CPAC. Screenshot
Premier Doug Ford says the government will allow outdoor graduation ceremonies this year.
Although schools aren’t being allowed to reopen, Ford says elementary and high schools will be able to host short, small gatherings outside.
“We will be working with school boards and health officials to make sure we can have outdoor graduation ceremonies for all students, in all grades this Summer. Rather than Grade 8 and 12, it should be for all students.”
Ford notes physical distancing rules will have to be in place.
Ford stresses, “We will focus on getting kids outside, getting them to Summer camps, day camps, sports, outdoor activities, as soon as possible. Activities that we know are critical to the mental and physical well-being of our kids.”
It’s a sea of orange west of Dryden on Highway 17.
Six volunteers have tied 215 orange ribbons to the fence in Minnitaki to commemorate and honour the children found in Kamloops, BC.
Photos submitted by Connie Calvert
Where else is ‘orange’ appearing in your community? Tell and show us here: https://www.facebook.com/CKDR.Dryden/posts/4041486285899700
Here’s a link to one of the many news stories CKDR has posted since the discovery in Kamloops; https://www.ckdr.net/2021/06/02/228782/
Northwestern Health Unit
The Northwestern Health Unit is inching closer to an important milestone.
No new COVID cases are being reported Thursday and the active count is now down to six.
Four are in the Kenora Health Hub while two are in the Sioux Lookout district.
This is the fourth straight day with a zero count.
As case numbers go down, vaccination rates continue to rise.
Atikokan leads the way at 73.4% of the 18+ population receiving their first dose.
A total of 55,564 doses have been administered.
Here are the current vaccination rates:
-Atikokan: 73.4%
CPAC Screenshot
Premier Doug Ford says he’s willing to enter Stage 1 of Ontario’s reopening plan before the June 14 target date.
However, Ford says any decision will come from Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams.
“What you’re allowed to do will not change. That will stay consistent. But we want to get to Stage 1, everyone wants to get to Stage 1, and then three weeks after that we get to go to Stage 2.
Ford says it would be fabulous if we could enter Stage 2 before Canada Day.
He again stresses any decision will be based on COVID numbers and based on being cautious.
The 2021/2022 hockey season is just around the corner.
Barring any potential COVID-19 restrictions, the U18 ‘AAA’ Kenora Thistles have set the dates for both their ID camp and their main selection camp.
Scott Parsons is headed into his second season as the head coach of the team and says the ID camp is a great chance to make an impression on the coaching staff.
“Last year we didn’t get to travel around and take a look at some of the players that are moving up from the U15 level,” says Parsons, “So it’s really good for players to come out, shake some rust off and get noticed. There’s not much in terms of expectations (at ID camp).”