COVID-19 Cases Reported Across Region, Particularly Porcupine Health Unit

The Porcupine Health Unit remains the COVID-19 hotspot of Northern Ontario.

It confirmed 111 cases over the weekend - 97 of them in the James and Hudson Bay region - with five more cases of the "Delta" variant - first detected in India - reported in Timmins over the weekend, meaning the health unit's seen nine cases of the variant so far.

Algoma Public Health confirmed its 397th COVID-19 case - once again in the Sault Ste. Marie area - leaving it seven active plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", with one case in hospital plus three more non-resident cases in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added three cases in Greater Sudbury and three in the northern part of the Sudbury District - which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, and Gogama - bringing the health unit to 2118, with 20 "active" - it has also declared an outbreak for Flying Post Camp Logistics at IAMGOLD's Cote Mine Project in Gogama, just days after declaring an outbreak at the mine project "over".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reported six cases on Saturday, leaving it with 39 "active", six in hospital, two in an ICU.

Porcupine Health Unit Keeps COVID-19 Restrictions While Reporting New Cases, PHSD Confirms 2111th

While the rest of the province has seen restrictions loosen with the start of Step One of the government's three-step reopening plan, the Porcupine Health Unit's keeping restrictions for another two weeks, given high case numbers in recent weeks.

A day after reporting 51 cases, the health unit's confirmed 24 more today - fifteen in the James and Hudson Bay region, eight in the Timmins area, and another in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - bringing it to 1748 total, with 328 currently "active", one outside the district.

It's one of seven regions in Ontario where COVID-19 vaccine second doses are being accelerated to stem the spread of the "Delta" variant first detected in India.

Meanwhile - for the third straight day - Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added just a single case - once again in Greater Sudbury - bringing it to 2111, though the number "active" has dropped to 19 - it's also reporting a 933rd case has screened positive for a variant of concern.

The health unit says half of the cases it reported over the last week screened positive for a variant of concern.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting three in unspecified First Nation communities and another in the Thunder Bay area - bringing it to 3308, with 47 "active", five in hospital, two in an ICU - while three more cases with variants of concern were identified, bringing that total to 171.

Ontario Enters Step One of COVID-19 Reopening Plan

COVID-19 restrictions have loosened across the province.

Ontario's officially entered Step One of the government's three-step reopening plan, allowing outdoor social gatherings of up to ten people, indoor religious services - including wedding and funerals - at 15% capacity, and outdoor services limited only by the number who can maintain physical distance of two metres.

"Non-essential" retail's now allowed to open to 15% capacity and "essential" retail up to 25% - with no restrictions on goods sold - while outdoor dining can include up to four people per table, outdoor fitness classes can have up to ten people, and the government's allowing day camps for children, overnight camping at campgrounds and campsites - as well as short-term rentals - and the reopening of outdoor attractions like zoos, landmarks, and historic sites, with capacity and other restrictions.

The government's roadmap says the province must spend at least 21 days in Step One before it can move into Step Two - which would be July 2nd, at earliest - though the government notes at least 20% of adults must have received two doses of a vaccine before that happens.

The province has been reporting its lowest case counts since the fall, with 590 cases reported Thursday, bringing the seven-day average down to 617, the lowest mark since October 7th.

PHSD Reports 2110th COVID-19 Case

For the second day in a row, Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting just a single new COVID-19 case.

The health unit's 2110th case, it's evidently located in the northern part of the Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, Cartier, and multiple First Nation communities.

It's the only "active" case in that area, though there are three in the western part of the Sudbury District and 21 in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's also reporting its 932nd case to screen positive for a variant of concern.

Algoma Public Health reported two cases yesterday - both in the Elliot Lake area - leaving the health unit with six "active" - plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma" - with two cases in hospital, plus two "non-resident" cases also in hospital.

APH Reports 2 New COVID-19 Cases, More in PHU & TBDHU

More COVID-19 cases have been reported in the region.

Algoma Public Health's added a pair in the Elliot Lake area, bringing the health unit to 396 total, with six "active" and one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma" - two cases are in hospital, plus two "non-resident" cases in hospital.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's confirmed a pair of cases: one in an unspecified District community, the other in an unspecified First Nation community.

That brings it to 3300 reported cases, with 56 currently "active", five in hospital, one in an I-C-U.

The Porcupine Health Unit's reporting eleven in the James and Hudson Bay region and six in the Timmins area, bringing it to 1673, with 337 "active", two outside the district.

It's also reporting 144 new cases with variants of concern were identified over the last week - bringing its total to 818 - including the health unit's second case of the B1.617.2 variant.

First detected in India, the variant - which has been dubbed "Delta" by the World Health organization - spreads more easily than even the "Alpha" variant first detected in the U-K, and the health unit warns this new case is "likely a sign that it is now circulating in our communities".

PHSD Reports Pair of COVID-19 Cases

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting a pair of new cases, bringing the health unit to 2108 reported.

Both are in the Sudbury District - apparently the western portion, as it's the only part showing "active" cases, three in fact, out of 27 "active" across the district.

The health unit's also reporting three more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing that total to 931.

Wawa Student Wins Regional Legion Poster Competition

A Wawa student's being recognized for her art.

École secondaire Saint-Joseph Grade 10 student Hana Nelson won first place in the local Legion Poster Competition, with her black and white drawing going on to claim top spot for the area encompassing 11 communities from White River to Massey, and 1st overall for the District Sudbury and North Bay, an area stretching from Sundridge to Parry Sound.

COVID-19 Cases Confirmed Across Region

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

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 394th - a resident of the Elliot Lake area - leaving it with four "active" cases plus one "non-resident case temporarily in Algoma", with three non-resident cases in hospital.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added two in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2103, with 30 "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit reported eight in unspecified First Nation communities, six in the Thunder Bay area, and two in unspecified District communities, bringing it to 3289 - 81 "active", six in hospital - while eighteen more cases with variants of concern were identified, totalling 157.

The Porcupine Health Unit's still the hotspot of the region, reporting twenty cases in the James and Hudson Bay region and ten in the Timmins area, bringing it to 1569 - it last reported 348 "active", but that was before those cases.

PHSD Speeds Up COVID-19 Vaccine 2nd Doses, APH Nears 65% of Adults Vaccinated

A local health unit's speeding up delivery of COVID-19 vaccine second doses.

Following a provincial announcement, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed it is speeding up the second dose for those 70 and older and those who got the first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by April 18th.

Starting today, they're now able to book their second dose appointment through the province's online booking system or by calling 1-800-708-2505.

Algoma Public Health is a little behind on that, noting "local considerations and vaccine supply to our region", but it does say almost 65% of adults in Algoma have received at least one dose, amounting to more than 55% of Algoma residents of all ages.

Everyone 12 or older is eligible to book an appointment for their first dose, with 12 to 17 year olds and their households prioritized at the moment.

PHSD Reports New COVID-19 Cases, PHU & TBDHU Also

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added three in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 2101, with 33 "active" - while seven more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing the total to 928.

The Porcupine Health Unit's confirmed 33 in the James and Hudson Bay region, 20 in the Timmins area, and four in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings it to 1539, with 348 "active", five outside the district.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting thirteen in unspecified First Nation communities, seven in unspecified District communities, and one in the Thunder Bay area, bringing it to 3273 - 75 "active", with seven in hospital - while sixteen more cases with variants of concern were identified, totalling 139.

Though it doesn't specify communities, the Marathon Family Health Team yesterday reported its 83rd case ever, bringing it to seven "active", one in hospital in Thunder Bay.

While Algoma Public Health isn't reporting new cases, it is reporting its 102nd case to screen positive for a variant of concern - the health unit has five "active" cases, plus three "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma", all three in hospital.

Wawa's Canadian Red Cross Seeking Meals on Wheels Volunteers

The Canadian Red Cross in Wawa is looking for help delivering Meals on Wheels.

Noting volunteer numbers are down amid the COVID-19 pandemic but there are still some people in the community relying on the program, Seniors Service Coordinator Darlene Trovarello says new volunteers are wanted.

Trovarello adds the more volunteers for the program, the lower the time commitment, though drivers are especially needed over the summer - and she emphasizes it's a "no contact" system at the moment.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call the Red Cross office in Wawa at 705-856-1964.

PHSD & PHU Report New COVID-19 Cases

More COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the region.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting five cases, all in Greater Sudbury - that brings it to 2098, with 32 "active": three are in the western part of the Sudbury District, the rest in Greater Sudbury.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added five more in the Timmins area and four in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area, bringing it to 1442 - it last reported 309 "active" cases, four outside the district, but that was before these latest cases.

It's also showing the number of cases with variants of concern jumped to 674 over the last week.

APH Reports 393rd COVID-19 Case, PHSD Reports 2 More

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

Algoma Public Health's confirmed its 393rd - a resident of the Sault Ste. Marie area - leaving it with eight "active" cases plus three "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma", all three of which are in hospital, while a 101st case screened positive for a variant of concern.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has confirmed two more cases, but also says two have been removed from the count because they were "recorded in error", keeping its total at 2093, with 27 "active".

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added two cases in the Thunder Bay area and two more in unspecified First Nation communities - bringing it to 3241 reported, with 52 "active", three in hospital - while thirteen more cases with variants of concern were identified, bringing that total to 122.

The Porcupine Health Unit - meanwhile - is reporting 33 cases in the Timmins area, twenty in the James and Hudson Bay region, three in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, and three more in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls area - that brings it to 1433, with 309 "active", though four are outside the district - it's also showing the number of cases with variants of concern jumped to 674 over the last week.

Chapleau Council Again Renewing CAO Recruitment Efforts

Chapleau's again renewing recruitment efforts for a new top administrator.

Mayor Michael Levesque says the Township's again casting out the call for applicants.

Given the situation, Mayor Levesque says Council also agreed to extend the contract with a consultant firm hired to offer services covering the vacant clerk and CAO roles.

The search for a new CAO has been underway since October.

Chapleau Council Approves 2021 Capital Budget

Chapleau Town Council's agreed on this year's capital projects.

Commending the Township's treasurer for putting together the document - with input from department heads - Mayor Michael Levesque says Council approved a capital budget that comes down to "maintenance and repair".

Mayor Levesque emphasizes infrastructure projects aren't always big visible jobs.

Mayor Levesque hopes to see the Township's operating budget soon.

Porcupine Health Unit Reports 27th COVID-19 Death

Another COVID-19 death's been reported in a neighbouring region.

The Porcupine Health Unit says only that its 27th COVID-related death was an older Timmins resident, with no further details.

This comes as the health unit's confirmed nine new cases in the Timmins area, two in the James and Hudson Bay region, and another in the Hearst and Hornepayne area, bringing it to 1374, with 302 "active", two outside the district.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added two cases in the Thunder Bay area and another in an unspecified First Nation community, bringing it to 3237, with 54 "active", three in hospital.

While the health unit doesn't name specific communities where cases are located, an update from the Marathon Family Health Team yesterday showed four new cases in that community, leaving it with six "active", one of whom was in hospital in Thunder Bay.

PHSD Blames Vaccine Supply for Falling Short of Provincial Target

A local health unit's blaming vaccine supply as it fell short of the province's target for this time.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts says about 60 percent of the region's residents who are 18 and older received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of May - short of the 65% provincial target - though it is now attempting to balance first doses with second doses for those eligible for the shorter dose interval, such as those at higher risk due to an underlying health condition resulting in a weakened immune system, certain frontline health care workers, and Indigenous individuals.

As the health unit has fallen behind, it says it isn't yet following the province's move to accelerate second doses for those 80 and older - instead, the timing of appointments for such people will be "based on local considerations and vaccine supply", meaning they aren't likely until the week of June 28th, especially as it gears up for a three-week "youth and family vaccination blitz" starting next week.

It is booking appointments for the first dose for anyone 12 and older.

North Algoma's COVID-19 vaccination clinic partners have expanded appointment booking eligibility to anyone 18 and older, with youth 12 to 17 years old and their household to be eligible tomorrow, at which point they will be prioritized for vaccination.

PHSD Reports 2093rd COVID-19 Case, APH Reports 100th Variant of Concern Case

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is reporting its 2093rd case - once again in Greater Sudbury - leaving the health unit with 27 "active" cases: one is in the northern part of the Sudbury District, two in the western, and the rest in Greater Sudbury.

Two more cases screened positive for a variant of concern, bringing the total to 921.

Algoma Public Health - meanwhile - is reporting a 100th case screened positive for a variant of concern.

The health unit has 12 "active" cases, plus four "non-resident cases temporarily in Algoma", all of which are in hospital.

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