The Porcupine Health Unit's investigating a COVID-19 case at a Cochrane mine.
An employee of the Detour Lake Mine recently tested positive - the health unit's monitoring the individual, who's currently self-isolating at home, while they've already followed up with close contacts, though the health unit is warning there's a potential for exposure for anyone who was on site between July 30th and August 3rd.
It advises such individuals to monitor for symptoms, and if they occur, immediately isolate and contact your health unit for testing.
Wawa's Lion's Beach Washrooms Closed for Repairs
The washrooms at Wawa's Lion's Beach are closed for repairs.
The Municipality of Wawa says several items within the facility have been broken, causing unsanitary and unsafe conditions, prompting the closure - it'll stay closed until further notice, so staff can repair the facility and return it to a safe condition.
This isn't the first time, as the building was also closed in August 2016, after several instances of vandalism over a "couple week" period.
Thunder Bay District Health Unit Confirms New COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the region.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit says its 99th case is a Thunder Bay area man in his 20s whose exposure is currently listed as "pending".
This leaves the health unit with three active cases, all in the Thunder Bay area.
Public Health Subury and Districts confirmed its 90th case yesterday, a Sudbury District man in his 70s whose exposure is unknown, though its site now shows another recovery, leaving it with 17 active cases, all but the latest in Greater Sudbury.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case - reported yesterday - a Timmins man in his 20s.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in more than a week, though it is waiting on the results from 559 tests.
PHSD Confirms 90th COVID-19 Case
Another case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 90th case is a man in his 70s from an unspecified Sudbury District community - he's currently self-isolating after being tested Monday.
It's unclear how the man contracted the coronavirus, as he has no history of travel or known contact with another case.
The health unit has emphasized community spread "remains possible and is likely in Sudbury and districts", urging everyone to limit "non-essential in-person gatherings of any size" and to maintain physical distancing of at least two metres - or six feet - from anyone who isn't from the same household or ten-person social circle, as well as wear a face covering if distancing isn't possible - face coverings are currently required in all indoor public spaces.
It further reminds COVID-19's circulating at different levels around the province and Canada, emphasizing "the safest options are to stay in the area of your home community or to stay in the region".
Combined with a few recent recoveries, this latest case leaves the health unit with 18 active cases - all but this one in Greater Sudbury - with outbreaks declared at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, as employees at the long-term care facilities have tested positive.
The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's also reporting a new case, a Timmins man in his 20s, bringing the health unit's total confirmed cases to 72, though this is the only active one - it's warning of the "3 Cs": crowded places; close contact settings; and confined or enclosed spaces.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has three "active" cases in the Thunder Bay area, all reported last weekend, two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in more than a week, though it is waiting on the results from 526 tests.
COVID-19 Recoveries Continue in Region
Another recovery's been reported in the region.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's another case is considered "resolved", leaving only three "active" cases - it had reported that many in the Thunder Bay area over the weekend, two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
The Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, an employee of a Hearst nursing home confirmed yesterday.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s, including employees at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, prompting outbreak declarations for the long-term care facilities.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in a week, though it is waiting on the results from 826 tests.
More COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Region
Several new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the weekend.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed three more cases in the Thunder Bay area - two travel-related, one from close contact with another case.
Combined with one recovery, this leaves four active cases in that region.
The Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed a new case - an employee of a Hearst nursing home - though it has also reported a new recovery, leaving only one active case.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts still has 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s, including employees at Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge, prompting outbreak declarations for the long-term care facilities.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case in a week, though it is waiting on the results from about 775 tests.
Single Vehicle Collision Near Wawa Leads to Impaired Driving Charges
An early morning collision's resulted in impaired driving and other charges for a Wawa driver.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to a single vehicle collision on Highway 17 in Bailloquet Township around 7 o'clock Saturday - the driver had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived, though he was found walking on the highway around 8:30 that morning, leading to his arrest.
Further investigation revealed he was impaired by alcohol, prompting charges of: operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); dangerous operation; failure to stop after accident; and race motor vehicle - stunt.
The 25-year-old's been released from custody pending a future court date, but issued a 90 day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and the vehicle's impounded for seven days.
Minor Injuries Reported in Float Plane Crash Near Sault Ste. Marie
Only minor injuries have been reported after a float plane crash near Sault Ste. Marie.
Emergency services responded to the crash on Upper Island Lake around 6:25 Saturday Night, funing the pilot and the plane's sole passenger had already been brought to safety by local residents.
Both were assessed by Algoma EMS on scene and found to have only minor injuries, requiring no treatment at hospital.
Sault Ste. Marie OPP thank those who assisted in rescuing the occupants from the water.
White River Driver Faces Impaired and Other Charges After Speeding Stop
A White River driver's facing impaired driving and other charges after being stopped for speeding.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say the vehicle was stopped for speeding on Highway 17 in Lendrum Township around 11:20 Wednesday night - the officers determined the driver had been consuming alcohol, leading to their arrest on charges of operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs, operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), and fail to comply with probation order.
The 26-year-old has been released with a September court date, though their driver's licence has been suspended for 90 days and their vehicle impounded for seven days.
COVID-19 Cases Remain Active in Region
Several active cases remain in the region, particularly Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed 21 active cases, all in Greater Sudbury - most are nineteen or younger, though there are others in their 20s to 60s.
Outbreaks have been declared at two long-term care facilities in Greater Sudbury - Pioneer Manor and Extendicare Falconbridge - as some of the cases are employees.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe's raised concerns that more than a third of the 22 cases reported in the last two weeks - after nearly a month with no cases - have no known exposure, meaning community spread of the virus.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has two active cases in the Thunder Bay area, while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health hasn't had an active case since Monday, though it is waiting on the results from over 600 tests.
PHSD Warns 2nd Tick Tested Positive for Lyme Disease Bacteria
Sudbury's health unit is warning to beware ticks.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts notes a blacklegged tick "found locally" has tested positive for the bacteria that can cause Lyme disease - the second to do so this year.
It recommends measures to protect yourself, including: avoiding walking in tall grass; clearing debris and overgrown vegetation, grass, bushes, and trees from yards; keeping wood piles or bird feeders away from homes; and wearing long-sleeved, light-coloured clothes with closed-toe shoes, as well as Health Canada-approved insect repellants.
Signs of Lyme disease include a red bull's eye-shaped rash around the bite area, as well as symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, stiff neck, and swollen glands.
PHSD Reports More New Cases, Including Travel-Related
Several new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed ten more cases, all in Greater Sudbury: six are nineteen or younger, along with a man in his 40s, a woman in her 60s, a man in his 20s, and a woman in her 40s.
One of the new cases is an employee of Sudbury's Pioneer Manor, prompting an outbreak declaration for the long-term care home, one of two in the area, as an outbreak was also declared recently for Extendicare Falconbridge.
Two of the younger cases are noted to have contact with a travel-related case - multiple have been reported in Greater Sudbury youth recently - while another had contact with a case of unknown exposure - it's unclear how the others were exposed.
This leaves the health unit with 21 active cases - all in Greater Sudbury - which has prompted the declaration of an outbreak at the long-term care facility.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe notes the health unit's reported 22 new cases in just the last week and a half - after nearly a month of no reported cases - but she says it's "even more worrisome" that more than a third of the new cases have no known exposure, meaning community spread of the virus.
Sutcliffe notes community spread's a key measure in assessing reopening, adding she is "very concerned" about it, as "no one wants to go backwards".
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has two active cases in the Thunder Bay area, while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health has no active cases, though it is waiting on the results from over 500 tests.
Argonaut Gold Touts Positive Results From Local Drilling
A Toronto-based miner's touting positive results from local drilling.
Argonaut Gold says results from Phase Two of its drill campaign specifically targeting high-grade mineralization below the proposed pit at its Magino property includes six metres at 8.31 grams per tonne gold, one metre at 48.5 grams, and two metres at 25.88 grams.
The company notes Phase Two focused on tightening drill spacing around high-grade intercepts at the Elbow and Central zones encountered during the first phase, with results from the Central Zone still to come.
Work Resumes at White River Gold Mine
Work's resumed at White River's gold mine.
Harte Gold says all mine activities have commenced at its Sugar Zone Mine, with Harte Gold "ahead on all key mining metrics" - as backfill, waste, and ore development are meeting or exceeding expectations, longhole blasting and ore haulage rates are improving daily, and a significant stockpile's been built-up - supporting planned mill start-up early next month.
The Toronto-based mining company is reiterating its production guidance of 20,000 to 24,000 ounces this year and 60,000 to 65,000 next year, noting a 1200 tonne per day feasibility study is underway, with near-mine exploration planned to start in August.
Several Active COVID-19 Cases Remain in Region
Several cases of COVID-19 remain active in the region - especially in Sudbury.
While figures from Public Health Sudbury and Districts shows one newly resolved case, there are still nine active in Greater Sudbury after the health unit reported several cases in recent days, many 19 or younger whose exposure has been linked to travel or contact with someone exposed during travel.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit still has two active cases in the Thunder Bay area, while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health has no active cases, though it is waiting on the results of nearly 500 tests.
Several New COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region
Several new cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the region - especially in Sudbury.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts confirmed eight new cases late Monday; seven Greater Sudbury residents 19 or younger and a Greater Sudbury man in his 30s.
One of the younger cases is noted to have travel-related exposure, while the other seven had contact with a travel-related case.
This leaves the health unit with ten active cases - all in Greater Sudbury - including two others 19 or younger that are linked to travel and two employees of Extendicare Falconbridge, which has prompted the declaration of an outbreak at the long-term care facility.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit - meanwhile - has confirmed its 95th case - a woman in her 50s in the Thunder Bay area, whose exposure is unknown - leaving it with two active cases in the Thunder Bay area.
The Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, as well - the health unit's 70th, noted to be in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health has no active cases, though it is waiting on the results of more than 500 tests.
Man Faces Impaired Driving and Other Charges After Failing to Stop for Chapleau RIDE Check
A southwestern Ontario man's facing multiple charges after failing to stop for a RIDE check in Chapleau.
Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they were conducting the RIDE spot check with the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service at the intersection of Monk Street and Pine Street around 11:05 Friday night when a vehicle was observed swerving into the oncoming lane as it was approaching them, but failed to stop as directed - officers followed the vehicle to a motel, where the driver and passenger fled on foot inside, though the driver was arrested after a short foot chase and struggle.
The 27-year-old from St. Clair Township has been charged with operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus), resist peace officer, and drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available.
He's been released with a future Chapleau court date, though he's also been issued a 90-day Administrative Driver's Licence Suspension and his vehicle's been impounded for seven days.
No Injuries After Tractor-Trailer Fire Near Montreal River
No injuries have been reported after a tractor trailer caught fire near Montreal River.
Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police and the Batchewana Fire Department responded to the fire in the southbound lanes of Highway 17 in Slater Township around 4:30 Saturday afternoon - police say the transport was loaded with wood, which became engulfed by the fire.
The driver, however, was not injured.
It's unclear whether police are still investigating or any charges are being considered.
PHSD Declares Long-Term Care Home Outbreak
An outbreak's been declared at a Sudbury long-term care home.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 71st case, a Greater Sudbury woman in her 50s who tested positive on Saturday, is an employee of Extendicare Falconbridge, prompting the outbreak declaration for the facility - she was tested as part of routine surveillance testing of long-term care staff across the province.
The health unit further notes its 69th case, a Greater Sudbury woman in her 30s who tested positive on Thursday, was also an employee of the facility.
They're two of four active cases in Greater Sudbury, as two residents 19 or younger have tested positive in the last week.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit confirmed its 94th - and only active case - late Friday, a woman in her 30s in the Thunder Bay area while the Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case - its 70th - noted to be in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Algoma Public Health's has no "active" cases at this time, though it is waiting on the results of more than 1000 tests.
More COVID-19 Cases Reported in Region
More cases of COVID-19 are being reported in the region.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts confirmed two new cases over the weekend; a Greater Sudbury resident 19 or younger on Friday and a Greater Sudbury woman in her 50s on Saturday.
The first case was exposed through contact with a travel-related case - the health unit had reported a travel-related case in a Greater Sudbury resident 19 or younger last Monday - while the other case had close contact with a case of unknown exposure - the health unit reported a Greater Sudbury woman in her 30s with unknown exposure last Thursday.
All four cases are considered "active" at this time.
The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit confirmed its 94th - and only active case - late Friday, a woman in her 30s in the Thunder Bay area - her exposure is unknown.
The Porcupine Health Unit has a single active case, as well - the health unit's 70th was announced last week, noted to be in isolation at Timmins and District Hospital.
Some good news: Algoma Public Health's showing all 27 of its cases are now considered "resolved" - including two cases reported more than a week ago - though it is waiting on the results of nearly 900 tests.