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Afternoon News: Monday, March 30, 2020

There are some significant updates on COVID-19 in Ottawa, and beyond, Monday. Here are some of the highlights:

COVID-19 Ottawa Cases:

The City of Ottawa has its second confirmed COVID-19-related death. Few details have been released about the patient, though Ottawa’s Top Doctor Vera Etches says the deceased was living in a local retirement home.

We are up to 130 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ottawa.

The province is confirming eight new cases Monday. Doctor Etches is reminding us to keep practicing physical distancing, and self-isolation if symptoms develop.

Bylaw Enforcement:

The City is cracking down on people who aren’t getting the message about the importance of physical distancing.

It’s giving bylaw officers greater responsibility, that will see groups of officers proactively enforcing rules banning gatherings of 5 or more people. They will also make sure people aren’t congregating in crowds in places like public parks or trails.

Equipment Donations:

If you have personal protective equipment that might help front line health care workers battling the Coronavirus, the city would like to hear from you.

Everything from N95 and surgical masks, to gloves and hand sanitizer are being accepted. You are asked to email donations@ottawa.ca with information on what you have to donate, and to determine details surrounding pick up or drop-off. Face shields, medical gowns, and protective goggles are also being accepted. Click here for more information.

Race Weekend Cancelled:

Organizers have been forced to cancel the physical, outdoor version of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend because of the pandemic.

Instead, they will be holding a virtual race weekend next month, and Scotiabank Marathon, later in the spring. You can get more details here. 

COVID-19 Cases in Ontario/Quebec:

Ontario is reporting a major surge in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the province.

New government figures show 351 new cases of the virus since yesterday.

Quebec is reporting another spike in cases in the province to 3,430. In addition to 590 positive cases since yesterday, the province says three more people have died as a result of the virus, bringing the total number of deaths to 25.

Provincial Measures:

Ontario is extending its state of emergency for at least another two weeks, as the pandemic continues.

The state of emergency imposed March 17 was due to expire Tuesday but Premier Doug Ford says it’s being extended and will be re-evaluated every two weeks.

The government is also urging everyone over the age of 70 or with an underlying health condition to stay home to help contain the spread of The Novel Coronavirus.

It’s now pledging $10-million to make it easier for seniors living on their own to practice physical distancing.

Military Ready:

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan says 24,000 Canadian troops are ready to jump into action to help deal with the pandemic.

The federal government says it has not received any formal requests for assistance from provinces or municipalities, but Sajjan says the government is ready to mobilize around a quarter of the force at a moment’s notice should they be required.

That includes putting 10 army units into a high state of readiness as well as navy ships and air force aircraft and crew.

Sports:

The Tokyo Olympics will open next year on the same date that was scheduled for this year’s Games. Organizers say the opening ceremony will take place July 23, 2021.

The CFL has postponed the start of training camps due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league announced the move in a statement and didn’t provide an indication of when camps might open.

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