COVID-19

WELLINGTON COUNTY – COVID-19 hospitalizations continue to rise in the Waterloo-Wellington area. Meanwhile, the rate of staff COVID-19 absences at hospitals in Wellington County is about double the average for other hospitals in the area.

GUELPH – In response to the ongoing challenges of pandemic learning, both the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) and Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) are pausing the Grade 9 EQAO assessment until further notice.

GUELPH – In the absence of case reporting in schools, the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) has launched its absence tracking pilot program – a program aimed at monitoring the daily rates of absenteeism in schools across the board.

MINTO – An initiative to encourage and promote “acts of kindness” is among several new programs launched here to help local businesses most affected by pandemic restrictions.

TORONTO – Premier Doug Ford was prompt in announcing Thursday morning that COVID-19 public health measures will “cautiously and gradually” ease later this month.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has declared several COVID-19 outbreaks at health care facilities across the region as of Jan. 19.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Through a variety of virtual programming, seniors’ centres in Wellington County are continuing to keep seniors connected during the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

FERGUS - Kris Lewis' therapy dogs are trained through The Lifeline Canada’s Companion Paws program and are available to accompany needle-averse people to provide comfort and a distraction to help alleviate the stress and anxiety of getting an injection.

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has expanded eligibility for drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has reported 493 new COVID-19 cases between Jan. 14 and 16. As of Jan. 17, active cases sat at 1,255 after hitting an all-time high of 2,972 cases on Jan. 4.

FERGUS — A small group of citizens gathered in a parking lot on St. Andrew Street in downtown Fergus on Jan. 14, for what was advertised on social media as a protest against government lockdown measures aimed at thwarting the spread of COVID-19.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The region's top doctor is asking everyone in the community to do their part to ensure a safe return to class for local students, noting "the benefits of reopening in-person learning ultimately outweigh the short-term risks."

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Officials and staff at the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board are preparing for the Jan. 17 return to in-person learning with newly acquired HEPA units, higher-grade masks and a new method for case monitoring.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – As students once again settle in to online learning amid another surge in COVID-19 cases, school board officials say they recognize the toll  the constant uncertainty of the pandemic is having on students’ mental health. 

WELLINGTON COUNTY - As in-person learning returns after delay following winter break, area school boards are navigating education and challenges of Omicron.