New COVID-19 cases, outbreaks and travel advisories
New cases reported by two-health unites
A new COVID-19 case was also been reported in Timmins. Meanwhile, three more Algoma District residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Two are from Sault Ste. Marie. One is from Central/East Algoma. Two caught COVID-19 from close contact. Cause for the third individual is not known.
Two outbreaks announced at long-term care homes
Among all COVID-19 in numbers in long-term care homes over the long weekend, Algoma Public Health has declared an outbreak at Extendicare Maple View. The long-term care home has since taken further preventive actions to protect staff and residents.
Meanwhile, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 at St. Joseph’s Villa in Sudbury. It happened Saturday. This is after a staff member tested positive for the virus. To date, no residents have tested positive in relation to this outbreak.
Two travel advisories announced pertaining to unrelated ON bus, flight
A travel advisory has been issued. It’s for anyone who travelled on an Ontario Northland bus from Toronto to Sudbury on Dec. 21. Bus #1904 left from a terminal on Bay Street in Toronto at 2 p.m. and arrived in Sudbury at 6:45 p.m. The risk is said to be low, but anyone on board this bus is advised to follow public health guidance.
Meanwhile, a potential exposure advisory has been released for a Dec. 28 flight out of the Timmins airport. The risk for the flight just after 9am Air Creebec flight 871 from Timmins to Moosonee, Fort Albany, Kashechewan and Peawanuck. Passengers on this flight are considered close contacts and must self-isolate immediately and call the Porcupine Health Unit.
Greater Sudbury paramedics services are expanding their duties to include COVID-19 testing and flu vaccinations
Greater Sudbury paramedics services are expanding their duties into 20 21. The hope is to help deliver COVID-19 testing and flu vaccinations to people who have trouble accessing them. The manager of services indicate that community care medicine is part of their scope of work.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is urging sledders to ride local
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is urging sledders to ride local. While there are number of trails in the North East, snowmobilers are being told to avoid travelling outside of their local public health region until the provincial lockdown ends.
Two derelict hotels being torn down
The former Trout Creek Hotel and the former Princess Motel on Highway 522 B are being torn down. Powassan council has awarded a near $167,000 contract demolish the buildings, as well as a home that burnt several years ago. The demolition costs will be added to the tax bills of the property owners.
North Bay Police investigating a NYE death
The North Bay Police Service is investigating a death early New Year’s Day. EMS responded to a call on Jane Street of a person in need of medical attention. One person was taken to hospital, where they later died. One person is facing charges.
City of Sault Ste Marie looking to launch at Rural Northern Immigration Pilot program
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is looking to get a Rural Northern Immigration Pilot program off the ground. It’s aimed at attracting skilled workers from outside Canada to fill local labour needs. They’re looking to hire, a full-time co-ordinator. FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program is being asked to chip with half a million dollars.
