Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
More than 300 city workers temporarily laid off amid COVID-19 measures:
As a result of extended facility closures and the suspension of non-essential services, the city of Greater Sudbury is temporarily suspending the employment of 322 seasonal and part-time staff in affected areas. Most of the affected staff provide services in recreation programs, parks, libraries, and as school crossing guards. City Council has provided direction to follow staffing plans that recognize the longer-term nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the temporary layoffs, those plans include reassigning full-time and regular part-time staff from non-essential areas to sustain essential and critical services, and to support much needed community initiatives, such as increased programs and facilities for homeless and vulnerable populations.Full story can be found here.
Two more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Greater Sudbury:
Public Health Subury and Districts has confirmed two more cases of COVID-19 in Greater Sudbury, bringing the total number of cases to 28. The 27th case is a man in his 40s and his exposure to the virus is unknown at this time. He was tested on April 3 and is currently self-isolating. The 28th case is a woman in her 20s who was exposed to the virus by international travel and close contact. She was tested on April 5 and is self-isolating. As of 12 p.m. on April 9, there have been 1,135 people tested in the Greater Sudbury area, with 832 negative tests, 28 confirmed positive and 275 that are currently under investigation. There are also 16 resolved cases of COVID-19 and one death.
Mayor Brian Bigger discusses the need to stay home this weekend:
With the Easter this weekend, officials are very concerned that some people will be ignoring social distancing directives and gathering to celebrate the holiday. On Wednesday, Mayor Brian Bigger issued a statment calling on Sudburians to stay home this weekend, and calling on potential visitors to avoid coming to the Nickel City. On Thursday, hospital CEO Dominic Giroux reinforced the message that to protect ourselves, our loved ones and frontline health-care workers, this weekend is not the time to become complacent about staying home and staying safe. The mayor spoke with editor Mark Gentili about the pressing need to social distance, particularly this weekend. Watch the video here.
9 ways to spend Easter with loved ones while social distancing:
Easter and Passover are traditionally holidays when we gather with loved ones. But in light of physical distancing recommendations during COVID-19, that's not possible in many cases this year. How can we still stay connected and appreciate each other’s company from the safety of our own homes? Try these outside-the-box ideas this holiday weekend.
MPP France Gélinas discusses the health sector response to COVID-19:
As COVID-19 cases continue to surge, Ontario saw the death of a hospital worker Friday. Although the person wasn't a health care worker, it highlights the risk workers in the health-care sector face today. And with the Easter this weekend, officials are worried some people will ignore social distancing in order to gather and celebrate the holiday. Officials, including Mayor Brian Bigger, hospital CEO Dominic Giroux and medical officer of health Dr. Penny Sutcliffe are urging the public to stay home this weekend. Editor Mark Gentili spoke live with Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas, the NDP health care critic, about these issues and more. Watch their discussion here.
Premier Doug Ford says economy will come back stronger than before:
The Ontario government has launched a new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee which will focus on getting businesses up and running and people back to work after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. While the government's primary focus is on combatting the virus, supporting frontline health care workers and providing immediate relief to people and businesses, this new committee will be developing a plan to stimulate economic growth and job-creation in the weeks and months ahead. "My heart goes out to those individuals and families who have been out of work, or whose business has closed through no fault of their own," said Premier Ford. "I can assure each person affected by this crisis that we will do everything we can to support you, and get you back on the job as soon as possible. While our government battles this virus, members of our new Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee will roll up their sleeves and develop a roadmap to a stronger, more prosperous economy." Ford highlighted the hard numbers associated with the fallout from COVID-19, speaking to the 400,000 jobs that were lost in the province last month alone. You can watch his press conference from Thursday here.
Wolves add size and skill in U18 Priority Selection:
The Sudbury Wolves added two very skilled high-scoring forwards and a top U18 goaltender in the fourth annual U18 OHL Priority Selection Wednesday afternoon, selecting Jack Parker, Gavin McCarthy and Owen Hardy. With the 11th overall selection in the draft, the Wolves selected forward Jack Parker from the Nepean Raiders Midget AAA. The Nepean native scored big goals for his team this past season. Parker notched 25 goals and added 33 assists for 58 points in 43 games. In the second round, 31st overall, the Wolves selected goaltender Gavin McCarthy from the Brockville Braves Midget AAA. The 5-10, 155 lb. goalie was outstanding for his team this past year, notching a 2.39 goals against average and a 0.922 save percentage. In the third and final round, the Wolves selected left winger Owen Hardy 50th overall from the Brockville Braves. The Stittsville, Ont. native was his team's top scorer and among the league leaders this past season in HEO with Brockville. The 5-8, 176-pound speedy winger notched scored 18 goals and added 35 assists for 53 points in 45 games last season.
Friday Weather:
Mainly cloudy today with 60 per cent chance of flurries in the morning. Skies clearing by the afternoon but the high will only get up to 3. Clear skies into the evening with some chilly temperatures settling in. Low will drop to -7 tonight, feeling like -9 with the wind chill. For current weather conditions, short-term and long-term forecasts visit Sudbury.com's weather page at www.sudbury.com/weather.
