Art McDonald – Ventilators

The Kingstonian who won a Nobel Prize in Physics is now leading the movement to develop up to 30 thousand made in Canada ventilators.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says nearly five thousand Canadian companies have stepped up to help produce medical supplies including ventilators.

Queen’s University emeritus professor, Art McDonald, is leading a team of scientists at three laboratories working on an easy to produce ventilator.  McDonald won the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics.

 

Invista – Nylon for Gowns

Nylon being produced at Kingston’s Invista plant will be used to make much needed medical gowns.

Autoliv Canada usually produces airbags and seatbelts.  It has re-tooled and will now be using the nylon it gets from the plant in Kingston to produce medical gowns.

 

COVID – Recovery Plan

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) will have to develop a COVID-19 Business Response Recovery Plan by May 5th.

Kingston held its second virtual city council meeting last night.

Council passed a motion directing KEDCO to come up with the plan and update it by September.

The motion also directs KEDCO to draft an integrated strategic plan with a clear and timely stakeholder consultation plan by October and have its final strategic plan in place by the end of the year.

 

COVID – By the Numbers

There has been no increase in the number of positive COVID-19 tests in the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Area.  KFL&A Public Health posted the latest figures yesterday afternoon showing there have been 54 positive tests since testing began in the middle of March.

 

CRCA – Closures

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority is closing all of its trails and parks at the end of today.

It says staff has observed a significant increase in visitor traffic to conservation areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Included in the closures are the Lemoine Point Conservation Area, the Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area and the Cataraqui Trail.

 

Boat Launches – South Frontenac – Central Frontenac

Here’s the latest on boat launches in Frontenac County.  Boat launch ramps in Kingston are closed but they are open in South, Central and North Frontenac.

The townships are asking that the ramps not be used by recreational boaters at this time.  It is hoping they will only be used for people who need to check on their properties.

 

Cannabis – Change

On the other side, The Ontario government has reversed its decision about government authorized cannabis stores.

It has passed a temporary measure to allow cannabis stores to sell, deliver and offer curbside pick-up of up to 30 grams of weed from Monday to Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.

 

COVID – More Government Help

More people hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be able to qualify for emergency financial relief according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau says the federal government recognizes that some Canadians have fallen through the cracks, so changes will be made soon.  He’s suggesting people who have lost most but not all of their income and post-secondary students will soon see benefits.

 

Assault Charges

Kingston Police have charged a 34-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman with assault after a woman was attacked with a hockey stick.

A fight broke out in a residence early yesterday morning and police say the victim was hit repeatedly with fists and the hockey stick before she managed to flee.

She was taken to hospital by paramedics.

 

Easter Bunny – Essential Service

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a formal declaration saying the Easter Bunny is considered to be an essential service provider.  That means the Easter Bunny is authorized to deliver chocolate, candy and other treats to children in Ontario this weekend.  But can’t drop them off at parks, playgrounds or other outdoor recreational areas.