APH & PHSD Report New COVID-19 Cases, PHU & TBDHU, Too

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

Algoma Public Health's added 25 in the Sault Ste. Marie area and four more in Central and East Algoma, bringing the health unit to 987 total, with 258 "active" including fourteen in hospital plus another "active" case of a non-resident "temporarily in Algoma".

It's also warning of potential "low-risk" exposure at Shooters Lounge in the Sault between 3 am and 5 pm last Monday, November 22nd.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 39 cases in Greater Sudbury and eight in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 3676 total, with 274 "active": two in the Manitoulin District; one in the northern part of the Sudbury District, which includes Chapleau, Foleyet, Gogama, and neighbouring First Nations; fifteen in the eastern part of the district; sixteen in the western part of the district; and the remaining 240 in Greater Sudbury.

The Porcupine Health Unit's added two in the Timmins area and three in the Cochrane, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, and Smooth Rock Falls - bringing it to 2274, with thirteen "active" - while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's added 21 in the Thunder Bay area and another in an unspecified First Nation community, bringing the health unit to 3537, with 68 "active" - the most it has seen in several months.

Application Deadline for Wawa Christmas Hampers

Time is running out for a Wawa tradition: the Christmas Hampers.

Christmas Hamper Fund President Richard Watson explains the hampers are a longtime tradition to support those in need within the community, whether they're seniors, families, or even those having a tough time with reduced work hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watson emphasizes the committee wants applications by this evening - as there's a lot to compile, including what's needed due to dietary needs or particular ages - with applications available at Wawa's municipal office, with a drop box in the foyer.

While the charitable organization notes monetary donations would help them ensure all needs are covered, it welcomes other donations and volunteers to help out with sorting next month - those interested can contact Watson or another member of the committee.

The Bargain Shop in Wawa's currently holding its Toy Drive supporting the Hamper Fund - which culminates in a "Fill The Sleigh Day" event with local emergency services December 11th - while the Wawa Volunteer Fire Department and St. Augustine French Immersion staff will hold a food drive December 12th.

Wawa's Morgandy Leadbetter Named Miss North Ontario

A Wawa resident's been named Miss North Ontario.

Morgandy Leadbetter was crowned at the 15th Miss North Ontario Regional Canada Pageant last weekend, an honour she was proud to accept.

Leadbetter says it's up to her what to do now - aside from a few events - but she does plan to move forward on one of her key reasons for participating: being a role model and voice for younger women in the community.

Leadbetter notes - over the two years she was signed up for the pageant - she was able to raise around $2800 for its official charity, Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer, with a total of more than $40,000 raised by all participants this year.

Wawa Rotary Online Auction Nears End

Time is running out to place a bid in the Rotary Club of Wawa's largest annual fundraiser.

Wawa Rotary Online Auction Chair Mark Owen says the auction - launched last Sunday and set to end tomorrow night - support a variety of causes such as "youth citizenship" and particularly community organizations and projects.

Owen explains notifications will go out to those with winning bids "as soon as" bidding closes at 10 o'clock Saturday night, with the items quickly available for pickup.

Owen reminds payments must be made in cash when picking up the item.

A link to the online auction can be found on JJAM FM's website.

Local NDP MP Re-Appointed House of Commons Assistant Deputy Speaker

Local New Democrat Carol Hughes is keeping a special role in the House of Commons.

The Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing NDP MP's agreed to serve again as Assistant Deputy Speaker and Chair of the Committee of the Whole, roles she held in the previous two parliaments - she calls it "an interesting position...that keeps [her] at the heart of debates", allowing her to "better represent" the people of her riding.

Hughes was quickly put to work, presiding over debate on legislation just minutes after she was appointed, and later overseeing an emergency debate on flooding in British Columbia.

APH Reports New COVID-19 Cases

Algoma Public Health's reporting seventeen new COVID-19 cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 958 total, though the number "active" has dropped to 255, with sixteen in hospital - up slightly from the previous day.

The health unit's showing nine "active" outbreaks, including three schools in the Sault, Thessalon Public School, and units of the Sault Area Hospital and Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre.

PHSD Confirms 38th COVID-19-Related Death, More Cases

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

Figures posted by Public Health Sudbury and Districts shows the health unit's now reported a total of 38 deaths related to the illness - all reported in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's also reporting 32 new cases in Greater Sudbury and four more in the Sudbury District, bringing it to 3629 total, with 251 "active": two in the Manitoulin District; thirteen in the eastern part of the Sudbury District; fourteen in the western part; and the remaining 222 in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's also declared another outbreak, for DMC Mining Services at Glencore Craig Mine in Greater Sudbury - the health unit's showing 21 "active" outbreaks, including multiple mining operations, schools, and school bus routes.

It's holding an "appointment-only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic at its Chapleau office today.

Chapleau Council Still Considering Options to Fill Vacant Seat

Chapleau Town Council is still considering how to fill a vacant seat.

Mayor Michael Levesque explains a councillor stepped down last month, after five years on Council.

Per the Municipal Act, Council has 60 days after declaring the seat vacant to either appoint someone or call a by-election, less than a year before the next municipal election, which is set for October 24, 2022.

Mayor Levesque says he won't speculate about what option will be chosen, noting it is Council's decision, which he expects will be made in the next meeting, scheduled for December 13th.

Councillor Gerard Bernier has taken on the title of deputy mayor after Smith's departure.

APH Reports 5 COVID-19 Deaths & More Cases, PHSD Also Reports New Cases

Algoma Public Health's reporting several COVID-19 deaths.

Saying only that it is "sad to report" five COVID-19-related deaths have been confirmed over the last week - bringing the health unit's death toll to fourteen - with no further information to be shared "out of respect for all families", though it emphasizes "these tragic losses highlight the seriousness in our communities", asking every resident get vaccinated.

The health unit's also reporting 23 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the total to 941, with 282 "active", including fifteen in hospital.

Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added nineteen cases in Greater Sudbury, one in the Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing it to 3593, though the number "active" actually dropped slightly, to 244: four in the Manitoulin District; twelve in the western part of the Sudbury District; twelve in the eastern part; and the remaining 216 in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's also declared another outbreak, for "withdrawal management services" at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury.

It does note, however, that an "appointment-only" COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held at its Chapleau office tomorrow, a day before the health unit expects to start appointments for five to eleven year olds.

APH Reports Record Active COVID-19 Cases, New Cases in Neighbouring Regions

COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise in the region.

Algoma Public Health's reporting 28 in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 918, with a record 283 "active", including seventeen in hospital.

It's also warning of potential "low-risk" exposure for those who caught the 3:50 pm showing of "Clifford the Big Red Dog" at the Galaxy Cinemas in Sault Ste. Marie on November 14th, or those who were in the arcade area between 5:30 and 6:30 that night.

The health unit notes - due to the surging cases - it's receiving support from case and contact managers who may be from the provincial workforce or a partner health unit, meaning cases or high-risk contacts may be contacted by them instead of an APH official.

In neighbouring regions, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting four new cases in the Thunder Bay area and one in an unspecified district community - bringing it to 3495 total, with 33 "active", the most it has seen since mid-June - while the Porcupine Health Unit's added two in the Timmins area, bringing the health unit to 2267, with ten "active".

Public Health Sudbury and Districts - meanwhile - reminds it has an "appointment-only" vaccination clinic in Chapleau on Thursday.

PHSD Reports Dozens of New COVID-19 Cases Over Weekend

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

Public Health Sudbury and Districts has added 88 since Friday - nine in the Sudbury District, the rest in Greater Sudbury - bringing the health unit's total to 3572, though the number "active" actually dropped slightly, to 258: eight in the Manitoulin District; eleven in the western part of the Sudbury District; twelve in the eastern part of the Sudbury District; the remaining 227 in Greater Sudbury.

The health unit's showing 21 active outbreaks in its region, including an under 13 hockey team on Manitoulin Island, multiple Greater Sudbury schools and school bus routes, a pair of Greater Sudbury mine operations, and a grocery store in the city.

APH Reports Surging COVID-19 Cases, TBDHU Also Sees More

Algoma Public Health's continuing to report surging COVID-19 cases.

Delayed by a power outage caused by the snowstorm, the health unit's reporting 32 new cases in the Sault Ste. Marie area, bringing the health unit to 890, with 270 "active", including seventeen in hospital.

This comes as the health unit's warning of a few possible public exposures: "high-risk" exposure on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to the Sault November 14th; "low-risk" exposure at Sault Ste. Marie's John Rhodes Community Centre Pool between 4:30 and 5:30 pm November 17th; and "low-risk" exposure at Shooter's Lounge in the Sault between 11 am and 2 am November 13th and 14th, and from 11 am to 4 pm November 15th.

The Algoma District School Board's confirmed four more schools have seen individuals test positive - the White Pines and Korah collegiate and vocational schools in Sault Ste. Marie, as well as Echo Bay and Central Algoma Secondary - while outbreaks have been declared for Thessalon Public School and Korah Intermediate in the Sault.

In neighbouring regions, the Porcupine Health Unit's declared an outbreak at a Timmins elementary school, while the Thunder Bay District Health Unit's reporting fourteen new cases in the Thunder Bay area and three more in unspecified First Nation communities, bringing it to 3490 total, with 30 "active", including one in hospital.

Wawa Resident Charged With Assault Over Domestic Dispute

A Wawa resident's facing an assault charge over a domestic dispute early this month.

Superior East Ontario Provincial Police say they responded to the incident on Hillcrest Avenue in Wawa on November 2nd, but the suspect fled the scene before officers arrived - police located them on the 17th, and arrested the 31-year-old on a charge of spousal assault and three counts of fail to comply with probation order.

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

Chapleau Council to Discuss Filling Vacancy in Meeting

Chapleau Town Council has a busy night ahead - including discussions about how to fill a vacant seat.

Tonight's regular meeting agenda includes a memo on filling Council vacancies, after now-former Deputy Mayor Rick Smith resigned last month, after nearly five years as a councillor - as no meeting has been held since, tonight will see his seat declared vacant, giving Council 60 days to either appoint someone or call a by-election, less than a year before the next municipal election.

Councillor Gerard Bernier has taken on the title of deputy mayor after Smith's departure.

Also included in the agenda are resolutions covering multiple purchase orders, change orders, and scope changes for various projects, as well as a proposal for backup power at the Recreation Centre, a resolution to extend the HandiTransit hours of operation, and a memo on the Township's vaccination policy.

The meeting will be held in Civic Centre Council Chambers, with the public able to attend - following COVID-19 measures such as masking and physical distancing - starting at 6:30.

APH Surpasses PHSD for Highest Active COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the region over the weekend.

Public Health Sudbury and Districts added 52 in Greater Sudbury, nine in the Sudbury District, and another in the Manitoulin District, bringing the health unit to 3484 total, with 265 currently "active".

Algoma Public Health's become the hotspot of the region, reporting 67 cases over two days - seven in Central and East Algoma, the rest in the Sault Ste. Marie area - bringing it to 271 "active", including eighteen in hospital.

The number "active" is nearly a third of the 858 cases the health unit's reported since the pandemic, despite the health unit reporting more than 90% of the region's eligible population is partially vaccinated and nearly 87% are fully vaccinated, amounting to more than 80% of the total population partially vaccinated, over 77% fully.

This comes as the health unit's warning of a few possible public exposures: "high-risk" exposure on an Air Canada flight from Toronto to the Sault November 14th; "low-risk" exposure at Sault Ste. Marie's John Rhodes Community Centre Pool between 4:30 and 5:30 pm November 17th; and "low-risk" exposure at Shooter's Lounge in the Sault between 11 am and 2 am November 13th and 14th, and from 11 am to 4 pm November 15th.

Meanwhile, the Algoma District School Board says it's investigating potential exposure within the Korah Collegiate and Vocational School community in Sault Ste. Marie.

Wawa's Lady Dunn Health Centre Tightens Visitor Restrictions Amid Rising Algoma COVID-19 Cases

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

As of today, the hospital's implemented new guidelines due to the increased spread of COVID-19 in Algoma, requiring 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.

Superior East OPP Launch Festive RIDE Campaign

Ontario Provincial Police are getting into the holiday spirit, with their annual Festive RIDE campaign now underway.

Superior East OPP Community Safety Officer Constable Ashley Nickle calls it "a familiar part of the holiday season" and one of the OPP's "most important traffic safety initiatives".

Nickle notes there are multiple forms of impairment.

Constable Nickle also reminds officers are conducting Mandatory Alcohol Screening, now able to demand a roadside breath test from any driver lawfully stopped - those who refuse or register over 0.08% blood/alcohol concentration face a 90-day licence suspension and seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Drivers are also reminded to drive carefully, particularly when approaching a RIDE check, and to make alternate arrangements if you will be drinking as part of holiday celebrations.

LDHCF Prepares for Annual Wish Campaign

With the holiday season here, the Lady Dunn Health Centre Foundation's asking residents to help grant a wish from the local hospital.

The Foundation's set to launch its annual Wish Campaign later this week, sending out a flyer with holiday greetings and information about the campaign, along with a donation card - and Chair Susan Switzer says this campaign's particularly important, given the pandemic.

Vice-Chair Lorraine Pihelgas emphasizes that donations stay in the community, supporting the purchase of equipment the hospital has identified as its greatest need.

Officially launching Wednesday, November 24th, the Wish Campaign will continue until January 8th.

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