The LocalSKIM for Monday, August 30
- Dr. Hirji, Niagara’s acting medical officer of health, said COVID-19 cases in Ontario are climbing quicker than expected and almost all cases in Niagara are the Delta variant. Dr Hirji also believes that any further lockdowns should only be for unvaccinated individuals. (Niagara this Week)
- An additional GO train trip to Toronto will be added next week, with the train departing Niagara Falls at 6:39 a.m. and the return trip departing Union Station at 5:17 p.m. (Thorold Today)
- St. Catharines city council unanimously passed a motion last night directing staff to create a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all city employees and volunteers working in city facilities. (St. Catharines Standard)
Photo: Jack Moreh - Freerange StockNiagara Health to administer third COVID-19 vaccine doses
- Niagara Health will administer third COVID-19 vaccine doses to select high-risk populations starting Aug. 31.
- Although two-doses of COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection, some vulnerable populations may require a third dose.
- The Province of Ontario recently announced offering third doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to select high-risk populations.
- Niagara Health will administer third COVID-19 vaccine doses starting Tuesday, Aug. 31 at the St. Catharines Site as walk-in only between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (closed between 12 and 1 p.m.) on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Eligibility letters are required for third doses.
Video: Dr. Hirji presents latest COVID-19 update
Topics include case trends, fourth wave, vaccine progress & keeping schools safe
The LocalSKIM for Friday, August 27
- The Town of Lincoln will be receiving $1.03 million from the federal and provincial governments for improvements to the public library and the Museum and Cultural Centre as well as upgrades to various playgrounds across the town. (Niagara this Week)
- There were no serious injuries following a reported partial collapse of the Highway 406 off-ramp at Geneva Street in St. Catharines this morning. The off-ramp was scheduled for demolition and undergoing construction when part of it came down injuring a worker inside an excavator that rolled over during the incident.
(Global News) - The Moderna vaccine has received approval from Health Canada for use with youths as young as 12 years of age. Now both Moderna and Pfizer can be given to youths in Canada. (CBC News)
- CBC News is reporting that the Ontario government will create a proof-of-vaccine certification, which is commonly referred to as a vaccine passport. The plan is expected to be announced early next week. (CBC News)
Photo: Unsplash/Jeremy RickettsThree Niagara beaches unsafe to swim
- The Niagara Region has posted three beaches as unsafe to swim.
- Long Beach in Wainfleet is unsafe to swim due to ecoli.
- Waverly Beach in Fort Erie is unsafe to swim due to algae.
- Queen’s Royal Beach on NOTL is unsafe to swim due to safety.
Photo: Google MapsRegional Council approves the creation of a staff vaccination policy
- Niagara Regional Council has authorized the creation of a COVID-19 vaccination policy for staff.
- The staff vaccination policy will require all Regional staff to provide proof that they have received both doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
- Staff who cannot provide proof of full vaccination will be required to be tested regularly and provide those results.
- Medical and human rights exemptions will be recognized and accommodated but those staff will be required to regularly undergo testing under the new policy.
- Council is also calling on the Provincial and Federal government to create a proof-of-vaccination certificate program.