COVID-19 --- New variants confirmed within the EOHU during an outbreak at a Cheese factory

Good Morning! Welcome to your latest TVC News. This week (Friday 5th March) in Clarence-Rockland's regional update:

An update on COVID-19 for Clarence-Rockland and Prescott-Russell;

The variants of concern, referred to as VOCs, are mutations of the COVID-19 virus and are said to be up to 75% more contagious, though there is no proof that they cause more severe symptoms as of yet.

Speaking over the last few weeks Medical Officer for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, Dr. Paul Roumelitois, warned that it was only a matter of time before they appeared in the region.

Last week an outbreak was declared amongst the staff at the Cheese Factory in St. Albert, with the first cases of the VOCs detected. We spoke to the general director of the cheese factory, Éric Lafontaine, about the company’s response…

Locally the 7-day rolling average, which determines how many cases regions have per capita, is keeping the EOHU in the Orange zone. There are currently 44 active cases in Prescott-Russell, of which 12 are in Clarence-Rockland.

The vaccine rollout continues across the region with further shipments of Pfizer arriving and doses of the Moderna vaccine are also expected in the region in the coming weeks. To date, 8617 vaccines have been administered with all long

Term care facilities residents receiving both of their doses. In Prescott-Russell of 7 facilities only 3 are still awaiting the second dose for their staff. The EOHU is also administering the second dose to Retirement Homes residents, staff and essential caregivers.

The distribution of the vaccine against COVID-19 is set to ramp up as the Canadian Government has officially approved the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine - though not everyone will be given it…

With more vaccines being approved questions are being asked about whether people can pick which one they get. Earlier this week I spoke to our MPP, Amanda Simard, about how the government plans to handle those who want to go “vaccine shopping”...

The full interview with MPP Simard where we discuss a variety of topics including further paid sick leave, Cannabis regulations, Broadband and, of course the pandmeic - head to our Youtube Channel.

South Nation Conservation issue warning over ice conditions;

As the weather starts to warm up a bit the ice on local rivers and lakes is thinning.

South Nation Conservation published a press release this week warning those that enjoy activities upon the ice, that the season is coming to an abrupt end.

We spoke to Taylor Campbell from South Nation Conservation to find out a little more…

Councilor Cardarelli accepts a new position;

Now, locally councilors, as we all know, tend to have a day job.

To find out a little more about them you can catch our new show “In Your Ward” where I’ve been getting to know Clarence-Rockland’s councilors one by one.

Since my discussion a few weeks ago with Ward 1 Councilor, Sam Cardarelli, there has been an update to his professional life as he embarks upon a new role as a Director.

However, with this role taking place outside of our municipality but within the Prescott-Russell region we spoke to Councilor Cardarelli about whether or not there will be any conflicts of interest and whether he’ll be keeping his position on the local council…