Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Public Health Sudbury confirms five new cases of COVID-19 in the area
Public Health Sudbury and Districts have confirmed five new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of cases in the area to 36. One of the four cases is believed to have contracted the virus through close contact with an infected individual, it is unknown at this time how the remaining four came to develop symptoms. Read the full story here.
Ontario’s emergency declaration extended until April 23
Ontario has extended all emergency orders issued under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until April 23 and added new measures in the government’s response to COVID-19. The declaration enacted on March 17 has now been expanded to address surge capacity in retirement homes, restrict recreational camping on Crown land, and allow the repurposing of existing buildings and temporary structures. Read the full story here.
Temiskaming Shores man shot dead by OPP
A 43-year-old man is dead after being shot by OPP officers in Temiskaming Shores last night. Now, the province’s Special Investigations Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. Read the full story here.
Sudburians driving initiative seeking RVs to house health-care workers
Three health-care workers at Health Sciences North will have temporary lodgings in an effort to keep their vulnerable family members safe from COVID-19, thanks to the efforts of the organizers of the Facebook group called RV's for Health care workers. Kim Brouzes, owner and operator of Active Therapy Plus, said she and her partners have secured three recreational vehicles that these health-care workers can take home and park in their driveways. Read the full story here.
Greater Sudbury ramps up testing for COVID-19
COVID-19 testing is now available for anyone who has a symptom possibly related to COVID-19 infection, effective immediately and until further notice. Please be advised that for the safety of both patient and medical personnel, walk-in appointments have been strictly prohibited. Read the full story here.
YMCA re-opens for homeless to access its washrooms, telephone and computers
Previously closed in response to COVID-19, Sudbury YMCA has announced that it will be re-opening with limited hours of operation for the community’s homeless population to access vital services. Until further notice, this group is welcome to utilize the Durham Street location's washroom facilities as well as its telephone and computer to access social services, every day from 12-5 p.m. Read the full story here.
Premier acknowledges success of Ontario Together portal, encourages further participation
Since launching the Ontario Together web portal, Premier Doug Ford in his latest address Saturday has said more than 14,000 businesses have stepped up in the fight against COVID-19. But more is needed. The province in response has launched a $50 million Ontario Together Fund to support the development of proposals and help businesses retool their operations. Read the full story here.
Energy Board extends disconnection ban to July 31
The Ontario Energy Board has not only extended the ban on disconnections for non-payment during the COVID-19 pandemic but also widened the scope of the ban itself. On March 19, the OEB extended the winter ban on electricity disconnections to July 31. Amidst all the other news, this fact might have been missed. Read the full story here.
Alberta to share surplus ventilators, masks and gloves with Ontario, Quebec and B.C.
Premier Jason Kenney says Alberta has more than enough protective masks, gloves and ventilators for its own COVID-19 needs, so it's sharing some of its surplus with provinces in more dire need. He said Ontario will receive protective masks, gloves and ventilators, Quebec will receive masks and gloves, and British Columbia will get masks. Read the full story here.
Strong winds Monday and a chance of precipitation
Environment Canada issued a Special Weather Statement Sunday, in response to heavy rain and strong winds likely to carry into Monday. Mainly cloudy skies in the forecast for Monday and a high of 10 C, dropping to 5 C in the afternoon. Rain from the night before is expected to end near noon followed by a 60 per cent chance of showers for the remainder of the day. Southeast 30 km/h wind gusting to 50 km/h, will move southwest 40 km/h gusting to 70 km/h in the afternoon. Cloudy skies expected into the night accompanied by 60 per cent chance of rain showers, changing to a 60 per cent chance of flurries later that evening. Southwest 50 km/h wind gusting to 70 km/h will ease to 30 km/h, gusting to 60 km/h, near midnight. Overnight low of -6 C to feel more like -14 C with the wind chill.
