So much has changed in such a short time March 17th seems like so long ago, but it was just over 30 days ago the Province of Ontario declared an Emergency to deal with the COVID 19 pandemic. So much has changed in such a short time and that is truly incredible on a number of levels. The Cornwall Police Service (CPS) continues to respond to calls for service, even though the manner in which our officers respond may differ than before. Nonemergency calls are now handled by phone or by other electronic means. The CPS will continue to strategically address public safety through this very difficult period. Our police officers continue to investigate criminal activity and have had some recent success in solving an arson at a former McConnell Avenue school building, along with a string of thefts from motor vehicles in the Riverdale area. Kudos to the members of our Criminal Investigations Division who worked alongside Community Patrol members to bring those investigations to successful conclusions. In the past 30 days, the CPS has transitioned from our traditional public safety role, focusing on crime reduction and community partnerships, into more of a public health-focused role - one like never seen before.
CPS is working closely with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit to identify gaps in compliance with the Orders issued by the Province of Ontario under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Our primary focus is on educating members of the public and businesses as to the requirements under the EMCPA and the local Orders issued by our Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Roumeliotis. Though our emphasis may be on education, CPS is prepared to take enforcement action in circumstances where the Orders are being flaunted or blatantly disregarded. We will do this to reinforce the message of staying home whenever possible and not assembling in groups to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. CPS is only one part our community’s response to COVID-19. We are fortunate to have excellent municipal leadership during this emergency, led by Mayor Bernadette Clement and CAO Maureen Adams. Both have set an appropriate tone, while allowing First Responders and City of Cornwall staff to conduct their business under very difficult and unique circumstances. Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, has provided outstanding leadership during this Public Health crisis.
WALKING THE BEAT WITH THE CHIEF
CHIEF DANNY AIKMAN
Cornwall and the surrounding area is fortunate to have, not only his expertise, but his unquestioned commitment to keeping the number of cases of COVID 19 within his jurisdiction as low as possible. Myself, along with all CPS staff, express our thanks to the front line health care workers in our community. Whether they work at the Cornwall Community Hospital or at the numerous Long Term Care Facilities in our city, a “thank you” does not adequately express our appreciation for the sacrifice you make every day coming to work under the most trying of conditions. CPS is here to support you in any way we can. Stay strong and stay healthy. Perhaps staying strong and committed will bring some positive news about flattening the curve and an eventual return to what we used to think of as normal. Stay together by staying apart.
Curfew for EOHU residents could be next step NICK SEEBRUCH
nseebruch@seawaynews.com
CORNWALL, Ontario – In his daily briefing with the press on Wednesday, April 15, Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Chief Medical Officer of Health with the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) said that implementing a curfew could be the next step in trying to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is something that is on the table and it would be our next step,” he said. “Are we there yet? We aren’t sure.” Dr. Roumeliotis said that implementing a curfew would depend on the rate of infection in the region, but that he was already in discussions with the Ministry of Health on how a curfew could be implemented. According to data provided by Dr. Roumeliotis on Tuesday, the 61 cases in the
EOHU region represented a 29.1 rate of infection per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower that neighbouring regions such as Ottawa and Leeds-Grenville. The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) implemented a curfew on Monday, April 13. As of that date, all residents within the MCA must be home and remain on their property between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
South Stormont Sports Hall of Fame induction postponed NICK SEEBRUCH
@C:nseebruch@seawaynews.com
SOUTH STORMONT, Ontario – The executive members of the South Stormont Sports Hall of Fame have made the decision to postpone the induction ceremony scheduled for Aug. 20, 2020 to an undetermined date in 2021. “Due to social restrictions surrounding COVID-19, our committee members do not feel it is appropriate or feasible to continue planning an event in August of this year” said Kristie Tate, President of the Sports Hall of Fame. “We always strive to host a high-quality event that showcases the athletic achievements of our newly inducted members, it is unfortunate, but we feel that the circumstances surrounding this pandemic will not provide us with the time to properly organize such a ceremony in 2020”. The South Stormont Sports Hall of Fame will extend the current nomination period for both inductees and youth achievement awards until May 1, 2021. Any nominations received for the event in 2020 will be carried forward and reviewed as part of class of 2021. Information on nomination forms and the Sports Hall of Fame are available by visiting www.ssshof.com.
4 - Wednesday, April 22, 2020
- Seaway News - www.cornwallseawaynews.com
SeawaY communitY eventS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SERVICE IS SOMEONE’S DRINKING BOTHERING VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDEDSunday 10:30 am Pastor Jim Drennan YOU? You are not alone. There is help and CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY needed in streaming live from First Baptist Church hope. Call 613-937-4880 or visit www. Cornwall & district to provide cancer facebook page. al-anon.org patients transportation to their medical appointments. The Wheels of Hope program ensures that volunteer drivers are trained and supported in addition to reimbursing them for mileage. Volunteer drivers would not need to own or use their personal vehicles as we now have access to a new van for the program. Interested in becoming a volunteer driver? Please contact Linda Rodgers Email: linda.rodgers@ontario.cancer.ca or call 613-932-1283. CASH RAFFLE DRAW for Blessed Sacrament Parish – The date of the draw has been postponed due to the COVID19 pandemic. The Date for the draw is to be determined by the parish once this crisis is over. Keep your tickets. CORNWALL NEWCOMERS CLUB welcomes women who have moved in the last 4 years to Cornwall and the surrounding areas within the SD&G Stay connected to what’s happening in Counties. Info: Deborah 613-360-4628 Cornwall & the counties TUESDAY & THURSDAY to learn more about the club and its on the region’s only TV talk show activities.
Program Schedule for the week of
APRIL 27 to MAY 3, 2020
COMMUNITY
MATTERS
CORNWALL COMFORT QUILTS are handmade for and given to Cancer patients. For more info call: Nicole 613 935-5593, Anne 250 428-1637, Laura 613 936-2179 or Anne 613 932-7084. Located at The Care Centre, 510 2nd St. E., Cornwall. Meets last Wednesday of each month at 11am (except December). Email: Cornwallcomfort@Gmail.com CORNWALL WESLEYAN CHURCH invites you to our Sunday Morning Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. Kids Konnect Church for children ages 4 – 12 years. Nursery is also available. Bible Study Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Men’s Fellowship Meeting at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the Month. For further activities refer to www.cornwallwesleyanchurch.on.ca or call 613-936-9166. DOES FOOD CONTROL YOUR LIFE? Do you constantly diet, starve, binge or purge? Do you hate your body? Do you eat and feel guilty? STOP hurting yourself with food. There is a place for you! We meet every Monday evening at 6:30pm at Wesleyan Church, 780 Sydney, Cornwall. You are not alone. Contact 613 6629979 or oa.cornwall@gmail.com
