A Sault Area Hospital health care worker's been identified as Algoma's latest case of COVID-19.
Algoma Public Health reported on Friday that its twelfth case is a woman in her 30s, with Sault Area Hospital announcing the next day that it had received confirmation one of its health care workers had tested positive.
SAH assures it's "actively working" with the staff member, their team, and Algoma Public Health, confirming "appropriate and best practice" infection prevention and control measures had been taken, and that the worker has remained in self-isolation at home since she was tested, following the development of symptoms.
It's unknown how the woman contracted the virus, though the health unit's warning there is evidence of community spread in the Sault area, a message echoed by the hospital, which urges everyone to stay home, practice physical distancing, and wash hands frequently.
Wawa Marina Closed Under Outdoor Recreational Amenity Closure Order
Wawa's marina is closed.
A notice from the Municipality says - effective immediately - the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina's closed, per the provincial government's order closing outdoor recreational amenities - something the Municipality notes was confirmed by Small Craft Harbours, the federal agency that technicially owns the marina.
That means the docks, boat launch, facilities, and pavilion are all closed until further notice - and so is the playground, as all municipal parks are closed except to travel through.
Community Spread of COVID-19 Suspected as More Algoma Cases Reported
Algoma Public Health's warning of evidence of community spread, as it reports more cases of COVID-19 in the region.
The health unit says its eleventh case is a woman in her 60s who did not have any recent travel outside of the district or any known contact with a confirmed case, only routine activities in Sault Ste. Marie and area - she was tested Monday and confirmed positive Thursday, now in self-isolation at home.
A woman in her 30s is the health unit's twelfth case - it's also unknown how she was exposed.
The health unit's also waiting on the results for 211 more tests.
That's prompting APH to warn - while eight cases have been reported in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with the rest in Elliot Lake and area or other parts of Central and East Algoma - that North Algoma residents should be cautious, as there is evidence of community spread in other areas of Algoma and in neighbouring public health units.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has reported a total of 41 cases - mostly in the Greater Sudbury District - and has noted evidence of community spread in that region, while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 49 - including several cases stemming from community spread, and a worker at St. Mary's Gardens, a seniors' residence in Timmins.
The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group - which includes Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne - recently urged residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, prescriptions, or banking - and to practice physical distancing when out, emphasizing it's "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill" from COVID-19.
Sudbury and Porcupine Health Units Report More COVID-19 Cases
More cases have been reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting three new cases: two men and a woman, all Greater Sudbury residents in their 20s who contracted the virus through close contact with another case.
This brings the health unit's total to 41.
PHSD reminds anyone who has travelled in the last fourteen days should visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website for updates on flight, cruise ship, and mass gathering-related exposures, while anyone who travelled outside of Canada must self-isolate for fourteen days upon return.
Anyone who believes they have COVID-19 symptoms or were in close contact with someone who does should self-isolate and contact an assessment centre.
The nearby Porcupine Health Unit's reporting three more cases, including a staff member of an unspecified Timmins retirement home.
That health unit - which covers Timmins, the Cochrane District, and Hornepayne - has reported a total of 45 cases, many due to community exposure.
Algoma Public Health has only reported ten cases in Sault Ste. Marie and area, Elliot Lake and area, and other parts of Central and East Algoma, though 229 tests were still pending as of this morning.
Chapleau Churches Offer Help in Times of Need
Vulnerable residents are being offered some help in this time of need.
Mayor Michael Levesque explains there's a local initiative named "Help in Times of Need".
While information will be distributed throughout the community, Mayor Levesque says vulnerable members of the community - particularly seniors - can call 705-864-0747 or 705-347-2975 or 705-951-2828, with the same numbers for prospective volunteers.
The mayor - on behalf of Council - further commends the dedicated local health care workers and all those working hard to supply residents with essentials, including Valu-Mart and Collins Home Hardware, noting they do so "with a certain risk".
Ontario's Summer Electricity Rates Delayed
Summer electricity rates are being delayed.
While it normally sets the summer rates in May, the Ontario Energy Board says it's deferring its decision on new electricity prices, leading winter time-of-use in place beyond May 1st, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in "extraordinary uncertainty around various aspects of the supply cost and electricity demand estimates" behind the prices.
An Ontario government emergency order on March 24th fixed electricity prices at the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents per kilowatt hour 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but only for 45 days, meaning a return to normal winter rates May 7th, unless it's extended.
Sudbury Resident Charged After Unwanted Person Call in Chapleau
A Sudbury resident's facing multiple charges after an incident in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called to a Chapleau residence Saturday night because of an unwanted person.
Officers observed the accused person breaching his release conditions, leading to the 33-year-old's arrest on charges of failure to comply with release order and possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.
He's been released with a future court date in Chapleau.
20th Annual Wawa Black Fly Run Cancelled
Wawa's annual Black Fly Run has been cancelled.
A post on the event's Facebook page explains the organizing committee made the decision "with a heavy heart", thanking everyone who has supported the race over the years.
This year's 20th event had been touted as the final - it's unclear if this means the run's over or a makeup will simply be held another time.
Online registration opened in January, and details about fee refunds are expected "shortly".
Parks Canada Bans Camping and Group Activities
Canada's national parks are banning camping, group activities, and events for at least a month-and-a-half.
Parks Canada says it is suspending such activities at all of its national parks, national historic sites, heritage canals, and national marine conservation areas until at least May 31st - that's in addition to its closure of visitor facilities and suspension of visitor service and all motor vehicle access implemented last month.
Ontario provincial parks are similarly closed to the public at this time.
CSCNO Hires New Special Education Services Director
The local French Catholic school board has hired a new boss for special education.
Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says Chantal Lafleur's been appointed the new Director of Special Education Services, replacing Tracy Rossini, who's held the position since 2013.
Lafleur's been with the board as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal since 1999.
She's set to start in the role in mid-July, making her responsible for organizing, managing, and ensuring the quality of the board's special education services, including implementing special programs, offering training to staff, and collaborating with community agencies to develop strategies and initiatives aimed at improving academic success for all students.
Newmont Porcupine Implements New COVID-19 Measures
A local mine's taking further safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Newmont Porcupine says it has been monitoring the outbreak closely for months, and has taken new measures on advice from local health units, including on-site social distancing protocols, staggered morning huddles, limits on the number of people in a room, screening at all entry points - including temperature checks - and mandatory self-quarantine for those who've travelled internationally.
More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region
In Northern Ontario, Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported several cases over the weekend, bringing the total to 38 - mostly in Greater Sudbury - and the health unit emphasizes those who think they have symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should self-isolate and then contact an assessment centre.
Algoma Public Health's only confirmed ten cases - though 115 tests are still pending - while the neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 39 cases, including several stemming from community exposure.
Wesdome Further Restricts Local Operations
A local mine's reducing operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wesdome Gold Mines says its nearby Eagle River complex has suspended "non-production related work" - such as exploration and mine construction activities - as well as operations at the Mishi Open Pit, to allow for "significant crew reductions and...enhanced physical distancing" until the resumption of normal activities is deemed safe and appropriate.
Despite the reduction, Wesdome's maintaining production guidance of 90,000 to 100,000 ounces.
Its Kiena Complex in Quebec is currently closed, due to an order by that province's government.
Two other local mines - Alamos Gold's Island Gold Mine and Harte Gold's Sugar Zone Mine - have halted all activities except for "care and maintenance".
Chapleau Council Approves Plan for Downtown Revitalization
Chapleau is looking to revitalize the downtown - by lighting it up.
Mayor Michael Levesque says the Township's making something of a partnership with itself to use funds meant for downtown revitalization.
Mayor Levesque says there is still an older plan to further revitalize the downtown, but the funding wouldn't cover much.
Hopes are for this project to be done this year.
More COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Northeastern Ontario
More cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Northeastern Ontario.
Algoma Public Health says a man in his 60s is their tenth confirmed case - he has a history of international travel but also close contact with another case.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says a man in his 40s and a woman in her 20s are its latest cases - bringing the total to 28 - it's unclear how the man contracted the virus, while the woman has a history of international travel and close contact with another case.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's reported 34 cases, including several stemming from community exposure.
Chapleau Council Waives Interest and Penalty Charges Amid COVID-19
Chapleau Town Council's approved some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting held Wednesday, Council approved resolutions to waive interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the March 30th property tax installment, the second quarter water, wastewater, and refuse collection billing which will be due May 29th, and accounts receivable arising after March 1st.
Mayor Michael Levesque says it's meant to help residents amid the current pandemic.
Mayor Levesque and Council also commend health care providers - including the paramedics and volunteer firefighters - in preparing for COVID-19, as well as volunteers who've helped the vulnerable population with necessities - and Levesque highlights donations by Newmont Porcupine, which has donated $50,000 to Chapleau, $30,000 going to the hospital for equipment during the pandemic, and $10,000 each for the community's two food banks.
Officials from the Township, Chapleau Health Services, the Chapleau and District Family Health Team, and local physicians are also urging everyone to act as if there is community spread of COVID-19 to protect ourselves and fellow community members, meaning staying home except for groceries or prescriptions, cleaning hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with others - particularly those who are sick - covering coughs or sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily.
Northeast Superior Mayors Strongly Urge Social Distancing
The local Northeast Superior Mayors Group is urging residents to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The mayors of Wawa, Chapleau, Dubreuilville, White River, Manitouwadge, and Hornepayne are "strongly urging" residents to stay in their hometown and only travel for essential purposes - like medical reasons, banking, or prescriptions - and the practice physical distancing when out, limiting social gatherings to no more than five people.
They note this is "of critical importance to ensure local hospitals will not be overwhelmed should community members become ill from the COVID-19 virus, which would put a strain on the supply of ventilators, personal protective equipment, physicians, and health care professionals", emphasizing staying home and reducing visitors is "especially critical to ensure the safety of our aging population and those with health challenges who may be at greater risk should they become infected".
Residents are reminded municipal playgrounds, sportsfields, and community centres are closed while outdoor fires are currently banned, and recommend limiting grocery and convenience store visits to once a week - with one person designated for all shopping - further emphasizing anyone who travelled recently must stay home during their isolation period.
Wawa Council Approves Delay in New Water Rates and Confirms Interest Relief
Wawa Municipal Council's approved measures to provide some financial relief for taxpayers.
In an electronic meeting last night, Council approved a resolution confirming a previously-announced move waiving interest and penalty charges until June 30th for the property tax installment due April 30th, the water and sewer billings coming in early May, and accounts receivable.
The Municipality notes payments can be made at the bank; using online or telephone banking; by mail; by credit card; by credit card over the phone; through temporary automatic withdrawals; or - as a temporary measure only - through e-transfer payments.
Council's also delaying the implementation of new water and sewer rates, pushing it four months to September 1st - that means the rates would apply for the final billing period of the year, which would go out to ratepayers at the start of 2021.
CAO/Treasurer Maury O'Neill had cited multiple issues relating to the current pandemic that made it hard for staff to make needed changes - including that they couldn't attend physical businesses to change meters or check for leaks, or hold public meetings to communicate the changes, or as easily work with businesses and individuals to mitigate the impact of the new rates - though O'Neill also noted a delay from the provider for the billing system, and added this could offer a level of relief for ratepayers amid the pandemic.
Canada's Top Medical Officials Agree Masks Can Help Curb Spread of COVID-19
Canada's top medical officials are agreeing masks could be helpful in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
After weeks downplaying the effectiveness of non-medical masks, Canada's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam, now says they are an option that provides "an added layer of prevention and protecting the spreading to others", but emphasizes it's more important to maintain physical distancing of two metres or six feet.
Tam suggests a t-shirt or bed sheet could be fashioned into a mask, emphasizing medical-grade masks should be reserved for health care professionals, given shortages.
Canada's Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health says non-medical masks have not been proven to protect the person wearing them, but could help prevent the spread of the virus by pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people with the virus, though they emphasize it's more important to stay home as much as possible, practice physical distancing when out, wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs with tissues or a sleeve, and protect the most vulnerable from infection and exposure to others.
The Council also reminds people not to touch their face even when wearing a mask, particularly avoiding touching your nose or mouth or rubbing your eyes.
Wawa COVID-19 Assessment Centre Opens
A COVID-19 assessment centre's officially opened in Wawa.
The Lady Dunn Health Centre says the centre's been established - in collaboration with the Municipality of Wawa - at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, meant to serve people in the hospital's "catchment area", to assess the need for COVID-19 testing and follow-up testing, though by appointment only - by calling the Municipality at 705-856-2244, extension 244 or 246.
It's only open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays, and will be closed Good Friday and Easter Monday.
The centre's meant for people with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection - like cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, or joint aches - or fever, so long as the person's a close contact with a known or probable case, or those at higher risk of transmitting to larger groups of people.
People without symptoms who've travelled outside of Canada in the last fourteen days should instead self-isolate for fourteen days while those with no symptoms who haven't travelled outside of Canada should self-monitor and practice physical distancing.
Chapleau's also using its recreation centre as an assessment centre, though also by appointment only.