COVID-19 Cases Rise for APH & PHSD While PHSD Reports 37th Death

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving no details about its 37th death linked to the illness, the third in as many days and the fifth in the last ten days.

This comes as the health unit's reporting 37 new cases - all in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit to 3422 total, with the number "active" rising for the first time in recent days, to 235, mainly in Greater Sudbury.

Algoma Public Health's nearing that mark, reporting 24 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area to bring it to 234 "active", with fifteen in hospital.

That's the most active cases APH has seen, totalling nearly 30% of the 791 cases it has reported since the pandemic began.

This comes as the health unit's requiring anyone twelve or older to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination to actively participate in sports in Algoma, the latest restriction prompted by the surging cases, which also saw capacity and masking rules return for many Sault Ste. Marie businesses and organizations.

The neighbouring Thunder Bay District Health Unit added seven cases in the Thunder Bay area, bringing its total to 3473, with nineteen "active", including one in hospital.

Lady Dunn Health Centre Tightening Visitor Restrictions Amid Algoma COVID Surge

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre's tightening visitor restrictions.

Noting the increased spread of COVID-19 in Algoma, the hospital says - starting Monday, November 22nd - all visitors to the acute care department will be subject to the same visiting guidelines as those for the long-term care home, with up to two people able to visit at a time with proof of vaccination.

It's also asking those seeking care in the emergency department, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging to bring only a single support person.

There are some exemptions, such as for vulnerable individuals, those with a medical exemption for COVID vaccination, end-of-life situations, trauma or critical illness, those accompanying minors, support for patients in labour, those with rapid antigen testing complete, and - on an individual basis - children under the age of 12.

Rotary Club of Wawa Preparing Return of Online Auction

The Rotary Club of Wawa is preparing to take its largest annual fundraiser online once again.

Wawa Rotary Online Auction Chair Mark Owen explains the fundraiser is a new version of the Rotary Radio Auction.

Owen says it's quite simple: just go to the site - links are on several related sites, including jjamfm.live - then sign up with name and contact information, with no need for payment information, as that will be handled when the item's picked up after the auction ends.

Owen notes there are two new buttons on the site this year, allowing you to donate an item to the auction or purchase a sponsorship.

The Rotary Online Auction starts Sunday, November 21st, continuing until 10 pm on the following Saturday, November 27th.

Wawa Resident Competing for Miss North Ontario Crown This Weekend

A Wawa resident's hoping to be crowned Miss North Ontario this weekend.

While she says she's competing in the Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant to be a role model and voice for younger women in the community, Morgandy Leadbetter notes there is more to the pageant than the competition.

The 15th anniversary event is being held in Sudbury.

APH Requiring Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Active Sports Amid Rising Cases

COVID-19 restrictions are tightening for Algoma amid a continued rise in cases.

As of today, anyone twelve or older will be required to provide proof of full vaccination to actively participate in organized sports unless a medical exemption applies - a similar requirement took effect for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts at the start of the month.

It's the latest restriction to be imposed for the region amid rising case counts, with Algoma Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Loo legally ordering anyone in Algoma who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection - or who is identified as a close contact - to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction or face a fine of $750 or up to $5000 a day.

Loo also required businesses and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie - where most of Algoma's cases are located - to reinstate recently lifted provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements - as well as strengthened masking requirements for indoor and outdoor organized public events - a move that happened to Greater Sudbury last week.

As of Thursday, Algoma Public Health had 209 "active" cases - including fifteen in hospital - more than a quarter of the 767 cases the health unit had reported since the pandemic began.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - on the other hand - has seen "active" cases declining since it started reimposing restrictions, dropping to 227 as of Thursday afternoon, though it has also reported four COVID-19-related deaths over the last ten days.

Superior East OPP Arrest 2 Drivers for Impaired Operation in Wawa Area

Multiple charges have been laid after local police received multiple complaints about a possible impaired driving on Highway 17 near Wawa.

Superior East OPP say they responded to the complaints around 3:30 last Saturday afternoon, leading to the arrest of a 52-year-old from Thorold in southern Ontario on charges of: operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus); driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor; driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available; and two counts of driving while under suspension.

Meanwhile, Superior East OPP say a Wawa resident's been charged with operation while impaired after a traffic stop on Second Avenue late Tuesday afternoon.

Both drivers have been released with December court dates.

SE OPP Charge White River Resident Over Domestic Breach

A White River resident's been charged over a domestic breach.

Superior East OPP say they responded early Monday afternoon to a report of two individuals walking on Highway 17 south of White River, with officers determining one of the individuals was breaching court-ordered conditions, leading to the 30-year-old's arrest on a charge of failure to comply with undertaking.

They've been remanded into custody, pending a bail hearing.

PHSD Reports 36th COVID-19 Death But Declining Active Cases, APH Sees Rising Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving no details about its 36th death linked to the illness, the second in as many days and the fourth in just over a week.

This comes as the health unit's reporting twenty new cases in Greater Sudbury, four in the Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3385 total.

Despite the new cases, the number "active" continued to decline, down to 227, mainly in Greater Sudbury.

Cases are rising for Algoma Public Health, however, as it's reporting 23 more in the Sault Ste. Marie area and three in Central and East Algoma - that brings it to 209 "active", with fifteen in hospital.

The number of active cases is the highest APH has seen, totalling more than a quarter of the 767 cases the health unit's reported since the pandemic began.

It's also warning of potential "high-risk" exposure for those who were in the women's change room of the Sault Ste. Marie YMCA between 7 and 8 pm last Thursday, and potential "low-risk" exposure for those who attended the Thessalon Curling Club between 6:30 and 9 pm November 9th and 11th.

Meanwhile, the Algoma District School Board's confirmed another case linked to one of its schools, this time an individual associated with Thessalon Public School, noting Algoma Public Health will notify close contacts.

Wawa Mayor Rody Stepping Down As He Leaves Town

Wawa Mayor Ron Rody's stepping down after 21 years on Council, the last seven as mayor.

Rody made the announcement in last night's Council meeting - saying he'll depart at the end of the month, as he and his wife move to Sault Ste. Marie - noting he looks at his resignation with "mixed emotion".

As for his time on Council, Rody says he's particularly proud of the work the community did to replace the Wawa Goose monument - noting corporate sponsorships but also support from across the country - and he also highlights the recent opening of the new seniors building at 37 Algoma.

Rody urges his colleagues on Council to "continue the great work that's being done" - noting they received an outline of a new strategic plan last night - and he encourages anyone interested in running for Council in next year's election to read the plan and the transformation review, saying they outline the specific needs of the community over the next few years.

Recognizing his service, Deputy Mayor Pat Tait presented Rody with a framed goose print.

Council did receive a staff report on filling the vacancy, though discussion of the issue has been put off until the next Council meeting, on December 14th.

Like with any other Council vacancy, the Municipal Act requires Council either call a by-election or fill the mayor's seat by appointment within 60 days of it being declared vacant, unless it's within 90 days before a regular municipal election day - if a current Council member's appointed to that role, then their seat would need to be filled per the same rules.

This is the second Wawa Council vacancy in recent months, after Robert Reece resigned as a councillor just shy of two months ago - Council quickly appointed Cathy Cannon to his seat, as she was the runner-up in the 2018 election.

PHSD Reports 35th COVID-19 Death, APH Reports New Cases

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts is giving no details about its 35th death linked to the illness, except that it was in Greater Sudbury - this is the third death reported by the health unit in just over a week.

This comes as it's reporting seventeen new cases in Greater Sudbury, one in the Sudbury District, and two in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3358 total, though the number "active" declined to 243, mainly in Greater Sudbury.

Algoma Public Health is still reporting rising cases, adding eighteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area - that brings the health unit to 741 total, with 186 "active", including fourteen in hospital.

This comes as certain restrictions return for Sault Ste. Marie businesses and organizations, who must reinstate recently lifted provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements - as well as strengthened masking requirements for indoor and outdoor organized public events - a move that already happened for Greater Sudbury, due to its surge in cases.

Meanwhile, the Porcupine Health Unit added one case in the Timmins area - bringing it to 2259 total, though the number "active" dropped to 21 - while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit added one in the Thunder Bay area, bringing the health unit to 3461 total, with twelve "active", including one in hospital.

PHSD is holding an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic at the Chapleau Recreation Centre today.

Wawa Council to Discuss Report on Mayoral Vacancy in Back-to-Back-to-Back Meetings

It appears Wawa Mayor Ron Rody's set to depart, as tonight's Council agenda includes a report on addressing such a vacancy.

Three meetings will be held tonight, including a Committee of Adjustment meeting on an application for consent and a Corporate Planning Committee meeting including discussion on the vacancy rebate policy, a draft policy on delegation of power and duties of Council, revisions to the municipality's emergency plan, and a staff report on mayoral vacancy - like any other Council vacancy, the Municipal Act does require Council either call a by-election or fill the vacancy by appointment within 60 days of it being declared, unless it's within 90 days before a regular municipal election day.

If a current Council member is appointed to that role, then their seat would need to be filled per the same rules.

This would be the second Council vacancy in recent months, after Robert Reece resigned as a councillor, with Cathy Cannon quickly appointed to his seat, as she was the runner-up in the 2018 election.

The report on mayoral vacancy and many of the other items will come back up in tonight's regular meeting, along with a by-law to sell municipal land at 9 White Drive, as well as three "in-camera" items: a personnel issue about a performance appraisal or contract review; a legal issue relating to an offer to purchase property; and another legal issue.

Held back-to-back-to-back, the meetings start at 6:30 tonight - they're open to the public but proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required, though they'll also be broadcast through the Municipality's YouTube channel.

APH & PHSD Report More COVID-19 Cases As Restrictions Tighten

New COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the region.

Algoma Public Health's reporting fourteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area - nearly all stemming from close contact with a known case - bringing the health unit to 723, with 168 "active", including fourteen in hospital.

This comes after the health unit's medical officer of health issued an order for anyone in Algoma who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection - or who's identified as a close contact - to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction, while provincial capacity limits and related physical distancing requirements will return for Sault Ste. Marie businesses and organizations starting tomorrow, along with strengthened masking requirements for indoor and outdoor organized public events - proof of vaccination will also be required for anyone twelve or older to actively participate in organized sports in Algoma starting Friday, though there are medical exemptions.

Similar measures took effect for Greater Sudbury - and, in the case of the proof of vaccination for sports, the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts - as Public Health Sudbury and Districts has also seen surging cases.

The health's most recently reported 78 in Greater Sudbury, six in the Sudbury District, and three in the Manitoulin District, bringing its total to 3338.

Despite that, the number "active" declined to 262, including two in the western part of the Sudbury District, five in the eastern part, twelve in the Manitoulin District, and the remaining 243 in Greater Sudbury.

PHSD is holding "appointment-only" vaccination clinics at the Chapleau Recreation Centre today and tomorrow.

APH Announces Return of COVID-19 Restrictions Amid Surging Cases

A surge in COVID-19 in the region has triggered the return of measures for Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region.

As it reports its highest COVID-19 activity ever, Algoma Public Health's Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Loo, is legally ordering anyone in Algoma who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 - or who is identified as a close contact - to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction, facing a fine of $750 or up to $5000 a day for breaching that rule.

Starting Wednesday, November 17th, Sault Ste. Marie businesses and organizations must also reinstate recently lifted provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements - as well as strengthened masking requirements for indoor and outdoor organized public events - a move that already happened for Greater Sudbury, due to its surge in cases.

Starting this Friday, November 19th, anyone in Algoma who is twelve or older and actively participating in organized sports will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a medical exemption - a similar requirement took effect for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts, including Chapleau, at midnight last night.

This comes after Loo warned people of all ages in all Algoma communities are at risk in this surge - given people routinely travel between the communities - urging everyone to: stay home and isolate if sick, even with mild symptoms; cut back on unnecessary activities with unmasked face-to-face close contact with those you don't live with; and get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The health unit's reported 102 new cases over the last five days - one in Central and East Algoma, the rest in the Sault Ste. Marie area, with nearly all stemming from close contact with a known case.

It currently has 155 "active" cases, with fourteen in hospital.

It's also warning of multiple potential exposures: on a Porter Airlines flight from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie October 31st; at the Rockstar Bar in Sault Ste. Marie on November 6th; at GoodLife Fitness in Sault Ste. Marie November 8th; and at Sault Area Hospital's 3B area between November 9th and 12th.

The Algoma District School Board - meanwhile - has reported individuals at two more of its Sault Ste. Marie schools, the Pinewood and Isabel Fletcher public schools, tested positive, while Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General has reported at least a dozen at the Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre, and Tenaris Algoma Tubes has seen at least seven.

APH Urges Immediate Action to Address COVID-19 Surge

Algoma Public Health's urging immediate action to stop a COVID-19 surge in the region.

The health unit's warning all of its communities are at risk - given people routinely travel between the two - and people of all ages have been infected, as it's reporting its highest COVID-19 activity ever, adding 82 cases over the last four days - one was in Central and East Algoma, the rest in the Sault Ste. Marie area, with nearly all stemming from close contact with a known case.

It currently has 135 "active" cases, with thirteen in hospital.

To address the surge, the health unit urges everyone to: stay home and isolate if sick, even with mild symptoms; to cut back on unnecessary activities with unmasked face-to-face close contact with those you don't live with, and to get fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

It's also warning of multiple potential exposures: at the Rockstar Bar in Sault Ste. Marie on November 6th; on a Porter Airlines flight from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie October 31st; and at GoodLife Fitness in Sault Ste. Marie November 8th.

The Algoma District School Board - meanwhile - has an individual at another of its Sault Ste. Marie schools, Pinewood Public, has tested positive, while Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General has reported at least a dozen at the Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre, Tenaris Algoma Tubes has seen at least seven, and Sault Area Hospital's monitoring an outbreak of at least three cases in a medical unit.

It has also prompted Batchewana First Nation to implement a two-week lockdown, extending to November 28th.

Wawa Resident Renews Call for Support in Miss North Ontario Pageant

A Wawa resident's asking for support as she's hoping to become Miss North Ontario.

Morgandy Leadbetter explains she's competing in the Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant to be a role model.

Leadbetter notes voting for People's Choice could put her in the "Top Ten" fast-track for the title.

Voting - at missnorthontario.ca - ends today, with the 15th anniversary event to be held in Sudbury this weekend.

PHSD Reports 34th COVID-19 Death As It Tightens COVID-19 Restrictions

COVID-19 restrictions are tightening for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts amid a continued rise in cases.

As of today, anyone twelve or older who actively participates in organized sports in the districts - not just coaches or officials - must provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination unless a medical exemption applies - that's in addition to the return of capacity limits and related physical distancing requirements for Greater Sudbury businesses and organizations, as well as strengthened masking required at indoor and outdoor organized public events in the city.

This comes after Public Health Sudbury and Districts confirmed its 34th COVID-19 death - just days after its 33rd - though the health unit also reported 59 new cases in Greater Sudbury and four in the Manitoulin District, bringing its total to 3251, with 281 "active".

TBDHU Reports 65th COVID-19 Death, PHSD Warns Proof of Vaccination Requirement Coming for Sports

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

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit's giving no details about its 65th death related to the illness, which comes nearly five months after the previous.

This comes as the health unit's reporting one new case in the Thunder Bay area, bringing the health unit to 3455, with 21 active, including four in hospital, one in an ICU.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has announced - starting Monday, November 15th - anyone 12 or older who actively participates in organized sports in the Sudbury or Manitoulin districts must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, unless a medical exemption applies.

It's part of measures the health unit announced amid rising case counts in its region, mainly in Greater Sudbury, which has seen the reinstatement of capacity limits and related physical distancing requirements and strengthened masking requirements at indoor and outdoor organized public events.

Wawa Marks Remembrance Day

With Remembrance Day here, Wawa's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 429 is reminding this year is different.

Poppy Campaign Chairman Larry Harvey explains the ceremony has moved to the Michipicoten Memorial Community Centre.

Harvey notes - given the arena's distance from the Legion Hall - there will not be the usual parade or stop at the Cenotaph, with the entire ceremony happening at the MMCC.

He further reminds everyone to wear a poppy, noting - while it doesn't cost anything to get one - funds raised through donations to the Poppy Fund support veterans, programs assisting veterans, and more.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the poppy's adoption as the "flower of remembrance" by the Great War Veterans Association, which later unified with other veteran groups to form the Royal Canadian Legion.

APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, Multiple Outbreaks in Main Cities

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

Algoma Public Health's added thirteen in the Sault Ste. Marie area and another in Central and East Algoma, bringing the health unit to 607, with 69 "active", including three in hospital.

The Algoma District School Board's announced one of the recent cases is an individual associated with RM Moore Public School in Sault Ste. Marie, while Tenaris is reporting seven of its employees at Tenaris Algoma Tubes in the Sault have tested positive - APH has declared a facility-wide outbreak for the tube mill, one of four active outbreaks the health unit's reporting for the city, along with one at Grand View Public School and the child care program there, and another one for Steel City MMA.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 26 cases in Greater Sudbury and seven in the Manitoulin District - bringing the health unit to 3188, with 270 "active" - with 23 more confirmed or presumed to be variants of concern, bringing that total to 1772.

The health unit's showing fifteen outbreaks in Greater Sudbury, including at two schools, five long-term care homes or congregate living settings, and three mining operations.

Police Identify Deceased in Single Vehicle Collision South of Wawa

A Goulais Township man's been identified as the person killed in a single vehicle collision near Agawa Bay.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say investigation's revealed that a four-door sedan left Highway 17 and entered the ditch in Asselin Township - about 50 kilometres south of Wawa - around 8:55 Tuesday morning, with the driver, 26-year-old Brandon Poirier, fatally injured and pronounced dead at the scene.

The Northeast Region Traffic Incident and Enforcement - TIME - team is assisting with the investigation, which is still ongoing.