COVID – Ontario Schools

Ontario’s education minister says all publicly funded schools will remain closed until May 31 to keep students and staff safe from COVID-19.  Stephen Lecce says the decision was based on advice from medical experts.  Lecce says the school closure could be further extended.

 

COVID – Kingston

The number of positive tests for COVID-19 in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington was 59 on Sunday.  There was one new positive result on Sunday.  Statistics compiled by KFL&A Public Health show 56 of the cases have been cleared…meaning those people have recovered.

The outbreak at Providence Manor has been declared over.  An investigation determined the Sydenham 4 resident who originally tested positive for COVID-19 on April 20th, was actually a false positive.  That case has been removed from the total numbers in this area.

 

Community Gardens

The Ontario government will allow community gardens to open.

It made the announcement in a news release on Saturday.  Local medical officers of health will provide advice, recommendation and instructions the gardens must meet in order to operate, such as physical distancing, and cleaning and disinfecting commonly used equipment and surfaces.

Kingston city council passed a motion last week asking the province to give the city the ability to loosen some restrictions during the pandemic including the opening of community gardens.

 

COVID-Ont

The Ontario government has announced a $4 an hour raise over the next four months for front-line workers who are helping fight COVID-19. Premier Doug Ford says the bonus will be available for workers in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, home and community care providers and some staff in hospitals.

 

City – Extensions of Savings

The city of Kingston is extending some measure it has put in place during the pandemic.

Kingston Transit will continue to operate without requiring payments.

The four bag limit for garbage has been extended until the end of May.

The City is extending current monthly parking permits through May at no additional cost and monthly payments for fitness memberships have been suspended until further notice.

 

Harrowsmith – Fire

A man has been arrested after a fire in Harrowsmith.

Fire crews were called to a home at 4929 County Road 38 on Saturday night.

The OPP reported a man had trashed an apartment in the residence and started the fire…then fled the scene.

He was arrested in the area.

 

Fire – Montreal Street

A fire in a residence on Montreal Street has caused 50,000 damage.

Kingston Fire and Rescue was called to the home in the 700 block of Montreal Street shortly before noon on Friday. Montreal Street was closed while crews fought the fire.

Nobody was injured.

 

Firefighters – Martha’s Table

Martha’s Table is thanking Kingston’s firefighters for a cash donation.

The Kingston Professional Fire Fighters Association has donated a thousand dollars to the meal program.

The donation was made last week.

 

Brian’s Record Option – 40th

Brian’s Record Option has celebrated its 40th anniversary of being open while being closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Brian Lipsin opened his first record store in a small upstairs space on Princess Street on April 26th of 1980.

Lipsin posted a note about the anniversary on his Facebook page yesterday saying in the first months after he opened 40 years ago business was as good as it is with the pandemic now.

 

Trudeau – Holy Cross

Principal Michael Faught’s video message to student at Holy Cross Secondary School on Friday has prompted a response by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Principal Faught re-enacted one of Trudeau’s outdoor news briefings in the video message on Twitter and put on his coat overtop of a suit while he approached a microphone outside his home as if he was going to speak with the media and even had a translator for a portion of the greeting.

Trudeau retweeted the message on Sunday saying…Well done, Principal Faught…glad to see you remembered your coat…won’t make that mistake twice.  He ended the tweet by saying…hope everyone at Holy Cross is having a good weekend.

 

Stronger Together

The stars came out for the “Stronger Together” COVID-19 benefit.

The fund-raising event for Food Banks Canada was broadcast last night.  It featured singers, actors and sports celebrities.

Sam Roberts opened the benefit with a performance of his 2014 single “We’re All in This Together.”

Toronto rapper Drake closed out the show by praising front-line workers.