We’ve come full circle in the world of COVID-19 minimizing. The last month has featured some COVID deniers’ and downplayers’ greatest hits, notably their ever-changing stance on cases, hospital and ICU admissions, and deaths.
News
County staff deliver proposed budget at requested 2% tax rate increase
WELLINGTON COUNTY – County councillors got a look at the proposed budget for 2022 during a special council meeting on Jan. 10.
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.
Wellington North budget passed with 2% tax rate increase
WELLINGTON NORTH - Taxpayers here will be on the hook for an extra $24.71 in municipal taxes this year after council approved a budget with an two per cent rate hike on Jan. 10.
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.
Active cases in Wellington County reach all-time high as regional cases decline
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) has reported 640 new COVID-19 cases between Jan. 7 and 9. As of Jan. 10, active cases sat at 2,318 after hitting an all-time high of 2,972 cases on Jan. 4.
Crime Stoppers offers online presentation on protecting children from human trafficking
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Stop the Crime of Human Trafficking is the national theme for Crime Stoppers Month 2022, and Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) is bringing the message home with an online presentation on protecting children.
Rapid antigen tests available at University of Guelph Jan. 10 to 12
GUELPH – The University Guelph will distribute rapid antigen testing kits early next week. A limited supply of testing kits will be available Jan. 10 to 12 while supplies last.
New ‘treat-and-release’ option could help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed by Omicron
WELLINGTON COUNTY - Paramedics in Wellington County and Guelph could, with a medical directive recently made available to emergency medical services, soon treat those with COVID-19 symptoms at home instead of transporting patients to emergency departments.
Township approves addition to building department staffing
MAPLETON – Council has approved the addition of one full-time staff position to the township’s building department.
Community Safety and Well-being Plan update provided to Minto council
MINTO – Council here has received on update on the Wellington County Community Safety and Well-being Plan. All municipalities were mandated by the Ministry of the Solicitor General to create their own plan by mid-2021.
Gorge Cinema is saved, will be restored
ELORA – It looks like the Gorge Cinema has been saved. And so has the building that houses it. The new owner says it’s her intention to restore the exterior to its original state and have a small boutique hotel and the Gorge Cinema inside.
Province anticipating arrival of 54.3 million rapid antigen tests
TORONTO - The provincial government is expecting to receive millions of rapid antigen tests this month following a Jan. 5 federal announcement that 140 million rapid tests would be distributed across the country.
WDGPH confirms first death of a child with COVID-19
WELLINGTON COUNTY – A Wellington County child under the age of 10 has died after testing positive for COVID-19. It's unclear if the child's death was caused by the virus.
School board to ask province to add COVID-19 to immunization act
GUELPH – The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) will be sending a letter to the province requesting several actions to ensure a safer return to in-person learning.