The LocalSKIM for Monday, September 13

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  • Dr. Mustafa Hirji has expressed frustration with the fluctuations in the number of people signing up for COVID-19 vaccinations as Niagara saw 250 – 300 sign-ups on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday but had almost 700 sign-ups on Friday this past week. (610 CKTB)
  • Some St. Catharines city councillors returned to the council chambers for tonight’s council meeting for the first time since March 2020. City staff and members of the public were still restricted to attending the meeting virtually. (610 CKTB)
  • A few dozen protesters assembled at the main entrance of Brock University Monday to oppose Brock’s policy requiring all individuals to be vaccinated in order to access the campus. (Niagara this Week)
  • A scaled down Grape and Wine Festival begins this weekend with a wine and culinary trip through Niagara and outdoor concerts at the PAC on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (St. Catharines Standard)
Photo: Freerange Stock

Niagara Health reinforces the importance of vaccination

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  • At Niagara Health, the majority of the patients receiving care for COVID-19 are unvaccinated.
  • Since Aug. 7, Niagara Health has cared for 32 patients with COVID-19 of which 26, or 81%, have been unvaccinated. 
  • Dr. Johan Viljoen, Chief of Staff, Executive Vice President of Medical Affairs said that vaccination is the key to getting out of this pandemic and strongly urges those who are unvaccinated to do so as soon as possible.
  • At Niagara Health, 87% of staff and physicians are fully vaccinated and they are working towards the goal of having 100% vaccinated in November.

COVID-19 update for Monday, September 13

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The LocalSKIM for Friday, September 10

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  • Ontario has administered more than 22,000 third doses of COVID-19 vaccine to individuals who are at the highest risk and will continue to do so despite the World Health Organization asking countries to stop third doses and divert the vaccine to countries in need. (Global News)
  • Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 7.1% in August while Niagara’s unemployment rate was virtually unchanged from the previous month and sits at 10.5%. (610 CKTB) However, there are jobs available in Niagara but no one is applying for them as businesses are struggling to fill employment openings. (Niagara this Week)
  • While last year’s Thorold Terry Fox Run was forced to go virtual due to COVID, this year the run will be back to an in-person event with the run taking place on September 19th. (Thorold Today)
  • Friday marked the first day of advanced voting for the federal election and polling stations in Niagara had long lines and higher than normal turnout. (St. Catharines Standard)

COVID-19 update for Friday, September 10

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The LocalSKIM for Thursday, September 9

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  • The Niagara Coastal Community Collaborative, Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and Niagara College have developed a new, collaborative way to monitor shorelines which involves asking citizens to submit photos and complete surveys when visiting shoreline spots. (610 CKTB)
  • The Can-View Drive-In is closing for the year, effective immediately. The earlier than normal closing was attributed to staff issues after many of the student employees left to attend out of town universities, a lack of new movies and the possibility of a spike in COVID-19 cases. (Thorold Today)
  • Just days after the start of the school year, COVID-19 cases have been reported at St. Denis elementary school in St. Catharines and Prince of Wales in Thorold. The positive cases will also require others to isolate to prevent the virus from spreading. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • A new COVID-19 variant called Mu has spread to Ontario and it could be vaccine resistant. However the number of global cases of Mu is still relatively small. (Toronto Star)
Photo: Jack Moreh - Freerange Stock

Niagara Health vaccination clinic closed Sunday

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  • Niagara Health’s vaccination clinic at the St. Catharines Site will be closed Sunday, Sept. 12 due to low bookings.
  • Regular operations, including booked and walk-in appointments, will resume Monday, Sept. 13. 
  • For more information, please visit https://www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/vaccination-clinic

COVID-19 update for Thursday, September 9

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The LocalSKIM for Wednesday, September 8

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  • The Federal election is being held on September 20 but those who wish to use mail-in voting must apply online or contact an Elections Canada Office by Tuesday, September 14th. It is expected that more people will use mail in voting due to COVID-19. (610 CKTB)
  • The town of Grimsby has voted against having a vaccination policy for city staff and councillors. Councillor Dave Sharpe said blocking unvaccinated individuals from entering town hall would be similar to not making town hall accessible to people with mobility issues. (Niagara this Week)
  • Niagara Falls federal Liberal candidate Andrea Kaiser has asked the commissioner of Canada Elections to investigate Conservative candidate Tony Baldinelli for improper placement of partisan signs. (Niagara this Week)
  • The new National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to be held on Sept. 30 will not be a provincial statutory holiday in Ontario despite the fact other provinces formally recognized the day, with many schools and public sector workplaces closing. As well, federally regulated workplaces such as banks will be closed on Sept. 30. (CTV News)

Mobile vaccine bus at Brock University tomorrow

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