GUELPH POLITICAST #213 – Community Reporting on COVID-19

As of Tuesday night, there have been almost 200,000 worldwide cases of novel coronavirus and nearly 8,000 fatalities. In Canada, there are 424 confirmed cases, another 16 suspected cases, and so far only one death. The details are changing hourly, and all levels of government are scrambling to find the best way to respond. What we need right now is some community radio. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #213 – Community Reporting on COVID-19”

Guelph and Wellington Close All Facilities to the Public

After inching towards the decision for the last few days, both the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington have made the move to close all municipal facilities to the public. While select services will continue, no one from the general public will be allowed to enter any City building or any County facility. Continue reading “Guelph and Wellington Close All Facilities to the Public”

Transit Announces Free Buses & Reduced Service to Fight COVID-19

Although the buses are still running, Guelph Transit has announced that they’re taking steps to protect drivers and passengers while still keeping up transit services in the midst of the continuing battle against the spread of COVID-19.As of March 18, changes will be coming to how you ride Transit, but it will also be coming with a greatly reduced price tag. Continue reading “Transit Announces Free Buses & Reduced Service to Fight COVID-19”

Ford Declares State of Emergency for the Province of Ontario

It was an early morning for the Queen’s Park reporters as Premier Doug Ford declared an emergency in the province under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The move follows the latest advice from Ontario’s Medical Officer of Health who last night recommended that that Ontarians avoid large gatherings of 50 people or more, and close down any place where 50 or more people are likely to get together. Continue reading “Ford Declares State of Emergency for the Province of Ontario”

City Will Try to Minimize Impact on Furloughed Employees

With the City of Guelph closing several of its facilities out of an abundance of concern for the spread of COVID-19, one of the big questions needing an answer is what what’s going to happen for all the non-salaried employees? The lifeguards at City pools? The concession stand vendors at the Sleeman Centre? The ticket agents at River Run? Well, they may be stuck like everyone else. Continue reading “City Will Try to Minimize Impact on Furloughed Employees”

COVID-19 Preparedness Impacts Other Medical Issues at Hospital and Elsewhere

In the medical community, it seems like it’s all COVID, all the time, but for people with more regular medical issues, it might be harder in the coming days to get the help you need. For instance, if you need to go to Guelph General Hospital in the immediate future, either as a visitor or a patient, then you need to be aware of some changes to policy. Continue reading “COVID-19 Preparedness Impacts Other Medical Issues at Hospital and Elsewhere”

WDG Public Health Gets First COVID-19 Case, and Updated Closures

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has announced its first case of Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Monday morning. It is not in Guelph, but it’s the first instance of the disease in the area that’s covered by our local public health authority. Meanwhile, closures and other new developments continue to happen quickly in Guelph, as in many corners of Canada and the world. Continue reading “WDG Public Health Gets First COVID-19 Case, and Updated Closures”

MANGEZ! Dine Safe Guide for March 1-15, 2020

Twice-monthly, Guelph Politico posts the latest inspection results from the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit inspection of local restaurants, hotels, cafes, grocery stores and other businesses that handle food. We call it “Mangez!”, and this column highlights the latest inspections done by WDGPH, and the results they’ve posted. Continue reading “MANGEZ! Dine Safe Guide for March 1-15, 2020”

City Steps Up Facility Closures as COV-19 Concerns Continue

Before the work week has even begun, the City of Guelph has already made some tweaks to it’s plans to mitigate the spread of the Novel Coronavirus. Although there has yet to be any cases of COVID-19 in Guelph and Wellington County, the City of Guelph has announced that they’re taking enhanced precautions, and is temporarily closing down several facilities. Continue reading “City Steps Up Facility Closures as COV-19 Concerns Continue”

Local Catholic Teachers Feel Good About Having a Deal

After six months of rising tensions with all four of Ontario’s teachers unions, the Provincial government can now take some comfort that they’ve solved 25 per cent of the problem. The Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) has reached a tentative deal with the Ontario government, and the president of the Wellington unit looks forward to hanging up his picket sign. Continue reading “Local Catholic Teachers Feel Good About Having a Deal”