Most of Porcupine Health Unit area will move into next stage of reopening
As Ontarians look forward to entering Stage 2 of the province's re-opening plan Wednesday, there is news today that Timmins and other northern communities will be included.
After COVID-19 case numbers finally eased in recent weeks, the Porcupine Health Unit allowed the area to enter Stage 1 of re-opening last Friday.
And there had been fears the COVID-19 count was still too high to go to Stage 2. But word came Monday, and it's news that people and businesses have been anxious to hear.
Dr. Lianne Catton, medical officer of health, confirmed the good news.
“We’ve worked hard -- all of us -- and we have made it through it and I’m positive that same continued determination, that sense of northern resiliency in working together will move us into the second step and beyond in great stead," Catton said.
"So we’re very, very grateful and just want to encourage people to keep up the great work that got us here because that will allow us to continue move forward and get through this pandemic and get through it together.”
Some restrictions will continue for the Moosonee area and other places on the James Bay coast. People are asked to head to the health unit's website to see what restrictions are still in place.
The Porcupine Health Unit reported six new COVID-19 cases Monday, all in the James Bay and Hudson Bay region. A total of 44 cases were resolved.
-Written for the web by Darren MacDonald
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
WATCH Video shows dramatic police takedown of carjacking suspects chased through parking lot north of Toronto
Police have released video footage of a dramatic takedown of a group of teens wanted in connection with an attempted carjacking in Markham earlier this month.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
WHO likely to issue wider alert on contaminated cough syrup
The World Health Organization is likely to issue a wider warning about contaminated Johnson and Johnson-made children's cough syrup found in Nigeria last week, it said in an email.
Advocacy groups speak out against domestic violence comments by Nova Scotia minister
Several Nova Scotia groups that assist women are speaking out against comments on domestic violence by Justice Minister Brad Johns, and at least one is calling for his dismissal.
A couple lost their wedding rings during the ceremony. Two strangers found a fitting solution
Every good wedding has to have one teensy, tiny crisis.
'It was all my savings': Ontario woman loses $15K to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Families to receive Canada Child Benefit payment on Friday
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.