COVID-19 Ottawa:
There’s been another big jump in new, confirmed COVID-19 cases in Ottawa.
77 new cases are being reported, sending the city’s overall total up to 8,104, with 7,328 resolved, and 412 active. Public Health says another person in the Capital has died from the virus. 364 people in our city have died after contracting the Novel Coronavirus.
COVID-19 Ontario:
There are 1,418 new confirmed cases, and eight more deaths from the virus across the province.
Ontario has now reached a total of 100,790 confirmed cases, with 3,451 deaths, and 84,716 resolved.
Trudeau Urges Canadians to Limit Social Contacts:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says now is the time for everyone to stay at home, reduce their contacts and stop the spread of COVID-19.
Chief public health officer Dr. Theresa Tam released grim new forecasts Friday warning that if contacts increase above current levels, we could see new infections reach 60,000 per day by the end of next month.
Trudeau says he realizes we are all getting tired of the restrictions as the pandemic drags on, but the future of the country is at stake.
More Money For Alberta, Saskatchewan First Nations’ Pandemic Response:
The federal government is sending $120-million to Indigenous communities in Saskatchewan and Alberta battling COVID-19 outbreaks.
The money will be spent on public health measures, food security and other surge capacity needs. First Nations are reporting more than 2,750 cases of COVID-19.
Border Closure to Continue:
It’s official: the border will remain closed to all but essential travel until at least December 21.
Vacations, day trips and cross-border shopping have been barred since March to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Flu Shot Shortage Limits Appointments:
If you were hoping to book a flu shot with Ottawa Public Health, you’ll have to wait a little while longer.
OPH says a temporary shortage of flu vaccines has forced them to suspend bookings beyond next Friday (November 27). It expects the issue to be cleared up soon.
Downtown Demonstration Continues Friday:
A demonstration in support of Anishinabeg and Black Lives continues.
What started Thursday as a day of action has continued Friday afternoon, with protestors calling for a number of measures, including the defunding of Ottawa Police, the removal of law enforcement in contested Indigenous Territories, and addressing systemic racism in health care, among other things.
Meanwhile, those camped out in the busy intersection says there is no planned wrap up time for the demonstration.
Sewage Tunnel Now Operational:
City officials gathered at Lebreton Flats Friday to to celebrate the opening of the $232-million combined sewage storage tunnel.
This tunnel will be able to store up to 43,000 cubic metres of overflow, which will keep some of these overflows from entering nearby river systems during storms that bring heavy rainfall.