COVID-19 Ottawa:

There are 82 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ottawa Thursday.

Ottawa Public Health has recorded 3919 confirmed cases throughout the pandemic, with 587 active cases, and 3052 resolved. No new deaths were reported Thursday. That number stays at 280.

COVID-19 Ontario:

Across Ontario there are 409 new cases, and one new death related to the virus.

The province has now recorded a total of 48,496 confirmed cases, including 41,886 resolved, and 2836 deaths. Health Minister Christine Elliott says 63 per cent of the new cases are in people under the age of 40.

Meanwhile,

Premier Doug Ford says Ontario needs to be more strategic about who receives a COVID test.

That is why the province is now telling most asymptomatic individuals not to go to an assessment centre. Ford says the province needs to target people with symptoms or those who’ve come into contact with a case.

He says low-risk asymptomatic individuals can still make an appointment at up to 60 pharmacies across the province to get tested.

Liberals Address NDP Concerns:

The Trudeau government has introduced legislation that could win it the support of the NDP when the throne speech  vote is held.

The $37-billion package includes a replacement to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit which expires within a matter of days. It also features benefits for anyone who has to stay home because they’re ill with COVID. It also has support for those caring for a child or family member due to pandemic-related reasons.

Justice System Reform Pitched:

The Liberals are also promising to address systemic racism in the criminal justice system.

The commitments include a promise to speed up work on a legislative framework for First Nations policing as an essential service.

Meanwhile, Assembly of First Nations Grand Chief Perry Bellegarde says zero tolerance on excessive use of force must be among the moves to improve policing.

Police Seek Fatal Collision Witnesses:

Ottawa Police want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed a fatal collision near Mississippi Mills.

Police say the crash happened just before 5:30 pm Wednesday at Upper Dwyer Hill Road and Vaughan Side Road.

Call Police at 613-236-1222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 if you have more information.