PHSD Confirms 15th COVID-19 Death, TBDHU Confirms 2 More

More COVID-19 deaths are being reported in the region.

Though it isn't giving any further details, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed two more deaths, bringing its death toll since the pandemic began to 37 - the health unit also reported two deaths yesterday.

Meanwhile, the health unit's reporting 40 new cases in the Thunder Bay area, four in unspecified First Nation communities, and two in unspecified "district communities".

In total, it has reported 2128 cases, though the number "active" has declined from yesterday's 458 to 414 while the number in hospital is up from 29 to 31, with ten in an ICU, one more than yesterday.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed its fifteenth death, though it is also giving no further details.

It's also reporting ten new cases - all in Greater Sudbury - with two more cases screening positive for variants of concern - the health unit's reported 828 cases since the pandemic began, with 97 screened positive for a variant of concern - it currently has 211 "active" COVID-19 cases.

The Porcupine Health Unit - on the other hand - has confirmed its 343rd case, noted to be a resident of the Hearst and Hornepayne area - the health unit has four "active" cases at this time.

Algoma Public Health also has four "active", one in hospital.

Future of Chapleau Ice Season Uncertain

Chapleau Town Council's waiting a little longer to decide whether to extend this year's ice season.

While the arena's ice is normally removed at the end of March, Council had received a request from Chapleau Minor Hockey to keep it in until April 17th - but Mayor Michael Levesque notes a decision's been pushed to the March 22nd meeting.

As Levesque referenced, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has issued a "Letter of Instruction" going beyond the province's restrictions for the health unit - while provincial restrictions limited team sports to training with no contact or coming within two metres of each other, the health unit's prohibiting training, too, as well as activities likely to result in individuals coming within three metres of each other.

That's prompted the Township to close the Recreation Centre until further notice.

The health unit's "Letter of Instruction" - which took effect at midnight this morning - also requires restaurant or bar patrons to be from the same household to sit together - with some exceptions for those who live alone or are caregivers - while the patrons must verbally attest to this to the business, and provide more information to support contact tracing.

Chapleau Civic Centre Remains Closed

The Chapleau Civic Centre is closed to public access for several weeks.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's made the decision to continue restricting access.

While the building is closed to the public, Mayor Levesque notes people can call or email staff, and - if something physical's needed, such as a token - they can call ahead or use the doorbell to be serviced at the entrance.

Arrest Made After White River Armed Robbery

OPP are investigating an armed robbery in White River.

Superior East OPP say they responded to the incident at an unspecified business around 3:20 this morning - while the suspect fled westbound before police arrived, members of the Marathon detachment and the OPP Northwest Region Emergency Response Team found and arrested the lone suspect around 7:50.

The Sault Ste. Marie Crime Unit's investigating.

PHSD Further Tightening COVID-19 Restrictions, Chapleau Arena Closing

COVID-19 restrictions are further tightening for Public Health Sudbury and Districts.

While the region moved into the "Red-Control" level of the province's tiered restrictions framework yesterday, the health unit's issued a "Letter of Instruction" going beyond the province's restrictions starting tomorrow.

Per the provincial restrictions, restaurants and bars are only allowed ten patrons at a time with no more than four seated together, but the health unit's now requiring any patrons seated together to be from the same household, with some exceptions for those who live alone or are caregivers - the businesses will also need patrons to verbally attest to this, and provide additional information to support contact tracing in the event of potential COVID-19 exposure.

The provincial restrictions also limited team sports to training - with no contact or even coming within two metres of others - though the health unit's prohibiting training, too, while banning any activities likely to result in individuals coming within three metres of each other.

In response, the Township of Chapleau has announced that the Recreation Centre is closing as of tomorrow, until further notice.

More COVID-19 Deaths Reported by Neighbouring Health Units

More COVID-19 deaths are being reported in the region.

Though it isn't giving any further details, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed two more deaths - bringing the region's death toll to 35 - while the health unit has confirmed 54 more cases in the Thunder Bay area and four in unspecified First Nation communities.

In total, it has reported 2082 cases, with 458 currently "active", 29 in hospital, nine in an ICU.

Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed another death related to the outbreak at Extendicare Kapuskasing - which was declared over two weeks ago - though the health unit's also reporting that a death earlier this year that was attributed to COVID-19 was not actually associated with the illness - that leaves the total number of COVID-19 deaths for the health unit at 25.

That health unit currently has four "active" cases.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - which reported 34 cases last night - has 204 "active", while Algoma Public Health has four "active", one in hospital.

PHSD Continues to Report Rising COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 cases continue rising for Public Health Sudbury and Districts.

The health unit's confirmed 34 new cases - all in Greater Sudbury - bringing the region's total to 818, with 204 currently "active".

It's also reporting eighteen more cases have "screened positive for variants of concern", bringing that total to 95.

The region - which includes Chapleau - moved from the "Orange-Restrict" category of Ontario's tiered restrictions framework to the tougher "Red-Control" level yesterday, restricting public and social gatherings, as well as restaurant, bar, and retail store capacity.

There is some good news: the health unit's opened pre-registration for vaccination for adults 80 and older and individuals who receive chronic home care services - pre-registering means the individuals will be contacted directly to book an appointment when possible, though - due to limited supply - lotteries to be held to match vaccine recipients to available doses.

COVID-19 Cases Rising for TBDHU & PHSD

COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in the Sudbury and Thunder Bay areas.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit has confirmed its 33rd COVID-19 death, though it isn't giving any further details.

Meanwhile - a day after reporting a record 111 cases - the health unit's confirmed another 30 - three in unspecified First Nation communities, the rest in the Thunder Bay area - bringing its total to 2024, with 462 "active", 36 in hospital, ten in an ICU.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - on the other hand - has confirmed seventeen in Greater Sudbury and another in an unspecified Sudbury District community, bringing its total to 784, 181 still "active" - the health unit's also reporting 23 more cases have "screened positive" for "variants of concern".

The region moved into the tougher "Red-Control" category of Ontario's tiered restrictions framework this morning, limiting gatherings to five people indoors or 25 outdoors - ten people are allowed for meeting and event spaces - while restaurants and bars can only have ten patrons at a time with no more than four seated together, retail stores can only have half capacity - 75 percent for grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies - and sports and recreation areas are limited to ten people for indoor areas with weights and exercise machines, ten for all indoor sports and recreation classes, and 25 for outdoor classes, with no spectators - team sports are also prohibited except for training with no contact or even coming within two metres of each other, and a 90-minute limit for participating in a sport.

The health unit's also warning of "potential high-risk exposure" for anyone who attended the Urban Air Adventure Park in Greater Sudbury February 27th, urging those who did to seek testing as soon as possible, and to remain home and self-isolate until March 13th - even if you get a negative test result.

While the Porcupine Health Unit hasn't reported any new cases in recent days, it has confirmed a case previously identified as a possible "variant of concern" is indeed the health unit's first case of such a variant - the health unit currently has seven "active" cases, one in hospital.

Algoma Public Health - which reported its 200th case on Thursday - has five "active", including one in hospital.

Chapleau Council Has Busy Night Ahead With 1st March Meeting

Chapleau Town Council's got a busy night ahead, with numerous items on the agenda for tonight's regular meeting.

That includes replacement of discharge header valves at the Water Treatment Plant, a purchase order for upgrades to the Township's firewall and server hardware, preparation of an asset management plan, filling a vacancy on the Public Library Board, an update on the sewage lagoon dechlorination project, and direction on public access to the Civic Centre.

There's also an "Committee of Adjustment" item regarding property on Highway 129, and an "in-camera" item about CAO recruitment.

Aside from the "in-camera" portion, the public can listen in on tonight's meeting by calling 1-800-974-5902, entering conference ID 5116623 - the meeting starts at 6:30 pm.

Pair of Wawa Schools Remain Closed Amid Frozen Pipes

A pair of Wawa schools remain closed over frozen pipes.

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says a frozen sewer line forced it to close St. Joseph French Immersion Catholic School before Friday's classes, and - as a plumber with appropriate equipment isn't expected until today - the school's not expected to reopen until tomorrow, though the closure could be extended depending on the "extent and duration" of the repair.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon similarly closed Ecole Saint-Joseph, currently planning to reopen it tomorrow.

Both boards say students will need to learn virtually during the closure.

TBDHU Reports Record 111 New Cases

COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing for the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which reported triple digits for the first time on Sunday.

In total, the health unit recorded 151 cases over the weekend, though 111 were on Sunday alone - nearly double the previous daily record of 61, set Thursday.

Five of this weekend's cases were in unspecified First Nation communities, one in an unspecified "district community", the remaining 145 in the Thunder Bay area.

In total, the health unit has seen 1994 cases since the pandemic began, with 470 currently "active", including 37 in hospital, 11 in intensive care.

The region also has Ontario's highest "incidence rate" for the week of February 25th to March 3rd, with 202.1 cases per 100,000 residents - more than double the next highest, Brant County's 90.2.

PHSD (Including Chapleau) Moves Into Tougher COVID-19 Restrictions

Restrictions have tightened for Chapleau and area.

As of today, the Public Health Sudbury and Districts region - including Chapleau - has moved from the "Orange-Restrict" category of Ontario's tiered restrictions framework to the tougher "Red-Control" level.

Under this level, gathering limits are cut to five people indoors and 25 outdoors - though meeting and event spaces can host ten indoors or 25 outdoors - while restaurants and bars are limited to only ten patrons at a time with no more than four seated together, and retail stores can only have half capacity, or 75 percent for grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

It also means a limit of ten people in indoor recreation areas with weights and exercise machines, ten for all indoor sports and recreation classes, and 25 for outdoor classes, with no spectators - team sports are also prohibited except for training with no contact or even coming within two metres of each other, and a 90-minute limit for participating in a sport.

Despite those restrictions, Chapleau's AW Moore Arena is remaining open, just requiring the tighter rules to be followed.

The health unit reported 52 new cases over the weekend - one in an unspecified Sudbury District community, the rest in Greater Sudbury - leaving it with 173 "active" - it's also reporting several more cases screened positive for "variants of concern", bringing that total to 64.

There is some good news: the health unit's opened pre-registration for vaccination for adults 80 and older and individuals who receive chronic home care services - pre-registering means the individuals will be contacted directly to book an appointment when possible.

It does note vaccine supply's limited, with lotteries to be held to match vaccine recipients to available doses.

APH Confirms 200th COVID-19 Case, Warns of Possible Exposure on Flights

COVID-19 cases are rising in the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 200th case - which is the 147th in the Sault Ste. Marie area - leaving the health unit with six "active" cases, one in hospital.

The health unit - meanwhile - is warning of possible exposure on a pair of Air Canada flights on Monday, March 1st: flight AC 481 from Montreal to Toronto - specifically passengers in rows 27 to 33 and flight crew that may have served those rows - as well as flight AC 8321 from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie, specifically passengers in rows five to eleven and flight crew that may've served those rows.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed fifteen new cases in Greater Sudbury and another in an unspecified Sudbury District community, bringing its total to 714, 124 currently "active".

It's also reporting nine more cases have screened positive for variants of concern.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit - on the other hand - has confirmed 48 more cases, bringing its total to 1843, with 389 "active", 27 in hospital, eight in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit currently has twelve "active" cases, one in hospital.

Pair of Wawa Schools Closed Amid Frozen Pipes

A pair of Wawa schools have frozen in person classes amid frozen pipes.

The Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board says St. Joseph French Immersion Catholic School's temporarily closed due to a frozen sewer line, and - as a plumber with appropriate equipment isn't expected until Monday - the school's also expected to be closed Monday, as well, and the closure could be further extended depending on the "extent and duration" of the repair.

The Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon similarly closed Ecole Saint-Joseph, currently planning to reopen it on Tuesday, March 9th.

Both boards say students will need to learn virtually during the closure.

Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge Nearing End

Time's running out for anglers to get out on the ice for a special COVID-safe ice fishing tournament.

Underway since the Family Day weekend, the Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge encourages anglers to fish locally, competing for prizes and to top local leaderboards, as well as help their community be crowned the "Ice Fishing Capital" of Ontario, based on "collective catch".

As of Thursday afternoon, Wawa was far ahead, followed by Moonbeam, then Chapleau, while Kapuskasing and Dubreuilville round out the top five.

Wawa does have an advantage with 135 participants - nearly double Chapleau's 77 - while Moonbeam has 62, and Dubreuilville has the sixth highest, with 28.

Each community is sponsored: Wawa by the Wawa Motor Inn; Chapleau by the Chapleau Rotary Club; and Dubreuilville by the Township of Dubreuilville.

The Ontario Ice Fishing Challenge ends at noon Sunday, March 7th.

APH Provides COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Update

COVID-19 vaccination efforts are moving forward across Algoma.

While it's in the process of administering second doses to residents of long-term care homes and First Nations elder care lodges, Algoma Public Health says first doses are now being administered to long-term care home staff and essential caregivers, as well as "highest priority" health care workers, as defined by the province.

It's also preparing for vaccination clinics covering adults 80 or older - expected to start in the coming weeks - will vaccinations will continue to be offered to "priority Indigenous adults" on-reserve and in urban settings.

APH's website shows plans are to hold such clinics in North Algoma at the end of the month, at Wawa's Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre March 23rd and 26th, at the Dubreuilville Medical Centre the 24th, and in White River on the 25th, though some details are still pending - it emphasizes the clinics will be by appointment only, with all individuals to be contacted directly, so do not show up without an appointment.

Ontario's vaccine rollout task force previously announced plans to launch an online booking system and service desk March 15th, when those 80 and older could start booking appointments, hoping to lower that to 75 on April 15th, 70 May 1st, 65 June 1st, and 60 July 1st.

The health unit emphasizes that public health measures are still important - particularly until the vaccine's widely available - urging everyone stay home as much as possible and avoid non-essential travel, gatherings, or close contact with people you don't live with, wearing a mask and physically distancing when in public places - and to stay home when ill, even with mild symptoms.

Province Providing Extra Support to Municipalities Amid COVID-19

Ontario municipalities are getting half-a-billion dollars in extra support amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The provincial government's announced $500-million to be split by the 444 municipalities to address ongoing COVID-19 operating costs, meant to ensure the delivery of critical services and keep capital projects on track.

According to the government, the Municipality of Wawa will receive a total of $50,576, while the Township of Chapleau's getting $40,461, the Township of Dubreuilville $22,324, and the Township of White River $25,180.

Unclear Future for MMCC Ice Season, Especially Curling Season

The future of Wawa's ice season is up in the air, amid competing requests for space at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Following a request by Council last month - pushed by Councillor Pat Tait - Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson says staff had explored the possibility of extending the ice season.

Patterson notes that - as staff was preparing to bring the report to Council - Algoma Public Health made a conflicting request, to use the site as a vaccination facility as it ramps up community distribution.

Patterson adds that request would actually mean an early end to the curling season, which was already truncated by a later start and a two-month pause mid-season, both caused by pandemic-related public health restrictions - and he notes the health unit's also requested use of the banquet hall and lounge, which could mean temporary cancellation of dance, karate, and other programming that would normally take place in that area.

The situation was discussed during this week's Council meeting, with Council deciding more information is needed before making a decision - plans are to do so at the next meeting, or possibly an early special meeting, if time requires.

COVID-19 Cases Rise Across Region

COVID-19 cases are rising in the region, with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reporting its highest single-day increase since the pandemic began.

It's reporting 52 in the Thunder Bay area, five more in unspecified First Nation communities, and another four in unspecified "district communities" - that brings its total to 1795, with 397 "active", 29 in hospital, ten in an ICU.

The health unit has also confirmed its 32nd COVID-19 death, though it isn't giving any further details.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting seventeen new cases in Greater Sudbury and another in an unspecified Sudbury District community, bringing its total to 698, including 112 "active".

The health unit's also reporting six more cases have screened positive for "variants of concern" - so far, 31 have in the region, with three cases confirmed.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting a new case in the James and Hudson Bay region - that brings the health unit to 342, fourteen "active", one in hospital.

More Details About Algoma's 4th COVID-19 Death

More details are emerging about Algoma's fourth COVID-19 death.

While Algoma Public Health gave no details when it reported the death Monday night, St. Joseph's General Hospital Elliot Lake has confirmed "a patient previously treated" at the hospital with confirmed COVID-19 has passed away, the second patient at the hospital to die from the illness.

Algoma Public Health still has five "active" cases, including one in hospital.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - declared an outbreak at Pepco in Hearst, noting four employees are confirmed cases, determined to be related to the workplace - the declaration came as the health unit reported two new cases linked to an institutional outbreak in the Hearst and Hornepayne area.

That health unit has reported 341 cases, with fifteen still "active", one in hospital.