Health Unit/CKDR Archives
It’s been one year since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in the Northwestern Health Unit’s catchment area.
Today, there are six more cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of positive cases to 591.
There are two each in the Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Kenora areas.
Overall, there are 61 active cases in the region.
39 of those are in the Kenora area, 17 in the Sioux Lookout region, three in the Dryden area and one each in Atikokan and Fort Frances areas.
Meanwhile, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit is reporting an increase in the number of new coronavirus cases.
Thunder Bay Police Cruiser-Staff photo
A 22-year-old Thunder Bay man is facing numerous charges for claiming to intentionally spread COVID-19.
Thunder Bay police say local fire fighters and paramedics were attempting to help someone in apparent medical trouble Monday evening on Villa Street.
He became aggressive, claiming to be COVID-19 positive, and coughed and spit at emergency personnel.
Police add as they showed up, he declared his intentions to infect them with COVID-19 by coughing at them, and they arrested him on Court Street.
Police also say the accused was involved in a similar incident Friday, March 12th on Dawson Road.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford/CKDR Files
Mental health and addiction services available to youth in northwestern Ontario are being expanded.
The province will now provide annual funding of 1.5 million dollars toward two programs in Thunder Bay and create a centralized service hub for the entire northwest.
Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford says it’s going to improve service.
“What this means in practice is better services to those who need them, shorter waiting times and most importantly more a defined path forward toward a life with positive outcomes,” states Rickford.
He adds these mental health services are critical for the northwest.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau/CPAC
The AstraZeneca vaccines in Canada are not part of the recent blood clot concerns.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is making that assurance after nearly a dozen countries suspended it’s use of that vaccine.
Trudeau has a simple message.
“The best vaccine for you to take is the very first one offered to you,” says Trudeau.
“That’s how we get through this as quickly as possible and as safely as possible.”
Trudeau adds that they have done their due diligence to make sure the vaccines are safe.
“Health Canada and our experts and scientists have spent an awful lot of time making sure that every vaccine approved in Canada is both safe and effective.”
Rotary Radio Bingo on CKDR (Photo taken before COVID-19) Dryden Rotary Club Website
The Rotary Club of Dryden has reached a milestone in giving back to Northwestern Ontario communities.
Through the Dryden Rotary Charity Foundation over a hundred thousand dollars is being dolled out across various regional projects and initiatives.
With these recent donations, the Dryden Club has donated over 2 million dollars in the last 15 years towards eligible organizations.
Some of the highlights from recent donations include the Dryden Regional Health Centre on the receiving end of 35 thousand dollars for their Digital X Ray machine, 25 thousand dollars in support of Youth Minor Sports, 12 thousand 5 hundred dollars to the Dryden Food Bank and various funds going towards high school scholarships.