Niagara’s COVID active cases don’t add up
A number of Niagara business owners and residents have been questioning the discrepancy between the provincial and regional public health numbers when it comes to Niagara’s active cases. As of yesterday the provincial COVID-19 data site had Niagara at just 109 active cases but the Region’s site has Niagara at 256. The number of active cases listed on many other Ontario public health unit websites are either the equal to the provincial numbers or off by only a few. Niagara’s public health officials have hinted this week that Niagara will remain in Grey or essentially lockdown, again next week despite weeks of daily case counts that are significantly lower than what was reported in January.
Yesterday there were 13 new cases and no new COVID-19 related deaths in Niagara.
Niagara Health patients part of numerous COVID-19 clinical trials
Niagara residents are getting access to the latest COVID-19 treatment options because of the numerous clinical trials and research studies happening at Niagara Health. Since the early weeks of the pandemic, the Niagara Health team has been creating opportunities for its patients to participate in clinical trials related to COVID-19. Clinical trials are research studies involving patient participants that aim to find out whether a medical treatment is safe and effective for people.
Examples of COVID-19 clinical trials and studies currently happening at Niagara Health:
CATCO Study: Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of ritonavir/lopinavir (kaletra) and remdesivir in hospitalized patients. The clinical trial is being conducted in conjunction with the World Health Organization’s Solidarity trial. Solidarity is one of the largest international trials for COVID-19 treatments.
REMAP-CAP Study: Evaluating the clinical effectiveness and safety of various COVID-19 treatment in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, including the use of corticosteroid.
COVI-Prone Study: Examining the benefits of prone positioning (lying on stomach) for COVID-19 patients with respiratory failure, and whether it reduces the need for mechanical ventilation.
ACT (Anti-Coronavirus Therapies to prevent progression of COVID-19 Trial): Studying whether treatment with certain medicines can prevent the need to be admitted to hospital or for an intensive level of care.
St. Catharines residents voice concern over snow removal
City of St. Catharines got an earful from its residents who were none-too-pleased with the city’s snow removal efforts following last week’s storm that dumped up to 35cm of snow. City staff pointed to the fact that the snow fall began on Family Day when city employees were off as part of the problem.
Given the challenges and the number of complaints from residents, a report will be compiled by the city’s municipal works department and presented to council at a later date.
Seaway Tolls to Increase in 2021
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced this week a toll rate increase of 2.0 per cent for the 2021 navigation season.
The Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system supports over 329,000 jobs and $59 billion in economic activity per year. The SLSMC says it remains dedicated to promoting the economic and environmental benefits of marine transportation, attracting new cargoes to the Seaway, and leveraging technology to enhance the system’s performance.
NPCA and Wainfleet looking for feedback on local conservation area
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) and the Township of Wainfleet are seeking feedback on the Wainfleet Wetlands and Quarry Conservation Area.
Since 1978, the NPCA has been the caretaker of the property, managing it for the purpose of providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and preserving the geological significance of the site, while offering passive recreation and educational opportunities. In the last several years, the conservation area has seen a continuous increase in number of visitors, and consequently, pressures on the property.
The survey is now open and will remain available until March 22, 2021. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the Get Involved NPCA portal to complete the survey, learn more about this initiative, and reach out with any questions they may have.
Trudeau approval sinks over vaccination rollout delays
Criticism, uncertainty and delays have beset Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and bedevilled the Trudeau government since the beginning of the year. Now, new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute sees these factors also suppressing positive views of the prime minister.
Justin Trudeau’s personal approval has dropped five points from where it stood in both December and January, suggesting that the fallout from vaccination delays has hurt his standing. Indeed, a majority of Canadians say the Liberal government had done a poor job of securing doses. Canadians now largely view him with either moderate approval (36%) or strong disapproval (33%).
