Online learning will continue for students for the remainder of the academic year
Premier Doug Ford announced yesterday that schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the remainder of the school year to best protect Ontario families from variants of COVID-19. This decision was made to continue focusing on decreasing COVID-19 cases and increasing vaccine distribution, in order to allow kids to participate in camps and outdoor activities this summer, and ensure a safe return to school in September.
Niagara Falls state-of-the-art Fire Station virtual grand opening
Niagara Falls Fire Station No. 7 has officially been opened by the City of Niagara Falls and the Niagara Falls Fire Department. Located at 8530 Lundy’s Lane, the fire station has been built for the future of fire service and the expanding community in the area.
Check out the City’s social media and website for a complete, in-depth virtual tour of the new station!
United Way Niagara announces 2021 Campaign Chair
United Way Niagara announced the appointment of Bryan MacCulloch, Chief of Police for the Niagara Regional Police Services, as its Campaign Chair for 2021.
“I am honoured to take on the role of Campaign Chair for the United Way Niagara carrying the torch from so many other passionate community leaders in years past,” said MacCulloch.
Niagara’s children’s mental health agency see increase in cases
The number of clients Pathstone Mental Health has seen in Niagara continues to grow. Over the past 12 months (April 1st, 2020 – March 31st 2021) 9,449 children and youth received early intervention, prevention, and acute mental health support at Pathstone, which is a 33% increase over last year’s number.
The agency blames the pandemic for the increases.
St. Catharines eliminates free parking as Stay-at-Home orders come to an end
As of June 2, St. Catharines streets, lots and garages will return to paid parking, as the Stay-at-Home order has now expired. 15-minute free curbside parking remains at designated spaces downtown, in Port Dalhousie and on Facer Street.
From June 2 to Sept. 30 there will be $3-per-hour paid parking at Sunset Beach and Lakeside Park lots, with a maximum of three hours. St. Catharines residents are still able to apply for a Resident Beach Parking Pass, allowing for free parking.
Pollen levels soar this year significantly affecting allergy-sufferers
Southern Ontario and Quebec have been greatly affected by an increase in pollen levels this year, as pollen accumulation and allergies have been greatly heightened. Early blossoms, warmer May temperatures, and a lack of precipitation led to the explosion of pollen.
This past week, the pollen forecast for the Niagara region warned of moderate (21-80 grains/m3) to mainly very high (more than 200 grains/m3) pollen levels specifically for Pine, Fir, Spruce, Walnut, and True Grasses.
It is suggested that those with allergies go outside right after it rains, as the rain washes the pollen out of the air.
Anxious about AstraZeneca expiry dates? Don’t be
Many people have been conflicted by AstraZeneca’s expired, but not expired story. Recently, media commentator Abdu Sharkawy MD, explained that a correlation is being made between a drug’s expiry date and grocery store expiry dates – but that clearly, they are not the same. Drug products go through a testing process to determine storage requirements, stability and shelf-life, results are compiled, and a mathematical model predicts the best, conservative likelihood of viability for the product at said date.
Sharkawy claimed that just as Pfizer/Moderna can now be stored in fridges at higher temperatures for longer than initially recommended, AstraZeneca performed many tests on the latest batch of vaccines through the same process used under ordinary circumstances for quality control, and results supported extending the expiration date.
Niagara sees promising COVID-19 case numbers
Monday marked the lowest single daily number of COVID-19 cases in Niagara since February 22. 10 COVID-19 cases were reported, bringing Niagara’s seven-day average to 27 new daily cases, down from 43 per day the previous week.
As of June 2, 295,025 vaccine doses have been administered in the region, resulting in 56.7% of residents with one dose and 4.8% with a complete set.
COVID-19 Weekly Update
Niagara COVID-19 case numbers continue to decrease, as there are 41 new cases, 601 active cases, and 61 new resolved cases as of June 2.
St. Catharines has 190 active cases, with Niagara Falls and Welland following with 167 and 73. All other municipalities have 34 or less cases, with Wainfleet continuing to have the least cases with only 6.
This week starts the roll out of 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccines, starting with those 80 and older, as appointments have been adjusted to just four weeks after first shots were administered.
