The LocalSKIM for Tuesday, July 6
- MP Chris Bittle, MPP Jennie Stevens and Mayor Walter Sendzik have sent a letter to Bishop Gerard Bergie of the St. Catharines Diocese asking him to demand an apology from Pope Francis for the Church’s role in residential schools. The letter also asks for records to be released and for compensation for the trauma inflicted on children. (St. Catharines Standard)
- The Lincoln County Humane Society has revamped a gazebo cat enclosure to now serve as a community fridge. People in need are welcome to take what they need from the fridge and it is hoped that community members will donate what they can to keep the fridge stocked or give monetary donations. (Niagara this Week)
- Dr. Mustafa Hirji said that the number of people receiving first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Niagara has plateaued with only 66.5% of Niagara residents having received their first dose of the vaccine. (St. Catharines Standard)
Photo: Jack Moreh - Freerange StockSix patients received saline diluent instead of vaccine
- On June 16, six individuals received an injection of saline diluent instead of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Niagara Region Public Health clinic in Port Colborne.
- Public Health is currently contacting 205 clients who had an appointment on that day to book a repeat vaccination.
- That will mean that some of these individuals will be receiving a third dose which is safe but does not provide significant benefit.
- Only those clients contacted directly by Public Health are considered potentially impacted.
- There are no anticipated health effects from receiving only the saline diluent but the saline diluent does not protect individuals against COVID-19.
The LocalSKIM for Monday, July 5
- The Toronto Blue Jays have submitted a proposal to the federal government to play their home games at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. Due to COVID-19, the Jays are currently playing home games in Buffalo. (Global News)
- While the number of COVID-19 cases is declining in Niagara, the decrease is not happening as fast as the decrease in cases nationally. According to Dr. Mustafa Hirji, the slower decrease in Niagara can be attributed to the Delta variant, which spreads more easily. (St. Catharines Standard)
- A standoff on the Garden City Skyway involving police and a suspect who allegedly stabbed a woman in Niagara Falls led to the Skyway being closed in both directions for 7 hours on Sunday. (St. Catharines Standard)