Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Hospital confirms another case of COVID-19 involving a staff member at the hospital:
Health Sciences North (HSN) has confirmed that a staff member at the hospital has tested positive for COVID-19. This is believed to be the second confirmed case of COVID among an HSN staff member since the pandemic began. Sudbury.Com reported on the first confirmed case in early January. "HSN’s Occupational Health and Safety team and Infection Prevention and Control Team worked closely with Public Health Sudbury and Districts (PHSD) on follow up contact tracing, which has now been completed for healthcare workers and patients," said a statement from HSN Friday. "While it was confirmed there were no patient exposures, several other healthcare workers were identified as being at risk of exposure and are now self-isolating, monitoring for symptoms and will be tested if appropriate," the statement continued. HSN also said it will continue to investigate the source of transmission. For privacy reasons, HSN is not able to publicly identify the department where the staff member was assigned.
Ward 3 councillor takes his fight against city’s CAO to court, prime minister:
Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier has started the process of taking legal action against Greater Sudbury CAO Ed Archer, accusing the city's chief administrative officer of being a "known slanderer and harasser." The councillor has sent a letter to the office of the prime minister, pointing to the recent resignation of Governor General Julie Payette amid allegations of workplace harassment and drawing comparisons to what he deems harassment and bullying on the part of Archer. Though he didn't name Archer directly in his letter, Montpellier does refer to the CAO of Greater Sudbury's actions dating back to the 2017 fire optimization meetings, stating that the CAO was "working with the endorsement of some members of Council (and) proceeded to publicly bully and harass a large number of private citizens and several of our highly valued Volunteer Firefighter employees." Speaking with Sudbury.com, the councillor cited a recent incident during a city council meeting where Archer called Montpellier's behaviour "buffoonish" in a typed message to another city staffer. Archer reportedly believed the message was sent privately, but it was visible to councillors and anyone else watching the livestream of the meeting. As a result, Mayor Brian Bigger suspended Archer for one day. Archer also later apologized. Montpellier however claims that the suspension was a toothless disciplinary action, stating that Archer was never in fact suspended at all. "The rules were broken again there. Brian Bigger gave him a day off prior to the hearing, prior to the process; that's the same thing as a judge yelling a sentence before he's walking into the courthouse," said Montpellier. "He's got to pretend that he's disciplined, who's ever heard of a sentence before the trial?" Find the full story here.
Police aware of anti-lockdown rally planned for Saturday:
A Sudbury couple who have held at least one other anti-pandemic response rally appear to be attempting to hold another one this weekend, but Greater Sudbury Police say they are aware an event is planned and will be contacting the organizers. Mandi Labelle posted an invite to the rally on Facebook today (Jan. 29). She along with Jason Lafauci organized an anti-mask rally back in November. Some people may recognize their names for a video they posted some time ago of them dropping off a bag of used syringes to the receptionist at Public Health Sudbury & District and yelling at the staff. In a Facebook post Friday (since taken down), Labelle encourages people to join them for an anti-lockdown rally at the New Sudbury Centre. When asked about the rally by Sudbury.com, GSPS said it will be contacting the organizers. “Officers will attempt to engage with the organizers in order to educate them on the laws under Ontario Regulation 11/21 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act prior to the potential rally,” police spokesperson Kaitlyn Dunn said. “Under the Stay-at-Home Order, outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of five persons and any organizer or individual involved in an organized gathering exceeding five persons could be subject to a fine under O. Reg., 11/21.”.
Province to fast-track COVID-19 testing orders at airports, border crossings:
While Premier Doug Ford welcomed news from the federal government regarding new and more strict travel restrictions for Canadians, it will take several weeks before those measures are fully implemented. Ford said the province is taking “immediate and decisive action” to stop the spread of new COVID-19 variants throughout the province. It is implementing a six-point plan that includes mandatory on-arrival testing of international travellers, enhanced screening and sequencing to identify the new variants, maintaining public health measures to keep people safe, strengthening case and contact management to track the spread of new cases, enhanced protections for vulnerable populations, and leveraging the latest data to inform public health decisions. “If these new strains take hold, the consequences will be dire, and the sacrifices Ontarians are making will be for nothing,” Ford said. “The time for decisive action is now.” You can watch Friday's press conference here.
St. Joseph's Villa requesting $1 million from city for much-needed repairs:
St. Joseph's Villa is looking to the city for some financial help with a $4.2-million project to make some much-needed repairs. The long-term care residence has been providing services in the community for nearly 20 years and has reached a point in its life cycle where some key components of the building are in need of maintenance. St. Joseph's Villa Foundation has taken on a capital campaign to augment the facility in order to maintain and improve the quality of life of its residents. Capital campaign members spoke at a city council meeting on Jan. 26, outlining their request and highlighting the areas of need at the building that is approaching two decades in age. "We have engaged in a $4.2 million three-year retrofit program," said campaign co-chair Celia Teale. Included in the retrofit are a new roof, upgrades the the HVAC system, windows, beds and mattresses, kitchen equipment including new industrial ovens, bathroom equipment including new therapeutic tubs, and blanket warmers. Full story here.
Amberwood Suites retirement home taking steps to control COVID-19 outbreak:
After what was described as a "mass swabbing" at Amberwood Suites retirement home this week only one new COVID-19 positive test was revealed and it was determined to be the result of a close contact with a previous case. That was part of the information released in a media statement released by Amberwood along with comments of the profound sadness about the COVID-19 outbreak and resulting deaths that occurred at the retirement home earlier this month. Since the pandemic was declared in March of 2020, there have been seven deaths directly attributable to COVID-19 in the Sudbury district. Five of those deaths occurred at Amberwood in January. "Our thoughts and condolences go out to their loved ones during this exceptionally difficult time," said the statement. Along with that Amberwood said it is committed to the health and well-being of its residents. "The safety and protection of the seniors who live with us, and the staff who provide their care, are our first priority," said the statement. The outbreak at Amberwood infected 34 residents and six staff members at the home. Amberwood said currently, there are only two active resident cases at the home. More on this story here.
Police searching for man after finding drugs and firearms in motel room:
Greater Sudbury Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Jayson Wright as he is wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for numerous offences. Jayson Wright is wanted for: Assault with a Weapon, Robbery Using a Firearm, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000. The accused is described as being 5-7, 150 lbs. with shaggy brown hair and hazel eyes. Due to Wright's violent behaviour, police are asking that you do not approach him and contact GSPS immediately if you have information on his whereabouts. At 11:50 p.m. on Jan. 24, GSPS received a call regarding a robbery that had taken place at a motel on Regent Street in Greater Sudbury. Information provided was that the caller had attended the motel with another man and when they entered one of the rooms, the man hit him with a gun and then stole his cellphone, as well as, a few thousand dollars in cash. Officers immediately arrived on scene and set up containment of the area. Officers saw two individuals exit the room. Both individuals were taken into custody. Information was provided that a third individual was still inside the room. Officers knocked on the door and identified themselves as police. The third individual exited the room and was taken into custody without incident. None of the three parties taken into custody were responsible for the original attack; however the investigation into their involvement is ongoing. Full story here.
