the only local gold mine that's closed, as Harte Gold has suspended all "non-essential work" at the Sugar Zone Mine in White River, keeping sixteen employees on to "ensure underground maintenance, mine safety, and environmental stewardship".
Wesdome Gold Mines is keeping its Eagle River underground operations going on a reduced workforce - with non-production activities scaled back - while mining of the Mishi Open Pit has been suspended, among other efforts to allow for physical distancing measures - it is also monitoring body temperatures and requesting health surveys for personnel wishing to enter the complex.
More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region
More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Northeastern Ontario.
Algoma Public Health says it has confirmed its sixth case, a man in his 50s who contracted the virus through close contact with another case - he was tested on Saturday and is currently self-isolating.
The health unit doesn't say where he resides within the Algoma District.
Meanwhile Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three more cases, bringing its total to sixteen - the latest cases are a Greater Sudbury man in his 50s who has been hospitalized, a Sudbury District man in his 60s who is self-isolating, and a Greater Sudbury resident under the age of 19 who is self-isolating.
The health unit says the Sudbury District man had a history of international travel while the youth contracted the virus through close contact - the third new case has had no known contact with a case or travel history, indicating community spread of the coronavirus.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe says that shows that "we have been doing the right thing" by distancing from others as if anyone could be infected, reinforcing the need for "critical sacrifices" like staying home as much as possible and staying isolated when directed.
Wawa Council Moves Forward With Electronic Meetings
Wawa Municipal Council's moving forward with plans to keep meeting amid the COVID-19 pandemic - just not in person.
The Municipality's confirmed Corporate Planning Committee and regular Council meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, April 7th, to be held "electronically" - something approved during Council's first "electronic" meeting this past Monday.
Meeting agendas will still be posted ahead of time, with residents able to submit comments about items on the agenda to Clerk Cathy Cyr by email - ccyr@wawa.cc - by 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the meeting, which would be held at 6:30.
Proceedings would be livestreamed on the Municipality of Wawa's YouTube channel, and later posted on the municipal website.
Superior Children's Centre Staff to Tour Community
Staff from Wawa's Superior Children's Centre are getting out in the community in a unique way.
Organizers are planning for staff - including from the EarlyON Child and Family Centre and its other programs - to hold a small parade, driving in separate vehicles in a tour of the streets, waving and honking.
Residents are encouraged to stand in your driveway or wave from your window.
The tour starts at 10:30 this morning.
OPP Warn of COVID-19-Related Fraud
Ontario Provincial Police are warning of various frauds relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sault Ste. Marie OPP are flagging: private companies offering "fast" tests for sale; online ads offering cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and other items in high demand; email campaigns capitalizing on public fear; door-to-door people offering fake decontamination services; and fraudsters urging you to invest in hot new stocks related to the disease.
Police advise checking the Canadian Anti-Fraud website, and to beware of unauthorized or fraudulent charities requesting money for victims or research, adding the latest health information can be found through the Public Health Agency of Canada or the World Health Organization.
Wawa Food Bank Special Day Opening
The Wawa Community Food Bank's opening on a different day - today.
Highlighting a donation of perishable food from Harvest Algoma in Sault Ste. Marie, the local food bank is opening from 2 to 4 this afternoon, though clients are reminded they must enter one at a time, wash their hands, and keep two metres from each other and volunteers.
Clients can also leave contact information with Wawa and Area Victim Services volunteers, in the event the food bank moves to delivery service.
Ontario Declared Restricted Fire Zone
Ontario's under a fire ban until further notice.
As of today, the provincial government's designated Ontario's entire legislated fire region as a "Restricted Fire Zone", banning outdoor fires - that includes burning of grass, debris, or campfires even if using an outdoor fire grate, fire place, or fire pit.
It's intended to protect from the risk of preventable human-caused fires and "ensure the province's emergency response system remains strong during the COVID-19 outbreak".
The restriction will stay in place "until Ontario's ability to respond to emergencies is no longer impacted" by the outbreak.