Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Sudbury fire ban has been lifted:
Greater Sudbury Fire Services Chief Joseph Nicholls has confirmed Friday that the open air burning ban in Greater Sudbury will be lifted in conjunction with the province's decision to lift the Restricted Fire Zone. The RFZ was a proactive action to protect firefighter resources impacted by COVID-19 and to reduce the risk of human-caused fires across the Province. In summary, both the provincial RFZ and Greater Sudbury's local burning ban will be lifted as of Saturday. "I am very pleased to hear the provincial government has lifted the fire ban and that effective Saturday, residents can begin to enjoy one of the activities that makes our northern lifestyle so great,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor Brian Bigger. The city continues to closely monitor the fire hazard status and will inform residents should the fire ban be reinstated. While campfires, chiminea fireplaces, crop residue fires, and other types of outdoor burning are permitted, please be safe and cautious around any outdoor fires, and never leave a fire unattended. Earlier this month, City Council amended the Fireworks By-Law (2011 -190) to remove both Victoria Day and Canada Day as permitted days for 2020.
Ontario sees 27 more COVID-19 deaths, with two more reported in Northern Ontario:
Ontario recorded 428 new COVID-19 cases over the past day, for a total of 21,922 confirmed cases in the province since the pandemic began. The province had 27 more COVID-19 deaths since yesterday, for a total of 1,825 deaths associated with the virus. There are also 16,641 people who have recovered from COVID-19 in Ontario. A total of 510,841 COVID-19 tests have been completed in Ontario to date, with 18,354 tests done yesterday, and 14,373 people still under investigation for the virus. In Ontario long-term care homes, which have been particularly hard hit, there have been 263 outbreaks, an increase of nine over yesterday. There have been 823 deaths among residents in Ontario long-term care homes, and two among staff at these facilities. There have also 112 outbreaks in Ontario retirement homes, and 142 deaths, and 77 outbreaks in Ontario hospitals, and 52 deaths. In Ontario, there are currently 986 COVID-19 patients who are hospitalized, 179 who are in the ICU and 135 on ventilators. Public Health Sudbury and Districts now reports 64 COVID-19 cases, with three new cases in long-term care homes in the district reported Thursday evening. Of those cases, 57 people have recovered, and two have died. The local health unit has tested a total of 9,499 people to date, 8,518 people have tested negative, and 917 people are currently under investigation for the virus.
Man arrested after trying to enter an unmarked police car ... with officer still inside:
Greater Sudbury Police made pair of arrests late Thursday night while conducting focused patrols to address the ongoing issues of theft from motor vehicles, property thefts and break and enters in specific residential areas. Just before 10:30 p.m. on May 14, officers saw a man riding a bicycle into a laneway behind Cedar Street in the downtown. The man approached a group of individuals who were gathered in the laneway. The officers then saw the man make hand-to-hand drug for money transactions with individuals in the laneway forming reasonable grounds for his arrest.Shortly after 10:30 p.m. the officers entered the laneway on foot and arrested the 30-year-old man. Upon searching the man, the officers located methamphetamine pills and fentanyl, as well as cash. The man was charged with two counts of trafficking a schedule I substance and possession of property obtained by crime. He was released on an undertaking. Officers then proceeded to the area of Kingsway and Second Avenue after reports of a man being seen trying to enter vehicles in various parking lots. The two officers in two unmarked vehicles parked in the area after seeing the man in the parking lot. The man was arrested after he tried to enter the unmarked cruiser with one of the officers inside. The 25-year-old man was charged with various offences including two counts of theft Under $5,000, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and possession of a schedule I substance after the officers located methamphetamine and fentanyl on him during their search. He was released on an undertaking.
LU looking into providing most classes online in fall 2020:
Laurentian University says it's looking into how it can provide the majority of its classes through online distance learning in September amid announcements by several other Canadian schools that they're moving mostly online for fall 2020. “I think what you'll see the sector in general tending towards would be that,” said Serge Demers, Laurentian's interim vice-president, academic and provost, in an interview with Sudbury.com. “I think there is so much uncertainty right now in terms of the power of the virus, and what the situation will look like come September, and what the health unit will permit us and not permit us to do.” Sudbury.com reached out to Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal to look into their plans for the fall amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All three said a final decision has yet to be made on how classes will be delivered, as officials are currently working out the details. Both Laurentian and Boréal said they expect a decision by late May. Full story here.
NHL vs. Docs hockey fundraiser for NEO Kids Foundation cancelled:
NEO Kids Foundation honorary chair Nick Faligno took to Twitter this week to announce the cancellation of this year’s instalment of the NHL Vs. Docs fundraising hockey game. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I have the unfortunate news that we’ll be cancelling this year’s game in benefit of NEO Kids,” Foligno said. The game was scheduled for Aug. 9. “However, we’re always committed to children’s health in Sudbury and Northeastern Ontario, and we have a tentative date of Aug. 15, 2021,” Foligno said. “I look forward to getting back out in front of you with my teammates, the doctors, NHL legends and making it our fifth and final year, but our best year yet.”
This livestream of the lineup at the Sudbury landfill is strangely engrossing:
With landfills now open in Greater Sudbury, and after about eight weeks of them being closed due to COVID-19, it seems residents have a lot of garbage to dump. When the city announced it was opening landfill sites, it warned residents to expect longer-than-usual wait times. They weren’t kidding. The city has set up a livestream from the entrance to the Sudbury landfill site. It shows the lineup of vehicles waiting for their turn to dump garbage. To say is long would be an understatement. But, the livestream may serve as a way to get an idea of just how long you will wait in line. The video is also strangely engrossing to watch. Check it out here.
Essential Worker of the Day: Surgical nurse Lynn Rolston:
It's National Nursing Week in Canada. Sudbury.com's Essential Worker of the Day will be honouring a nurse each day from May 11 to May 17. We recognize the remarkable service all nurses in Greater Sudbury provide, especially during these trying times. On Friday, Sudbury.com recognized Lynn Rolston as the Essential Worker of the Day. Her mom Helen Geddes wants to thank her for always putting her patients first. "Lynn has been a nurse for almost 30 years," Geddes said. "She has two children and a husband. She is an aunt and a wonderful friend. She is steadfast and smart. She is kind compassionate and passionate about her life work. It was definitely her calling. Thank you Lynn for always putting your patients first." Do you know an essential worker who deserves to be recognized? Say thanks to someone you know who is a front-line health care worker, cashier or truck driver by nominating them for Sudbury.com's Essential Worker of the Day. Email us a photo, their name, their job title and your words of thanks to [email protected]. Please only send photos and information with permission.
