The LocalSKIM for Thursday, April 29, 2021

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  • The Niagara Region has released plans for Port Dalhousie that could include a part-time pedestrian mall on Lock Street. The flex use area could be closed to vehicles in the summer to create a more pedestrian friendly area. (St. Catharines Standard)
  • One case of the Brazilian variant of the COVID-19 virus has been confirmed in the region. The Brazilian variant is potentially more transmissible and has been associated with a higher risk of severity (Thorold News)
  • The Ministry of Environment has found that there are no issues with the water quality in the Twelve Mile Creek near the former General Motors plant on Ontario Street. However the Ministry has found elevated levels of PCB’s in a municipal storm sewer near the property. (St. Catharines Standard)
Photo: Vantage Point - Freerange Stock

Niagara Health makes changes to increase Critical Care capacity

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  • The number of ICU beds being filled by COVID-19 patients is at unprecedented levels and is anticipated to climb further.
  • In addition to COVID-19 patients, hospitals need to ensure capacity is available for non-COVID-19 patients requiring critical care.
  • Over the last week, Niagara Health has increased the number of physicians and staff working in the ICU department.
  • The next phase will involve enlarging the physical space for critical care services in St. Catharines to create more capacity for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. 
  • Niagara Health is currently caring for 82 COVID-19 patients including 24 in the ICU which has pushed ICU capacity to 108%.

Niagara records 166 new COVID-19 cases

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Adults 55+ can book COVID-19 vaccinations starting Friday

By May 24th, those 18 and older should be able to book vaccinations
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Niagara Region COVID-19 death toll reaches 400

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St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik discusses the vaccination rollout

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Weather forecast for Thursday, April 29, 2021

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  • Today will see rain with a high of 11° (feels like 9°) and a low of 6°.
  • Friday will be cloudy with sunny breaks with a high of 9° (feels like 4°) and a low of 4°.
  • Saturday will be mainly sunny with a high of 10° (feels like 9°) and a low of 8°.
Photo: Steve Rumsby - Reshot

OHL to conduct first-ever draft lottery

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  • With the OHL cancelling their 2020-2021 season, the league has decided to implement a draft lottery to determine the order of selection.
  • Normally, the order of selection is based on the standings of the current season, with the lowest ranked teams picking first.
  • This year’s draft will be held June 4-5, 2021 live online at ontariohockeyleague.com.
  • The draft lottery will take place Wednesday, May 5 at 7:00pm and will be livestreamed on the OHL YouTube channel.

Niagara sees 146 new COVID cases

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