COVID-19 Ottawa:

Ottawa Public Health is reporting just 19 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases, and another death from the virus, Tuesday.

We are now up to 8,231 confirmed cases throughout the pandemic, with 7,540 resolved, and 323 active. 368 people in Ottawa have now died after contracting the virus.

COVID-19 Ontario:

1009 new cases, and 14 more deaths are being reported across Ontario Tuesday, though the province admits a technical issue has prevented some cases from being counted.

Throughout the pandemic, 106,510 cases have been reported in Ontario, with 90,074 resolved, and 3,519 deaths.

Ontario Health Care Workers Share Concerns:

Healthcare workers say the Ontario government has abandoned them as they struggle to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A study by two researchers suggests the workers are burned out and frightened. Nurses, personal support workers and others interviewed for the study say they still lack personal protective equipment.

Vaccine Wait:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada’s lack of production facilities means we will likely receive our COVID-19 vaccines after countries like the US, Germany and the UK.

But Trudeau says the government is working with the provinces and the military to ensure vaccines are distributed across the country as soon as they are delivered. He says the government is buying 126 freezers, including 26 ultra-cold ones, to hold millions of doses of vaccines.

Indigenous Advocate Pushing For Assisted Death Changes:

A physician who works with Indigenous patients says the 90 day waiting period between when a person is granted permission for a medically assisted death and the act itself needs to be extended.

Doctor Thomas Fung says arranging adequate services and support that could convince people not to choose death can sometimes take longer than three months. Fung is one of the Indigenous activists speaking on the revamped assisted-dying bill being debated by the House of Commons and Senate.

Humane Society Expands Pet Food Bank Program:

The Ottawa Humane Society is taking further steps to help pet owners who are struggling to provide the necessities for their furry friends during the pandemic.

It’s Emergency Food Bank is being expanded to operate three days a week, instead of just a weekly program. Those who can’t afford food or litter for their pet will be able to pick some up at no charge at their West Hunt Club location, by appointment, every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursdsay.

Click here for more details.