CJRO News June 7 to June 13, 2021

Hello, bonjour, and welcome to CJRO News on Carlsbad Radio. I’m Candice Vetter reporting remotely.

First off, Ontario residents age 70 and over can now book second Covid vaccinations. This is a week earlier than was announced last week. The offer is also open to any persons who had their first dose of an mRNA vaccine, that is, Pfizer BioNtech or Moderna, before April 18th. If a first dose was AstraZeneca, and you want AstraZeneca, Pfizer or Moderna for the second dose, you can book at participating pharmacies also starting this week. All these newly eligible groups can book through the provincial online booking portal. The province has not announced a date other age groups will be invited to participate, but had earlier stated it will be on a first in-first out basis. Almost a million doses of vaccines are expected each week in June, and over 800,000 per week in July.

Also, several local health units, including Eastern Ontario, have reported zero new cases of Covid on Saturday, the first time in a long time, and encouraging news. Other good news on the Covid front includes Ontario’s reopening plan, which is set to start a few days earlier than expected. Outdoor activities, including dining, fitness classes, religious services and camping can resume this Friday, June 11th.

Also, from the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, and with the tragic news about children’s remains found at a former residential school in B.C., many people may be wishing to attend demonstrations. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis has produced a guide to attending demonstrations and protests in a Covid –safe way. He suggests considering participating in virtual events, but if you choose to join in person, start by taking a Covid-19 self-assessment test (available from Ontario public health units); keep a minimum distance of two meters from others; wear a three layer mask; avoid touching it or your face; bring hand sanitizer and use it often; don’t share water, food, posters or other items; and avoid shouting because that projects respiratory droplets into the air. He suggests using signs, drums or musical instruments to show support. After the demonstration, remove and wash clothes immediately, shower as soon as you can, disinfect materials you carried, monitor yourself for Covid symptoms, and avoid contact with those at high risk of severe disease, such as elderly people and those with serious health conditions.

For our listeners in the broader Township of Russell area, the new FM transmitter in Embrun was installed and turned on at the Russell Township Hall on June 2nd. We are currently broadcasting a loop of 30 minutes audio on this transmitter only. We plan to switch to regular programming on June 24th, 2021. On July 1st we will broadcast a special day with all Canadian music to honor our country and artists. We will also have a three-hour show of francophone music from artists all over Canada. So tune in!

With the stay-at-home order lifted, the Russell Kin Club’s Catch the Ace lottery is back in business. Last Sunday’s draw did NOT reveal the Ace of Spades, so the June 13th jackpot is estimated at over $365,000 and the weekly win over $20,000. Buy tickets online at kinclubofrussell.ca or participating retailers.

I’m Candice Vetter for CJRO News. Are you trying to graduate this year? If yes, I’d like to hear from you. CJRO, 107.7 and 107.9. Last on the dial first for local news. Keep well.