Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Public Health Sudbury confirms 18 new COVID-19 cases for Tuesday March 16:
Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) has reported that there are 18 new cases of COVID-19 in the area for Tuesday March 16. PHSD also said there are now 245 active cases being actively monitored. This means that since the health unit began tracking COVID-19 cases one year ago, there have now been 1034 total COVID-19 cases confirmed locally. PHSD also said 789 of those cases have been resolved locally. As to where the new cases might have occurred, the PHSD daily update page reported that all 18 cases were found to have occurred within the Greater Sudbury Area. With respect to possible causes of the new cases, PHSD reported two cases as "outbreak associated". On the provincial COVID-19 register Tuesday, the Ontario government daily website reported there were 1,074 new confirmed COVID-19 cases across the province.
Ontario has entered third wave of COVID-19, say province's science advisers:
Ontario has entered the third wave of COVID-19 as more transmissible virus variants account for almost half of new cases, the province's science advisers warned Tuesday. The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table said new data shows variants of concern are now driving pandemic growth, accounting for 733 of 1,489 total cases on March 15. The group, which provides independent advice and analysis to the Progressive Conservative government, said that growth is taking place across the province. "So, here we are: Ontario's Third Wave," the group posted to social media Tuesday. "Sadly, we are in fact 'all in this together'. Ontario is organized into 34 public health units; almost two-thirds are now experiencing exponential growth of (COVID-19)." The findings come a day after the province's top doctor said that Ontario could be going into a third wave but the extent of it was still developing. "You can always tell you're in it after it's over," Dr. David Williams said Monday. "I would say we are into that base of a third wave. What does that mean, how big it is, that's to be determined." Premier Doug Ford said Tuesday that he will wait for Williams' advice on the matter, but stressed people must continue to follow public health guidance even as more vaccines are administered. "We can't let our guard down for a second," he said. "We have to be very, very cautious moving forward." Full story here.
Accused drugged driver found slumped over steering wheel in gas station parking lot:
A 33-year-old Sudbury man faces drugged driving charges after he was found slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle parked at a gas station in Baldwin Township (the McKerrow area) on Highway 17 on March 13, said provincial police. Ontario Provincial Police had responded to a traffic complaint at about 5:50 a.m. Further investigation revealed the man had consumed suspected controlled substances. He was arrested and charged with impaired operation, possession of a Schedule 1 substance-opioid (other than heroin), and possession of a Schedule 1 substance-other drugs. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice In Espanola on May 3. His licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for seven days.
U. of Sudbury intends to become French institution in wake of LU’s financial crisis:
One of the federated universities operating on the Laurentian University campus, the University of Sudbury, said it is returning to its roots and becoming a French-language post-secondary institution. The announcement was made Friday alongside l’Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario (AFO), a group that works for the advancement of Francophone rights in the province. This comes as many in the Francophone community fear Laurentian University’s restructuring will mean cuts to Francophone programming at the university. “It’s a very, very important announcement,” said Carol Jolin, president of the AFO, in an interview with Sudbury.com. “We salute the announcement. We’re extremely happy with that news, because it means a lot for the Francophone community. “With the process of restructuring for Laurentian University, we were very worried about the offer of programs in French for the Francophone community in the North. This announcement is a dream come true. That’s been a dream that’s been there for 45 or 50 years, and now it’s real. We’ll be working to make sure that we can bring that to the Francophone community, and all these students who want to pursue studies in French in the North.” Full story can be found here.
Pilot project to see Sudbury paramedics vaccinating homebound residents:
Sudburians who aren’t able to leave their homes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine won’t have to thanks to a pilot project from the City of Greater Sudbury and Public Health Sudbury & Districts. Through the pilot project, local paramedics will administer the vaccine directly in the homes of homebound individuals who are born in 1941 or earlier, or who receive chronic home-care services. “From day one, our commitment has been that anyone who is eligible and wishes to receive the vaccine will have an opportunity to do so,” said Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, medical officer of health with Public Health Sudbury and Districts. “This commitment has challenged us to think creatively and consider innovative ways that can help us get vaccines into arms as efficiently, safely and fairly as possible. “This pilot project is an example of the invaluable partnership with the City of Greater Sudbury — we tip our hats to the paramedics for willingness to step up to offer vaccines to these most vulnerable members of our community.” Full story here.
Ontario provides $30-million to cover the cost of COVID-19 expenses in retirement homes:
The province announced Tuesday it is spending $30-million to help the retirement home sector cover off unexpected COVID-19 related costs such as hiring, training and testing additional staff, sanitizing residences and buying supplies to help control the spread of infection. The province said this money is in addition to the $30.9 million invested previously by the province to help retirement homes cope with the pandemic. Raymond Cho, Ontario's Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, said retirement home operators are working hard to keep the homes as safe as possible. "Our government's additional funding will enable retirement homes to purchase more critical supplies like PPE, products to carry out deep cleaning, or to support more on-site testing to help further prevent and contain outbreaks," said Cho. Ontario has more than 770 licensed retirement homes with many being run by small operators who urgently need the government's support to deal with rising costs related to fighting COVID-19, said the ministry. More on this story here.
Salvation Army in Sudbury not accepting any new clients during outbreak:
The Salvation Army in Sudbury said today the Sudbury Cedar Place is not accepting any new clients as a result of the outbreak being declared at that venue by Public Health Sudbury and District (PHSD). The charity organization said this will be in place until the Cedar location is officially cleared by the health unit. "At this time, those who were in close contact with the COVID-19 positive case will remain home and isolate while awaiting testing results. Our 10 clients who are currently living at the Salvation Army Sudbury Cedar Place have been provided with all appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and are currently isolating and will receive COVID-19 testing," said spokesperson Billy Canning, divisional manager, marketing and communications at the Salvation Army Ontario Division. The Salvation Army was one of two downtown warming centre locations identified by PHSD today as being the site of a COVID-19 outbreak. The other location was the YMCA on Durham Street. At this time, Canning said the local centre is currently going through a stringent cleaning and sanitization process. The priority continues to be the health and safety of both our clients and staff as we adhere to all public health guidelines, he said.
Wednesday Weather:
A mix of sun and cloud in the forecast today with some mild temperatures. Wednesday's high will be sitting at around 7. Mainly cloudy into the evening with a 40 per cent chance of flurries as the temperature drops. Overnight low will be -4, feeling like -6 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.
