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.
COVID-19
Ontario to ‘cautiously and gradually’ ease public health restrictions starting Jan. 31
TORONTO – Premier Doug Ford was prompt in announcing Thursday morning that COVID-19 public health measures will “cautiously and gradually” ease later this month.
Public health declares several COVID-19 outbreaks at health care facilities
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has declared several COVID-19 outbreaks at health care facilities across the region as of Jan. 19.
Local centres keeping seniors connected during latest COVID restrictions
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.
Canine companions help alleviate vaccination fears
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.
WDGPH: Anyone 18 years-old and up now eligible for drop-in booster doses
WELLINGTON COUNTY - Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has expanded eligibility for drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
WDGPH reports 43 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in region
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.
Anti-lockdown group makes noise in Fergus
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.
Mercer: benefits of returning to in-person learning outweigh short-term risks
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."
School boards prepare for return to in-person learning
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.
Local school boards recognize mental health toll of pandemic uncertainty on students
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.
Students back in classrooms after snow storm delays return
WELLINGTON COUNTY - As in-person learning returns after delay following winter break, area school boards are navigating education and challenges of Omicron.
Pandemic getting to you? Experts offer advice on managing your mental health
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Just when it seemed we were close to finished this marathon of a pandemic, the Omicron variant has moved the finish line. And that has left many people feeling exhausted, exasperated, and ready to throw in the towel.
Unions, opposition frustrated by decision to suspend case reporting in schools
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local union representatives and an education critic are frustrated with the provincial government’s decision to suspend COVID-19 case reporting in schools and are questioning the province’s transparency and its ability to keep students safe.
Mount Forest Family Health Team prepares for staff shortages
MOUNT FOREST – The Mount Forest Family Health Team (MFFHT) is preparing for staff shortages and alerting the public to the possibility of service cancellations due to pandemic pressures.