Here are the latest local, regional and national headlines on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) for Tuesday, May 26, 2020:
- There have been 25,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across Ontario, an increase of 460 cases (or 1.8 per cent) from the previous day. There are 19,477 people recovered from the virus while 2,073 people have died. The number of Ontario people tested is 611,369 of which 3,216 have pending results.
- Canada’s coronavirus case total is 85,711. The country has 6,545 deaths from the virus – 161 in British Columbia, 138 in Alberta, seven in Saskatchewan, seven in Manitoba, 2,102 in Ontario, 4,069 in Quebec, three in Newfoundland & Labrador and 58 in Nova Scotia.
- Two more people recovered in the Eastern Ontario Health Unit area as the number of confirmed positive cases stayed steady at 144. There are now 85 cases resolved. The latest two were in Prescott-Russell. There were also 102 more tests done, bringing the total to 7,340. There have been 11 deaths. The breakdown of cases are 15 in Cornwall (15 resolved), 24 in SD&G (20 resolved) and 105 in Prescott-Russell (50 resolved). There are three people in hospital, two of those are in ICU. There are two active outbreaks.
- The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit added another case over the weekend to bring the number of confirmed cases to 339. The number of deaths remain at 49. Eighty-nine per cent of COVID-19 cases (257) have recovered. For community cases in Leeds-Grenville, there are 21 in the central region (18 recovered), 13 in the west (10 recovered) and 11 in the east (eight recovered).
- The Cornwall Public Library started weekday curbside, appointment-only service on Monday as part of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. The library is still closed to the public.
- Staff with the United Counties of SD&G will be able to go back to their offices on Pitt Street, starting June 1. The building will still be closed to the public.
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he will work with the provinces to give workers 10 days of paid sick leave a year, in order to make it easier for them to stay home when they’re ill.
- Over 60 motorcycle enthusiasts held an “honour ride” on Saturday (May 23), organized by Bruce Hyderman, to show appreciation for front line workers. Bikers came from as far away as Vankleek Hill, Ottawa and Brockville. The day was also to remember all those who have passed from the virus and Captain Jennifer Casey, who lost her life in a Snowbird jet crash. “We appreciate everything they’re doing and the sacrifices they’re making,” Hyderman said of the front line workers. The group – practicing physical distancing on the ride – visited Heritage Heights, Woodland Villa, Heartwood, Glen-Stor-Dun Lodge and CCH. You can see a YouTube of the ride here and photos on Hyderman’s Facebook page. Hyderman also acknowledged Jay Roberts for his help with organizing the event and calls it a “big success. I felt good about doing this.”
- Transition Cornwall + Incredible Edible Plant Festival is adapting with the times – it will be an incredible edible plant giveaway. The event on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will see vegetable plants handed out at locations across the city. Check their website for details and social distancing rules.
Have a story or news release related to COVID-19? Send it along for possible inclusion in a future digest on Cornwall Newswatch. Email editor@cornwallnewswatch.com. Please put “COVID-19 Digest” in the subject line.