COVID-19 Ottawa:

Five more people in Ottawa have died from COVID-19.

Ottawa Public Health has reported 314 deaths from the virus throughout the pandemic. Meanwhile, 88 new cases were reported Friday, sending the city’s total throughout the pandemic up to 5,394, with 676 active cases, and 5,394 resolved.

COVID-19 Ontario:

Nine new deaths and 826 new cases of the virus are being reported across the province Friday.

There are also 72 new cases related to schools, at least 39 among students. Ontario has seen 68,353 cases during the pandemic, with 3,080 deaths, and 58,799 cases resolved.

Meanwhile, Ontario will use its first batch of rapid tests in remote communities and in outbreak situations to help reduce the turnaround time in getting results. The province will receive and roll out roughly 100,000 rapid tests in November, with more to be delivered in the future.

More LTC Staff Needed: Commission:

An independent commission studying the devastating effects of COVID-19 in Ontario’s long-term care homes says the province must address the issue of staffing shortages.

In its letter to the Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton, the Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission says the government must invest in hiring more personal support workers and nurses.

Trudeau Says Boil Water Advisory Goal Won’t Be Met:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is walking back a long-standing promise to lift all boil-water advisories in First Nations by March of 2021.

He says the pandemic and related travel restrictions have led to delays.

Trudeau made the comments when asked about the situation in Neskantaga First Nation, where an unknown contaminant in the water prompted officials to shut off the pipes earlier this week. That has left the remote community in northwestern Ontario without running water, forcing a partial evacuation.

Pastor Charged:

An Ottawa Pastor has been charged with sexual assault.

Brian Markle, 54, was arrested and charged following an investigation into an alleged incident last year, involving a man in his early 20’s, who was doing community work at a private home at the time. Investigators believe there might be more victims out there, and are encouraging anyone with more information to call police at 613-236-1222, ext. 5944 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Vandalism Update:

Ottawa Police are updating some information regarding a story that broke Friday morning.

The force says someone used a sharp tool to engrave hateful graffiti on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier just before 10:00 am Wednesday, October 14th, not last Friday as the force originally stated. Anyone with more information is asked to call Police or Crime Stoppers.