COVID-19 Ottawa:
There are 51 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases, and another death from the virus in Ottawa Monday.
7,957 total cases have been confirmed here, with 7,083 resolved, and 359 deaths. We have 515 active cases in the Capital.
COVID-19 Ontario:
1,487 new cases, and ten new deaths are being reported across Ontario.
95,496 cases have been confirmed in the province throughout the pandemic, with 3,371 deaths, and 79,295 cases resolved.
Premier Wants More Long-Term Care Testing:
Premier Doug Ford is promising to increase testing in the province’s long-term care homes amid a rise in cases at the facilities.
Ford is working with staff on a plan for more frequent surveillance testing, which is conducted even if a person does not have symptoms. The premier says increased testing must be combined with quick turnaround times for results.
Federal Health Minister Responds to Vaccine News:
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu says she’s optimistic about Monday’s news of another promising potential COVID-19 vaccine.
Calling the news of results from Moderna “a light at the end of the tunnel,” Hajdu nonetheless cautions Canadians not to let down their guard against the novel coronavirus.
Hajdu says Canada is still months away from having a national vaccine program underway, and that the Moderna vaccine and another from Pfizer must still be approved by Health Canada.
Meanwhile,
Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson is feeling optimistic about the latest developments regarding a possible COVID-19 vaccine.
He has asked staff to get the ball rolling on the creation of a Vaccine Distribution Task Force.
A memo from Emergency Services General Manager Anthony Di Monte suggests that the group will, among other things, consult with key stakeholders for an orderly and coordinated distribution of possible vaccines. It will take into consideration things like vulnerable populations and a communications plan.
National TRC Centre Director Wants More Done to Remember Residential School Victims:
The director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation says the federal, provincial and territorial governments must build monuments in capital cities across Canada to honour residential school survivors and their families.
Stephanie Scott tells the House of Commons heritage committee symbols are powerful medicine to bring comfort to survivors and to keep their experiences in front of the nation. Scott added creating a national day to mark truth and reconciliation is also important, to acknowledge survivors and the human rights violations they endured.
Lansdowne Christmas Market Taking The Year Off:
Another festive tradition is taking the year off due to the pandemic.
The Ottawa Christmas Market at Lansdowne will not be happening this year. However, Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group is planning a Lights at Lansdowne event, featuring Ottawa’s biggest Christmas tree, set to open next Friday (November 27).