Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Provincial recommendations regarding COVID-19
The Province of Ontario issued several statements over the weekend relaying the latest recommendations of various ministries to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. In response to the virus' progression, Ontarians have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel as well as events attracting 250 people or more. To slow the spread, all Ontario casinos have been closed, longterm care homes have suspended all non-essential visits, and several Ontario attractions and event centres have adjusted their programming. Both the public and health officials have been encouraged to practice social distancing until further notice. Any Canadian currently outside of Canada is encouraged to return to the country as soon as possible.
HSN bumps up security measures in wake of COVID-19
Health Sciences North (HSN) released a statement Sunday, introducing several new policies to reduce spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. There are currently no patients admitted at HSN, that have tested positive for the virus. Read the full story here.
'This precaution is necessary': Sudbury schools now shut until April 5
More details about the local implications of the Ontario-wide shutdown of elementary and secondary schools March 14 through until April 5 due to COVID-19 concerns are becoming clear in letters from school boards to parents. A Friday letter from Rainbow District School Board director of education Norm Blaseg said all Rainbow board facilities and programs will be closed during that time, including programs and services in non-school locations. Read the full story here.
Hey parents, keep busy with Tommy and his mommy during this extra long March Break
Join new media reporter Heather Green-Oliver as she tries to keep her five-year-old son Thomas busy during the extended March Break. Sudbury.com will be livestreaming their adventures each weekday morning from March 16 to April 3. Watch for the livestream around 10 a.m. on our Facebook page. Take part in the discussion, share your tips, have a little fun and remember to wash your hands! Find more details here.
Sudbury's guide to safe family fun this extended March Break
In the wake of the Ontario government's decision to extend the March Break by two weeks as a response to COVID-19, parents and guardians may be asking themselves "What am I going to do with these kids for three weeks?" Several community events have been cancelled but Sudbury.com has compiled a list of local attractions that plan to remain open. Read the full story here.
NCF executive director named one of the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction
Tannys Laughren, executive director of the Northern Cancer Foundation (NCF), has been declared as a recipient of the 2020 YWCA Women of Distinction Award. The YWCA Women of Distinction Awards Gala celebrates women who have influenced women or girls as a role model, mentor, or through accomplishments in their field, according to a press release. Read the full story here.
Sudbury business can design face masks for those worried about COVID-19
While face masks are selling out across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Sudbury company says it has face masks that can help prevent the spread of the virus. ProStitch Inc. in Sudbury is in the process of creating hundreds of reusable masks that have N60 to N66 ratings. Read the full story here.
Mayor Bigger, MP Serré and MP Lefebvre test negative for COVID-19
Mayor Brian Bigger received his test results from Public Health Sudbury and District Saturday, indicating that he does not have the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Bigger had been working from "afar" since March 11, following news that a fellow attendee of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference in Toronto, had tested positive for the infection. Read the full story here.
Canada hiring a new wave of nurses to prepare, respond to COVID-19
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is looking to hire inventory nurses to have on-call, should health centres require additional assistance when responding to the demands of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Applicants who meet the qualifications will be contacted for additional assessment in the event that positions become available. The first pull of applications could be as early as Monday, March 16. Read the full story here.
Notre-Dame Alouettes' seniors score silver at OFSAA
Literally four years in the making, the College Notre-Dame Alouettes senior girl volleyball crew just barely squeezed in their appearance at the OFSAA Girls A Volleyball Championship 2020, in Walkerton. A quartet of graduating seniors could not have been more grateful, as the team exited the event with silver medals in hand. Read the full story here.
Cloudy skies carry evening flurries to Sudbury
Mainly cloudy skies Monday and a high of zero. Wind up to 15 km/h will introduce a wind chill of -14 C in the morning but should not effect the temperature much after that. Increased cloudiness overnight and temperatures near a steady -1 C. Flurries beginning in the evening will accumulate to 2cm of snowfall by the next morning. Wind up to 15 km/h to carry a wind chill near -6 C.
