COVID-19

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Guelph Police officials say Guelph officers will not conduct random vehicle or person stops despite having newly-granted powers to do so. However, it remains a little more unclear what the plan is for OPP officers in Wellington County – or across the province for that matter. 

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local public health officials are reporting the first local case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant and urging residents to take all possible precautions to protect themselves.

TORONTO – With health officials suggesting the province's health care system is about to reach a breaking point, Premier Doug Ford has announced more restrictive public health measures to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the third wave.

TORONTO – Provincial health officials are urging Ontarians to take the COVID-19 situation seriously, as provincial modelling shows the third wave could continue through summer without more strict measures in place.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The local public health order prohibiting in-person learning will expire following the break this week. However, students will still be restricted to remote learning indefinitely.

TORONTO – Local schools will receive about $13 million in federal/provincial funding to upgrade infrastructure and protect against COVID-19.

TORONTO – As many expected, the province has announced that elementary and secondary schools will move to remote learning following the break this week. "As I have always said ,we will do whatever it takes to ensure everyone stays safe," said Premier Doug Ford.

Public health reported 278 new COVID-19 cases in the region over the weekend - the highest total to date for a regular weekend. Cases have risen dramatically in the region over the last several weeks, with active cases now at a record-high of 630. The previous high was 489, set on Jan. 11.

GUELPH – Nearly a quarter of eligible residents in the region have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination - and public health is now inviting everyone over the age of 16 to pre-register for their first shot. “This is something to celebrate,” stated Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health.

ARTHUR – North Wellington Health Care (NWHC), which operates hospitals in Mount Forest and Palmerston, took over management of the facility through a voluntary management contract on Jan. 13, during a devastating COVID-19 outbreak at the home.

GUELPH – A suspected COVID-19 outbreak at the Wellington Terrace in Aboyne is proof the vaccine offers protection against the B117 variant now spreading in the community and is the way out of the pandemic, says the local medical officer of health.