COVID – Trails to Re-open

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority will be re-opening some of its conservation areas and the Cataraqui Trail starting tomorrow.

The Lemoine Point, Parrot’s Bay, Little Cataraqui Creek, Gould Lake, Lyn Valley and marble Rock Conservation areas will be open to the public starting tomorrow morning.

The Conservation Authority says recognizes the benefits of being able to enjoy outdoor physical activity and the decision to re-open the trail and conservation areas was made after weighing all of the evidence.

It is asking people to obey strict measure of social distancing to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

It will be reducing the size of parking lots to limit the volume of visitors.

 

COVID – Numbers – Kingston

There were no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington on Thursday.  KFL&A Public Health posted the latest numbers yesterday afternoon showing there have been 59 confirmed cases in this area since testing began.  The good news is that 56 of those cases have been cleared…meaning the people have recovered.

 

COVID – Ford

Premier Doug Ford choked back tears yesterday as he said the province’s long-term care system was failing its residents.  Moments later, his office publicly confirmed his 95-year-old mother-in-law — who lives in one of the facilities — had been diagnosed with COVID-19.  Hundreds of long-term care residents have died of COVID-19 in the province.  Ford says the system needs to be changed — but for now, the focus is on protecting those who are living in the facilities.

 

COVID – Trudeau – Military

A visibly upset prime minister says the country is failing our parents, grandparents and elders.  Justin Trudeau says the military will respond to requests from Ontario and Quebec for assistance at long-term care facilities.  But in a frank assessment, the Prime Minister says this measure is a short-term solution and Canada should not need soldiers to take care of seniors.

 

COVID – Sloan

The Warden of Hastings County and its Chief Administrative Officer have sent a letter to Conservative leader Andrew Scheer asking him to expel MP Derek Sloan from his caucus.

But the outgoing leader of the Conservative Party is refusing to address controversial remarks by Sloan…the MP for Hastings, Lennox and Addington who is also a candidate seeking to replace Scheer as leader.  Sloan has suggested Canada’s chief public health officer should be fired, accusing her of working on behalf of China, not Canada. Doctor Theresa Tam was born in Hong Kong.  Several Conservative MP’s have condemned Sloan’s comments and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggests the comments were racist and must be denounced.

St. Lawrence

 

St. Lawrence College is moving ahead with plans for students to be on its three campuses in September.

It has announced a Virtual Program Showcase for prospective students to help them choose what program they want to take.  The virtual showcase will be available online from April 27th to April 30th.

 

Queen’s – Future

Queen’s University is trying to determine what the future holds for students and the university as a whole.  Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, said earlier this week he doesn’t think it will be able to resume classes in September.

Principal Patrick Deane says no decisions have been made at this time.

Deane launched a COVID-19 Response Steering Committee on April 13th and it has seven sub-groups working on finding innovative ways for the university to quickly adapt to the future.

 

COVID – Food Bank Blitz Cancelled

The Partners in Mission Food Bank has announced its 35th annual Food Blitz scheduled for May 2nd has been cancelled.  The blitz was scheduled to take place at eight grocery stores in Kingston.

The Food Bank says the annual food drive helps stock its shelves for the summer months when donations typically slow down.

It is asking for monetary donations…details are available on the food banks website.

 

Premier – Welborne P.S.

Premier Doug Ford has helped Welborne Public School in Kingston with its morning announcements.

The premier sent the school a video message for the Thursday morning announcements after the school emailed his office asking him to help out.

Ford congratulates students for their online learning efforts and even gave the days birthday announcement.  The video was posted on social media by the school.

 

Stolen Laptops

Lennox and Addington County OPP have seized 49 stolen laptop computers after stopping a vehicle for speeding on the 401 near Napanee.  Police stopped the vehicle around 4:30 Thursday morning.

A 23-year-old resident of St. Laurent, Quebec has been charged with possession of stolen property, stunt driving, driving while suspended and obstructing police.

 

CFB Kingston – Notice

CFB Kingston has issued an advisory about activity taking place on the armed forces base today.

It says the small arms ranges will be in use to support the training of personnel who will deploy on international operations.