Good morning, Greater Sudbury! Here are a few stories to get you started on this Tuesday morning.
Sudbury woman holding a one-person demonstrate on the importance of masking up
Sudbury woman Jennifer Young is all about wearing a face mask in public. In fact, she plans to demonstrate that position in the hope that others will follow her example. She stood outside of a medical office at 1596 Regent Street at 6:30 p.m. yesterday evening (Nov. 16). Young is planning her public demonstration to put the message out that there are people with medical conditions who need others to wear their masks when they're out in public places. "The reason why I wanted to come forward was my own personal battle with postpartum cardiomyopathy," Young explained. Regardless, she said the situation now is that the pandemic appears to be in a new wave, but not enough people seem to take it seriously. "It's not only our elderly people who are vulnerable.”
Read the full story on the Sudbury.com homepage.
Public Health is changing the way it reports new COVID-19 cases, updates
Public Health Sudbury and District (PHSD) is changing the way it reports to the public and to the media on the incidence of new COVID-19 cases. Up until today (Monday Nov. 16), PHSD was reporting those incidents as they were confirmed. Sometimes it was during the day. Sometimes it was late in the evening. Under the new procedure, the health unit said it will report those incidents twice daily on the PHSD website. "The changes are being made to streamline our processes while at the same time ensure the public has timely access to important public health information," said a news release. PHSD said it will post updated data on new COVID-19 cases Monday to Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. On weekends and statutory holidays, the updated report will be once daily at 4 p.m. In addition, PHSD said it will also post a new weekly summary of any key developments, timely public health guidance, and relevant announcements. The weekly summary will be available online and shared proactively on social media and with local media every Thursday, said the news release.
Read the full story on the Sudbury.com homepage.
Overnight warming centre for the homeless opens at the YMCA
A new overnight warming centre has opened up at the YMCA downtown. The centre offers a safe, comfortable, warm place for people to visit, with access to washrooms and light refreshments, the city said this afternoon in a news release. “It’s very touching to see how our community partners are responding to help us address the needs of our vulnerable population,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. “City council will continue to make homelessness initiatives, including shelter from the cold, food and supports, a top priority.” The City of Greater Sudbury is providing $200,000 in funding to operate the warming centre, seven days a week, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. until the end of April. The centre has capacity for 20 people. To help keep everyone safe and reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, YMCA staff will clean and sanitize washrooms and tables and chairs after each use, and perform nightly screening. For more information on the overnight warming centre, call the YMCA at 705-674-8315.
Markstay YMCA daycare centre closed after child tests positive for COVID-19
The Markstay Early Learning Child Care Centre is closed after a child tested positive for COVID-19, said the YMCA of Northeastern Ontario in a letter to parents. A notice was published on the YMCA’s website on Monday. The daycare is located at Markstay Public School, but operated by the YMCA. “I know this news is very unsettling, but I want to reassure you that we are working diligently with Public Health Sudbury and District,” said Helen Francis, YMCA CEO in the message. “All participants at risk of exposure have been contacted by Public Health and are following their direction. “As an extra precaution, we closed the entire centre, not just the room where the exposure occurred. Staff and children at risk of exposure will self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days, as per the direction from Public Health.” A deep cleaning and disinfecting of the child care centre occurred Sunday night, said the notice. The centre will re-open and welcome staff and children back to the program upon approval from Public Health.
CP Holiday Train goes virtual this year due to pandemic
The CP Holiday Train, normally a seasonal highlight for hundreds of families on its Greater Sudbury stop, will continue to bring cheer and raise donations with a virtual concert this year. The “Holiday Train at Home” event will be streamed live on the Canadian Pacific Railway’s Facebook page on Dec. 12, the company announced Friday. The concert will feature established Canadian artists Serena Ryder and The Trews, as well as Jojo Mason, Logan Staats, and Kelly Prescott. The company also announced it would carry on its traditional donation to food banks in communities where the train normally stops, kicking in $1.24 million in total to over 200 food banks in communities on both sides of the border.
Police chief 'disheartened' after Sudbury officer charged with impaired driving
A Sudbury police officer has been charged with impaired driving after he was stopped on Municipal Road 80 on Nov. 13. Const. Thomas Van Drunen was off duty when he was stopped at around 11 a.m., GSPS reported in a news release. “While these are accusations at this point, I am nevertheless very disheartened by this incident,” said Police Chief Paul Pedersen, in a news release. Under the Police Service Act of Ontario, Van Drunen will be suspended from duty with pay. The incident has also been forwarded to the Professional Standards Bureau for further investigation. Van Drunen may be subject to additional charges under the Police Service Act.
Canadian drop season opener to Timmins Rock
The Rayside-Balfour Canadians opened the 2020-2021 regular season on Sunday night with a loss against the Timmins Rock. On the back of a long-awaited start, both teams came out with energy, but ultimately the Rock got the better of the Canadians taking the contest 4-1. Rayside opens the season 0-1, and the Rock record their first win to start 1-0. The teams face each other again Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Chelmsford before heading up Highway 144 for the weekend matchups. Prior to the game opener, the Rayside Balfour Canadians announced the acquisition of two veteran defenceman and one goaltender to add to the Canadians roster in the coming week. The three newest players are expected to join the Canadians at practice this week in preparation for three games in four days against the Timmins Rock beginning Thursday night at the Chelmsford Arena.
Read the full story on the Sudbury.com homepage.
