APH Updates Vaccination Efforts

Algoma Public Health is looking to expand vaccination clinics before the end of the month.

The local health unit says - as of yesterday - residents of Algoma long-term care homes and First Nation elder care lodges have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine - with overall resident uptake of the vaccine over 90 percent - while all staff and essential caregivers of Algoma long-term care and retirement homes have been offered immunization, and "highest priority" health care workers, adults 80 and older, and Indigenous adults 55 and older have begun receiving immunizations, as well.

North Algoma's currently in the midst of that, having offered broader vaccination clinics in Wawa over the last two days, with a clinic happening in White River today, and Dubreuilville tomorrow.

Algoma Public Health expects - based on provincial allocations expected in the weeks of March 22nd and 29th - vaccinations will start being offered in the coming two weeks for "very high priority" health care workers, immediate household members of Indigenous adults 55 or older - regardless of status or Indigenous identity - and adult recipients of chronic home care, with mobile teams being planned to assist, though North Algoma's clinics have already started covering at least some of those groups, too.

The health unit also notes the provincial government's following the National Advisory Committee on Immunization's recommendation to extend the interval between the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines to sixteen weeks, intended to increase the number of people getting the first dose amid limited vaccine supply, though residents of long-term care and retirement homes or elder care lodges will continue to get their second dose within 21 to 28 days of the first shot.

It further warns variants of concern are continuing to spread with COVID-19 activity "extremely high in many areas of northern Ontario", so it's still important to follow public health measures like avoiding close contact with people you don't live with - staying at least two metres away - while wearing a mask indoors and anywhere it's difficult to maintain physical distancing, and - if you or someone in your household is ill, stay home and call for testing.

Those recommendations apply to everyone, even those who've received COVID-19 immunization.

Wawa Curling Season Ending Early, Arena Ice Extended

Wawa's curling season is ending early, but hockey players and skaters are getting a little more time.

Facing a request to use the curling rink for COVID-19 vaccination clinics, Wawa Municipal Council decided in their meeting this week to shut down the rink, with Community Services and Tourism Director Alex Patterson explaining that will happen quickly.

Patterson has some good news about arena ice, however.

As vaccination clinics have already started to be held at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre, Patterson notes there's been some changes to recreation activities, to accommodate.

Council - meanwhile - adopted rules regulating cannabis retail stores in town, following provincial rules requiring a certain distance from schools though not including a series of other "areas of concern" discussed - and questioned - at the previous Council meeting.

TBDHU Reports 39th COVID-19 Death, APH & PHSD Report New Cases

Another COVID-19 death has been confirmed in a neighbouring region.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is reporting its 39th death, though it isn't giving any further details.

This comes as it's reporting 68 new cases - six in unspecified First Nation communities, one in an unspecified district community, the rest in the Thunder Bay area - bringing its total to 2493, with 424 currently "active", 38 in hospital, eight in an ICU.

Algoma Public Health's reported two more in the Sault Ste. Marie area, one in the Elliot Lake area, and another in the Central and East Algoma area - all stem from close contact with a known case.

That brings the total to 217, with nineteen active - one in hospital - plus three cases among "non-Algoma residents temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed eighteen - all in Greater Sudbury - with one more case "screening positive for variants of concern".

In total, it has reported 1034 cases - 197 screening positive for a variant - with 245 cases currently "active".

The Porcupine Health Unit has one "active" case, in the Timmins area.

Frozen Pipes Temporarily Closing Wawa School

Frozen pipes are again forcing the closure of a Wawa school.

More than a week after reopening after frozen pipes forced the school's closure for multiple days, the Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon says frozen pipes are again causing issues for various parts of Ecole Saint-Joseph, so it will be closed tomorrow, meaning all students will need to turn to remote learning for the day.

As Friday is already scheduled to be a PD Day, the school isn't expected to reopen until Monday, March 22nd, though the board suggests that could change - if so, it'll inform parents.

The daycare is not affected by the problem, and will remain open.

North Algoma COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Underway

COVID-19 mass immunization clinics have started in North Algoma.

Clinics for adults 80 and older, "highest-priority" health care workers, and Indigenous adults 55 and older launched Tuesday in Wawa, continuing at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre from 9:30 am to 1 pm today.

A clinic will be held at White River's Legion Hall from 11 am to 3:30 pm tomorrow, then at Dubreuilville's Eddy Lefrancois Recreation Centre from 11 am to 4:30 pm Friday.

Appointments are needed - those eligible should call Wawa's central appointment line at 705-914-0464, the Dubreuilville Medical Centre at 705-884-2884, or White River's Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 807-822-2320.

Wawa Hosting Info Session on School Zone Project

The Municipality of Wawa's hosting a public information session on a major infrastructure project.

Infrastructure Services Director Dan Beach explains the school zone resurfacing project would see some important road work around some local schools.

Beach notes the project's currently in the "consultation phase", with today's event providing an opportunity to hear from or provide input to Tulloch Engineering and the Municipality.

While the info session runs from 4 pm to 8 pm today, the Municipality asks you call 705-856-2244, extension 221 ahead of time to book a space, to ensure COVID-19 rules are followed.

APH Reports New Cases, PHSD & TBDHU See New Cases But Fewer Active

COVID-19 cases are rising across the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed four more in Central and East Algoma and one more in the Sault Ste. Marie area - all but one of the cases stem from close contact with a known case.

The health unit's reported 213 cases overall, with fifteen currently "active" - one in hospital - though it notes three other cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma".

It has also declared an outbreak at Central Algoma Secondary School - the Algoma District School Board's already switched secondary students at the school to remote learning, while its Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 students can continue in-person learning.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has also added five cases - all in Greater Sudbury - while changing one previously reported case from the Manitoulin District to Greater Sudbury.

It's also reporting 38 more cases "screened positive for a 'variant of concern'" - in total, the health unit's reported 1016 cases, 196 screening positive for a variant, though "active" cases are down to 243, a decrease of 48 from the previous day.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed 33 cases in the Thunder Bay area and another two in unspecified district communities, bringing its total to 2425 though the number "active" has declined to 403, with hospitalizations down slightly to 39, eight in an ICU.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit only has one "active" case, in the Timmins area.

Wawa Council Holding Trio of Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council's got a busy night ahead, with a trio of meetings.

That includes a Committee of Adjustment meeting - which will consider a minor variance for a Long Beach Road property - as well as a Corporate Planning Committee meeting including discussion about the 2021 Drag Races, requests from the Michipicoten Golf Club, and a report on the possible extension of ice season at the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

That will come back up in tonight's regular meeting, which includes a resolution to approve the removal of curling ice - as plans are to use the curling rink for COVID-19 vaccine clinics - but another resolution would extend arena ice season.

The regular meeting also includes two "in-camera" items, both legal issues: one relates to an application under the Municipal Act - but involves "personal matters about an identifiable individual - the other relates to a Freedom of Information request.

Aside from the in-camera portion, the meetings will be broadcast on the Municipality's YouTube channel, starting at 6:30 tonight.

More COVID-19 Cases Reported by APH, PHSD, TBDHU

COVID-19 cases are rising across the region.

Algoma Public Health has confirmed four more in Central and East Algoma - three stemming from close contact with a known case, the other unknown at this time - though it adds a case reported Saturday no longer meets case definition and so isn't considered a confirmed case.

The health unit's reported 208 cases overall, with ten currently "active" - two in hospital - though it notes three other cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma".

The Algoma District School Board says "individuals associated with Central Algoma Secondary School" are among recently-reported cases, prompting the Desbarats school to send secondary students to remote learning for the week.

It adds students in the Grade 9 and "Bus 58" cohorts must isolate until March 26th and in the Grade 11/12 cohort must isolate until March 19th, while those and suggests testing as soon as possible.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 38 cases - all in Greater Sudbury - while reporting six more cases "screened positive for a 'variant of concern'".

That brings the health unit over 1000 reported cases - to 1011, 158 screened positive for a variant - with 291 "active" cases.

It's also reporting potential "high-risk" exposure for those who attended P&M's Kouzzina in Greater Sudbury between March 4th and 6th or 8th to 10th.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed one case each in unspecified First Nation and district communities, and 49 in in the Thunder Bay area, bringing its total to 2390, with 446 "active", 44 in hospital, seven in an I-C-U.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit only has one "active" case.

APH, PHSD, TBDHU All Report Rising COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 cases are rising across the region.

Algoma Public Health confirmed four over the weekend: one in Central and East Algoma, the rest in the Sault Ste. Marie area.

One of the cases stems from international travel, with the health unit warning of possible exposure on two Air India flights on March 9th: AI Flight 1102 from Ahmedabad to New Delhi and AI Flight 187 from New Delhi to Toronto.

It's also warning of possible low-risk exposure at the Northern Credit Union in Thessalon March 11th and 12th.

The health unit's reported 205 cases overall, with eight currently "active", though it notes two other cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts recorded 77 cases over the weekend - five in the Sudbury District, two in the Manitoulin District, the rest in Greater Sudbury - while 54 more cases "screened positive for a 'variant of concern'".

The health unit's reported 973 cases - 152 screened positive for a variant - with 266 "active" cases.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit confirmed 125 cases over the weekend - six in unspecified First Nation communities, two in unspecified district communities, the rest in the Thunder Bay area - bringing its total to 2339, with 437 "active", 37 in hospital, nine in an ICU.

It also confirmed its first case of a variant over the weekend, but gave no further details.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Near for North Algoma

COVID-19 vaccine clinics will start in North Algoma soon.

A group of organizations working as "North Algoma COVID-19 vaccine clinic partners" says clinics will be held this week in Dubreuilville, Wawa, and White River for adults 80 and older, "highest-priority" health care workers, and Indigenous adults 55 and older.

The Wawa clinics are scheduled first - tomorrow and Wednesday - with White River's clinic to be held Thursday, and Dubreuilville's next Friday.

Appointments are needed - those eligible to be vaccinated in the current clinics who have not been contacted should call one of three places: in Dubreuilville, it's the Dubreuilville Medical Centre at 705-884-2884; in White River it's the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 807-822-2320; and in Wawa, it's a central appointment line at 705-914-0464.

COVID-19 Cases Rising Across Region

COVID-19 cases are rising across the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 201st case - a resident of the Sault Ste. Marie area who was exposed by close contact with a known case.

The health unit currently has five "active" cases among residents - one in hospital - but it's also reporting two other cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting a record 55 new cases - all in Greater Sudbury - as the region has moved into the "Grey-Lockdown" category of the province's tiered restrictions framework.

It has reported 896 cases so far, with 263 currently "active" - it's also warning of possible "high-risk" exposure in M'Chigeeng First Nation over the weekend.

There is some good news, however, as the health unit has reduced the number of cases "screened positive for a variant of concern".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting a skyrocketing 82 cases - its second-highest ever - including 78 in the Thunder Bay area, three in unspecified First Nation communities, and one in an unspecified "district community".

Twenty of the cases stem from "household contact", twenty more from "other close contact", and fourteen from a retirement home outbreak.

That's brought the health unit to 2256 cases, 435 "active", 35 in hospital, eight in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit may not be reporting any new cases, but it is warning of possible exposure for those who went to Mount Jamieson in Timmins between 12:30 and 4:30 Sunday afternoon.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Planned for North Algoma

COVID-19 vaccine clinics are planned for North Algoma next week.

A release from the Lady Dunn Health Centre - on behalf of a group of organizations working as "North Algoma COVID-19 vaccine clinic partners - outlines plans for clinics in Dubreuilville, Wawa, and White River for adults 80 and older, "highest-priority" health care workers, and Indigenous adults 55 and older.

The Wawa clinics are scheduled first - Tuesday and Wednesday - with White River's clinic to be held Thursday, and Dubreuilville's next Friday.

Appointments are needed - those eligible to be vaccinated in the current clinics should call one of three places: in Dubreuilville, it's the Dubreuilville Medical Centre at 705-884-2884; in White River it's the Northern Neighbours Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic at 807-822-2320; and in Wawa, it's a central appointment line at 705-914-0464.

Restrictions Tighten as PHSD Moved Into COVID-19 Lockdown

Chapleau is now in lockdown, as the Ontario government's activated the "emergency brake" for Public Health Sudbury and Districts.

As of today, the health unit region - which includes Greater Sudbury, the rest of the Sudbury District, and the Manitoulin District - is now in the "Grey-Lockdown" category of the province's tiered restrictions framework.

Under that level - the toughest of the framework - outdoor organized public events and social gatherings are limited to ten people, while indoor events are banned, except for members of the same household, though those who live alone can have exclusive close contact with one household.

Religious services and ceremonies - including weddings and funerals - are limited to ten people - indoors or outdoors - while indoor and outdoor service at restaurants and bars is prohibited, though takeout, drive through, and delivery are allowed.

Indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities must also close - something already effectively ordered by the health unit - while retail stores are limited to 25 percent capacity, or 50 percent for grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

The health unit had only just moved into the "Red-Control" level of restrictions on Monday, though it has since reported dozens of new cases, including a skyrocketing number that have screened positive for "variants of concern".

In its announcement, the provincial government noted the region's case rate jumped 54.1% from March 3rd to 9th, hitting 75.9 cases per 100,000 people.

PHSD to Move Into Grey-Lockdown Restrictions

The Ontario government's activating the "emergency brake", tightening restrictions for Public Health Sudbury and Districts.

Starting tomorrow, the health unit region - which includes Chapleau - will move into "Grey-Lockdown", the highest category of the province's tiered restrictions framework, banning indoor organized public events and social gatherings - except for members of the same household, though those who live alone can have exclusive close contact with one household - while outdoor events are limited to ten people.

It also limits religious services or ceremonies - including weddings and funerals - to ten people - indoors or outdoors - while indoor and outdoor service at restaurants and bars will be prohibited, though takeout, drive through, and delivery will be allowed.

Indoor and outdoor sport and recreational facilities must also close - something already effectively ordered by the health unit - while retail stores are limited 25 percent capacity, or 50 percent for grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies.

This comes just days after the region was moved into the "Red-Control" level of restrictions.

The health unit reported thirteen new cases yesterday - all in Greater Sudbury - with ten more screening positive for "variants of concern" - the health unit's reported 841 cases since the pandemic began, 107 screening positive for such a variant.

It currently has 211 "active" COVID-19 cases.

COVID-19 Cases Rising in Neighbouring Regions

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting 38 new cases in the Thunder Bay area, plus seven in unspecified First Nation communities, and one in an unspecified "district community" - fifteen of the new cases stem from "household contact", with nine more from "other close contact".

The health unit - which has reported a total of 2174 cases - has 423 "active", 35 in hospital, nine in an ICU.

In response, it's extended its suspension of in-person learning for schools in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas.

The Porcupine Health Unit has confirmed its 344th case, a resident of the Timmins area - the health unit has five "active" cases.

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

Chapleau Council Hiring KPMG for Key Plan & Analysis

Chapleau's hiring a firm to prepare a key plan - and take a financial-minded look at water and wastewater services.

Mayor Michael Levesque says Council's approved a $25,000 proposal from KPMG to prepare an updated asset management plan, which is required by provincial legislation.

Levesque says Council's also agreed to KPMG's $12,500 proposal for a financial analysis of the Township's water and wastewater services - an update on an analysis done several years ago.

Mayor Levesque notes this does come after extending the Township's agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency for water services - which has increased the cost for such services by 28% - with the analysis aimed at looking how to cover costs for water and wastewater.

Any recommendations would need to be approved by Council at a later date.

Charges Announced, More Details in White River Armed Robbery

Several charges have been announced, as more details have been revealed about an armed robbery in White River.

Superior East OPP say they were called to a White River service station around 3:20 Tuesday morning, after a lone individual brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cash register - the employee complied and was uninjured while the suspect fled in a vehicle, heading westbound on Highway 17.

OPP ended up stopping the vehicle using a spike belt about ten kilometres east of Terrace Bay, but the suspect fled into a nearby wooded area, where he was apprehended by members of the Marathon and Schreiber detachments and the OPP Northwest Region Emergency Response Team and Canine Unit around 7:50 that morning.

The man's been charged with robbery using firearm, use firearm while committing offence, pointing a firearm, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose, and two counts of failure to comply with release order - other than to attend court - he's been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

Cart (0)