TBDHU, PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases, APH Reports More Variant Cases

A day after reporting no cases for the first time in weeks, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting eight.

One of the cases is in the Thunder Bay area and the rest in unspecified "district communities", bringing the health unit to 3151 total, with 31 "active", four in hospital, one in an ICU.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - is reporting 27 cases in the Timmins area, one in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, and one in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Harty, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area, bringing the health unit to 769, with 165 "active" - 258 of its cases involve variants of concern.

Algoma Public Health is reporting six more cases screened positive for a variant of concern - bringing that total to 74 - it has 20 "active" cases at the moment - including two in hospital - plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts currently has 79 "active" cases.

Chapleau Council Puts Municipal Accommodation Tax on Hold

Chapleau Town Council's putting a new tax on hold.

While Council was set to vote on a by-law that would establish a "Municipal Accommodation Tax" at Monday's meeting, Mayor Michael Levesque says Council decided to wait.

The proposed tax of 4% would apply to hotels, bed and breakfasts, or AirBnB-style rentals, with half of that money going to tourism and the rest for the maintenance of structures that may drum up tourism.

Chapleau Council May Be Near To Hiring New CAO

Chapleau could soon have a new top administrator.

Mayor Michael Levesque says recruitment efforts are nearing an end.

Recruitment efforts were launched back in October, with an outside firm currently providing CAO and Clerk services until someone is hired.

APH & PHSD Report More New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's confirmed two in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in the Elliot Lake area, bringing the health unit to 354 total.

It currently has 22 "active" - three in hospital - plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma" in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - meanwhile - has added five cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the Manitoulin District - bringing the health unit to 2024, with 79 "active" - while five more screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 863.

PHSD & APH Add COVID-19 Cases

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting more COVID-19 cases.

It's added seven in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2018, with 80 "active" - while fourteen more screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 858.

Algoma Public Health - meanwhile - is five new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area - bringing the health unit to 351, with nineteen "active" - three in hospital - plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma" in hospital.

It's also reporting three more cases screened positive for a variant, bringing that total to 68.

PHSD Following Provincial Timeline, Expanding COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility

Ontario's expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination.

Citing "a stable and reliable increase in vaccine supply to Ontario", the government says "Group Two" of people who can't work from home and individuals with "at-risk" health conditions can start booking a vaccine appointment, further expanding Thursday, to include individuals as young as 40 in non-hotspot communities.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed it's following the provincial government timeline, now booking appointments for "Group Two" essential workers, which it notes includes essential and critical retail workers - including grocery, pharmacy, restaurant, LCBO, food bank, ServiceOntario, and Service Canada workers - as well as: workers in manufacturing industries directly involved in supporting the COVID-19 response, construction and other essential businesses and services where facilities are at a heightened risk of COVID-19 spread or outbreak; social workers and social services staff who provide in-person client services; courts and justice system workers; warehousing, distribution, and transportation workers, including public transit and taxi drivers, as well as highway and rail maintenance; electricity workers; communications infrastructure workers; water and wastewater management workers; financial services workers, including bank branch staff; veterinarians and veterinary teams; waste management workers; natural gas, propane, and oil and petroleum workers, including those involved in retail sale of fuel; mine workers; and uranium processing workers.

It's also booking appointments for those with at-risk conditions including immune deficiencies and autoimmune disorders, stroke and cerebrovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, liver disease, cancers, respiratory diseases including asthma and bronchitis, heart disease, substance use disorders, sickle cell disease, diagnosed mental disorder, disabilities requiring direct support care in the community, and other conditions.

North Algoma's clinics do not follow the same timeline, and organizers have yet to announce plans to expand to such a wide group.

Chapleau Council Holding 1st May Meeting

Chapleau Town Council has a busy night ahead, with their first meeting of the month.

Included on the agenda are by-laws for the Municipal Accommodation Tax, an access agreement with C-P Rail, and provincial funding, as well as resolutions for: a purchase order for a replacement pump for the Lisgar Street Sanitary Pumping Station; a change order for chlorination/dechlorination upgrades at the Sewage Lagoon; a scope change for valve replacement at the Water Treatment Plant; and an extension of the canteen operation contract.

There's also a pair of minor variance requests - for properties on Birch Street and Pine Street West - and a pair of "in-camera" items, one relating to CAO recruitment and the other about the Dufferin Street Project.

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 - it starts at 6:30.

More COVID-19 Cases Reported by APH, PHSD, Surrounding Regions

More COVID-19 cases are being reported across the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 346th - once again, in the Sault Ste. Marie area - leaving it with 27 "active", plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", which is in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added eight in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 2011 - though the number "active" is down to 77 - while an 844th case screened positive for a variant of concern.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's added twenty cases in the Timmins area - and another two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing the health unit to 734, with 142 currently "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting three in the Thunder Bay area and four in unspecified district communities - bringing the total to 3143, with 40 "active", four in hospital, one in an ICU - while four more cases with variants of concern were identified.

It's also reporting the outbreak declared at the Musselwhite Mine in northwestern Ontario - originally declared April 21st - is now over.

Local MP Touts Importance of Travelling Anglers to Local Economies

Local MP Carol Hughes is highlighting the importance of travelling anglers for local economies - particularly with international travel "off the schedule for another summer".

Speaking to a recent Parliamentary session, the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP suggested people are looking for safe and healthy vacation options amid the pandemic, noting the way leisure time and dollars were spend amid the pandemic last year.

Hughes further touted the variety of fishing adventures available across the region, including "tiny streams" and "productive bays", with "exclusive American Plan lodges, housekeeping cabins, campgrounds, and more".

COVID-19 Cases Confirmed by APH, PHSD, Neighbouring Regions

More COVID-19 cases are being reported across the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed three in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing it to 345 total, 26 "active", plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", which is in hospital.

It also says two more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 65.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts reported five more cases in Greater Sudbury and three in the Sudbury District, bringing the health unit to 2003 - 83 "active" - while seven more screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that to 843.

The neighbouring Porcupine Health Unit's added 22 cases in the Timmins area, and two in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings the health unit to 712 cases, though it hasn't updated its "active" case count since Friday, when it reported 125.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reported four in the Thunder Bay area and another in an unspecified First Nation community, bringing the health unit to 3136 - 37 "active", including three in hospital, one in an ICU - while seven more cases with a variant of concern were identified.

APH & PHSD Confirm New COVID-19 Cases, More in Neighbouring Regions

More COVID-19 cases are being reported across the region.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 342nd - once again in the Sault Ste. Marie area - leaving it with 26 "active", plus two "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma", both in hospital.

It also says four more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 63.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting seven more cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the Sudbury District, bringing the health unit to 1995 - 92 "active" - while ten more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing it to 836.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added 23 cases in the Timmins area, three in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, and another in the Kapuskasing, Opasatika, Val Rita-Hardy, Moonbeam, and Fauquier-Strickland area - that brings the health unit to 688 cases, 125 currently "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting two in the Thunder Bay area, bringing the health unit to 3131 - 41 "active", including three in hospital, one in an ICU.

It's also declaring an end to an outbreak announced last Friday, involving Canadian Pacific staff who work on the railway east of Schreiber and Terrace Bay.

Walk for Alzheimer's Coming to Wawa

Wawa residents are being encouraged to strap on their shoes and get walking to support the local Alzheimer Society.

First Link Coordinator Christy Reid says the first IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s officially happens May 30th, but - due to the pandemic - it's being held virtually, with participants urged to follow public health guidelines and "walk where you are, in your own way".

Reid reminds funds raised go to a good cause.

You can register at walkforalzheimers.ca

PHSD Warns of Ticks After One Tests 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 first 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 Further Expands COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has expanded eligibility for its vaccination clinics.

Following an announcement from the provincial government, the health unit says it's now accepting appointment bookings for "Group 1" essential workers who can't work from home.

That includes: remaining elementary and secondary school workers, like custodial and administrative staff, educators, and school bus drivers; remaining individuals in licensed childcare settings; those responding to "critical events", like police, fire, children's aid society workers, emergency management, and critical infrastructure restoration workers; enforcement, inspection, and compliance roles, like by-law enforcement, and building, food, labour, or animal welfare inspectors; agriculture, farm, food manufacturing and distribution workers; foster care agenda workers; and funeral, crematorium, and cemetery workers.

Appointments for them - as well as those turning 50 or older this year, and other previously eligible categories - can be booked through the province's online booking system, or through the health unit's phone line, 1-800-708-2505.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases

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

Algoma Public Health's reporting three in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 341 - with 30 currently "active", including one in hospital - plus two more cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma", also in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting ten in Greater Sudbury, and one each for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, bringing it to 1987 - 90 "active" - while nine more screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 826.

PHSD Confirms New Cases and Declares Outbreak for Health Sciences North

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting nine cases in Greater Sudbury and another in the Sudbury District, bringing the health unit to 1975, with 86 "active".

It's also declaring another outbreak at Health Sciences North, this time in the sixth floor of the south tower of the Ramsey Lake Health Centre.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - is warning of potential public exposure on an Ontario Northland train from Moosonee to Cochrane the evening of April 26th.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, PHSD Expands Vaccine Eligibility

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

Algoma Public Health's confirmed two more in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 338 total, 33 "active" - two in hospital - plus two cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma", one in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - which reported its 28th death yesterday - is reporting five cases in Greater Sudbury, bringing the health unit to 1965, with 81 "active" - it's also reporting thirteen more cases screened positive for variants of concern, bringing that total to 817.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has also expanded eligibility for its vaccination clinics.

The health unit says it is now accepting appointment booking from those turning 50 or older this year, though only through the health unit's phone line, 1-800-708-2505 - bookings through the province's online booking system should be possible starting Thursday.

Information about vaccine eligibility and clinic dates and locations can be found on the health unit's website.

Wawa Council Set to Hold Trio of Meetings

Wawa Municipal Council has a busy night ahead, with a trio of meetings.

That includes a Corporate Planning Committee meeting, which will see discussion of the 2020 Consolidated Financial Statements and 2020 Trust Funds Financial Statements - preceded by "in-camera" discussion about KPMG's audit findings - though Council will also discuss a memo regarding a revised property standards policy, as well as an agreement with J. Provost Contracting for installation of an antenna for internet service.

That will be followed up in tonight's regular meeting, which also includes a resolution to authorize implementation of changes to the employee benefit package, as well as by-laws for a financial assistance agreement with the Lady Dunn Health Centre for "attraction and retention of medical professionals in Wawa", as well as an agreement for operation of the Harry McCluskie Municipal Marina.

There's also an "in-camera" part about a legal issue relating to an offer to purchase property.

Council will also hold a Planning Act meeting on a proposed temporary Zoning By-Law amendment for a McKinley Avenue property.

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

Tbaytel Warns of Wireless Maintenance In Region

Tbaytel's warning service may be unavailable in part of the area over the next couple days.

The company's performing wireless maintenance between Marion Lake and Wawa from 8 am today to 4 pm Thursday, warning Tbaytel mobility service - including voice calls, data usage, and text messaging - will be unavailable, and that will impact access to 911 via mobility.

It hopes to restore service in that area "as quickly as possible", with the maintenance allowing for LTE service to the Marion Lake area, which should "vastly enhance" mobility service there.

PHSD Confirms 28th COVID-19 Death, More Cases Across Region

Another COVID-19 death's been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says its 28th COVID-related death happened in Greater Sudbury - it's giving no further details, but it is reporting five cases in Greater Sudbury, and two Sudbury District - one in the East, the other in the West - bringing the health unit to 1960, with 80 "active" - it's also reporting fifteen more cases screened positive for variants of concern, bringing that total to 804.

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 336th case - this time in the Elliot Lake area - leaving the health unit with 43 "active" - two in hospital - plus three cases of "non-residents temporarily in Algoma", one in hospital.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reported thirteen in the Timmins area, bringing the health unit to 644, with 117 "active", three in hospital.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed nine cases in the Thunder Bay area, bringing the health unit to 3113 - 48 "active" including six in hospital, one in an I-C-U - while six more cases with variants of concern were identified.