The LocalSKIM for Thursday, August 18

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  • While the City of St. Catharines is not currently mandating vaccinations for its staff, they are reviewing Toronto’s vaccination policy which requires all city employees to be vaccinated by the end of October. (610 CKTB)
  • Progressive Conservative MPP Rick Nicholls has been removed from caucus for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Nicholls also won’t be permitted to seek re-election as a Tory candidate after he failed to provide a legitimate reason for not getting vaccinated. (Globe and Mail)
  • The Ontario PC party has apologized for mailing out fundraising letters that were made to look like invoices. A statement issued by the PC party said one of its vendors was responsible for sending out the letters. (CBC News)
  • Ontario’s four largest teachers unions have released a joint statement in support of mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations in schools. The unions say the current policy falls short of what’s needed and want a province-wide vaccine mandate rather than each school board coming up with their own policy. (City News)
Photo: Jack Moreh - Freerange Stock

Walk-ins accepted at all COVID-19 vaccine public health clinics

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  • Niagara is seeing COVID-19 cases go up, and hospitalizations are increasing.
  • Children under 12 will be at particular risk during this fourth wave as the US is already seeing an all-time high in children hospitalized with COVID-19
  • Getting vaccinated as soon as possible is how we will stay healthy and keep the children in our community safe during this fourth wave.
  • Appointments and walk-ins are available for first and second doses for all residents ages 12+ and those turning 12 this year (born on or before Dec. 31, 2009). 
  • Click here for a listing of clinics.

COVID-19 update for Thursday, August 19

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The LocalSKIM for Wednesday, August 19

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  • The city of St. Catharines still hopes to salvage some artifacts from the pile of debris that used to be the Welland House on Ontario Street but is waiting for the owner to provide engineering and environmental reports before clearing of the site can begin. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • The Fort Erie Race Track hasn’t seen a major increase in Americans coming to the races since the border opened to U.S. residents but attendance has remained solid at the race track since they reopened this season. (610 CKTB)
  • Two members of Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government have been given a Thursday deadline to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or face ejection from caucus, according to The Canadian Press. The party has mandated that every member of the PC team must get vaccinated unless medically unable to do so. (National Post)

Falls will be blue and green tomorrow night in support of River Lions

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  • The Niagara Falls Illumination Board will be illuminating both the Canadian Horseshoe and American Falls in blue and green tomorrow night from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in support of the Niagara River Lions and their pursuit of a Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) Championship.
  • The CEBL Championship Weekend is being held in Edmonton from August 18-22.
  • The River Lions will take on the Fraser Valley Bandits on August 20 in the semi-finals, as they look to advance to the CEBL Championship game on August 22. 

COVID-19 update for Wednesday, August 18

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The LocalSKIM for Tuesday, August 17

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  • Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment says those looking to access its sports facilities, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field and Ricoh Coliseum, as well as their restaurants will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. (CBC Sports)
  • The Ontario government announced today that it will pause any further lifting of public health restrictions and will remain in Step 3 of its reopening plan. As well, booster COVID-19 shots will be offered to vulnerable individuals and many health and education workers will be required to get vaccinated or take regular COVID-19 tests. (National Post)
  • Niagara College will now require everyone who enters its campuses this fall to be vaccinated against COVID-19 after Brock announced a similar policy last week. (St. Catharines Standard)
Photo Courtesy of Google Maps

Plans underway to implement mandatory vaccination program at Niagara Health

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  • COVID-19 cases are increasing again in the Niagara community and in Niagara hospitals.
  • This fourth wave is increasingly being described as the wave of the unvaccinated.
  • Niagara Health has been preparing for several weeks to implement a mandatory vaccination program that requires staff and physicians to be fully vaccinated (two doses) or test negative prior to coming to work.
  • Niagara Health is also considering mandating full vaccination for all new staff and physicians without the option for testing.
  • 83% of Niagara Health staff and physicians have already received two doses.

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus

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  • Niagara Region Public Health is informing residents that Niagara has received its first confirmation of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in 2021.
  • To date, in the Niagara region, no human cases have been reported to Public Health.
  • While the mosquitoes that tested positive were found in Lincoln, all Niagara residents should take the necessary precautions to prevent WNV.
  • To reduce the risk, residents are reminded to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors and drain any areas of standing or stagnant water.
  • Whenever you use mosquito repellent, apply a product containing DEET or Icaridin.

Video: Niagara Falls update with Mayor Jim Diodati

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