COVID-19 Ottawa:
There are six new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ottawa Wednesday.
That sends the city’s total up to 2124 since the first case was reported back in March, with 85 percent of patients now recovered. No new deaths were reported, so that number will remain at 263, where it has been for almost two weeks now.
COVID-19 Ontario:
Ontario is reporting 118 new cases of COVID-19, and nine new deaths due to the novel coronavirus.
The total number of cases now stands at 36,178, which includes 31,805 marked as resolved and 2,700 deaths.
Stretch of Bank to Close to Vehicles on Saturday:
It will be easier to practice physical distancing while walking, running or cycling on a downtown stretch of Bank Street on Saturdays.
The Bank Street BIA has announced that the busy street will be closed to vehicles from Queen to Flora between 9:00 am to midnight, every Saturday, starting this weekend. Click here for more details.
Ottawa Hospital Working on Clinical Trial:
Researchers at The Ottawa Hospital are holding a national clinical trial this summer with a goal of strengthening the immune system of cancer patients to protect them from developing severe COVID-19.
Cancer patients are at much higher risk of severe complications, because their treatments further weaken an already compromised immune system. The trial will explore the potential of I-M-M-101, a preparation of safe, heat-killed bacteria that stimulates the immune system.
Work on Confederation Line Shortens LRT Hours of Service:
There’s more unplanned work being done on the Confederation Line tonight, and that will affect service.
OC Transpo says the last trains will leave Tunney’s Pasture and Blair at 10:45 pm, with R1 buses running until 1:00 am. Similar changes will be made to facilitate more work tomorrow and Friday night.
Stabbing Arrest:
Ottawa Police have released more details about an overnight stabbing incident in the ByWard Market.
Salahudiyn Langdon, 24, was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a dangerous weapon. Two men, one in his 30’s the other in his 40’s, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries in hospital following the incident just before 3:00 am Wednesday.
Education Minister Backs Calls for Local Trustee to Resign:
Ontario’s Education Minister is backing calls for an Ottawa Carleton District School Board Trustee to resign.
Pressure is mounting on Donna Blackburn to step down after she allegedly scolded a black student for playing basketball in a Barrhaven Park in the first few days of the pandemic, a move the student and his family believe was racially-motivated. Stephen Lecce stood in the legislature Wednesday and called on Blackburn to resign, calling her actions racist, and an abuse of her privilege.