Editor’s note: As of Mar.17 please refer to the dedicated section of our website containing latest official notices regarding COVID-19 measures.
Updates from The Current
The Current is maintaining an up-to-date posting of local measures and changes as we receive them during this stage of the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19. Watch for updated advice from the municipality which we expect will be issued at a Special Council meeting on Tuesday March 17 at 9 a.m. Click HERE for our article which contains links to Renfrew County and District Health Unit, St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Madawaska Valley Township.
Valley Manor allowing essential visits only
St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation advises that as of March 15 all non-essential visits to Valley Manor have been suspended until further notice. Only people visiting residents who are very ill or requiring end-of-life care are permitted to enter the premises. Upon arrival, you will be asked further questions to determine if you may proceed with your visit.
Reading online
At a special meeting of the Madawaska Valley Public Library Board a motion was passed to close the Library to the public as of March 16, 2020 in an attempt to inhibit the spread of COVID-19. The situation will be reviewed on a regular basis in consultation with the municipal council. During this time fines will be suspended and staff will be working out details for ways in which we can provide limited service. Details will follow, so please check Facebook/Madawaska-Valley-Public-Library-Barrys-Bay for more notices. Library users who already have access to online reading via Overdrive or Libby are unaffected by the closure.
Canada Blooms
The Madawaska Valley Gardening Club knows many Valley gardeners had looked forward to visiting Canada Blooms. Although the event has been cancelled, you can still enjoy it by viewing photos of all the displays. Click HERE for Facebook/Madawaska-Valley-Horticultural-Society Photos courtesy of David Ohashi.
Parks still open
While large group events at provincial parks have been suspended in keeping with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation, there are lots of things for families to do during March Break and the following two weeks while publicly-funded schools in Ontario are closed. A media release today confirms that Ontario Parks has cancelled all planned events until further notice. All public Ontario Parks buildings, such as visitor centres, will be closed as well. But outdoor recreational opportunities including camping and day use will still be available at operating parks. Appropriate cleaning measures continue to be undertaken to reduce risk to staff and visitors within buildings. Ontario Parks will also enhance cleaning of public areas that remain open, including washrooms. Click HERE to check out what’s open and what’s not at ontarioparks.com
Food bank
Madawaska Valley Food Bank is following the lead of public health agencies during the growing concerns around COVID-19. The Food Bank continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19 daily and will update their Facebook page as they review options and decide on a response. MV Food Bank asks that during this time you remember your neighbours who may not have the same access to food and personal items.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with podcasts
With the major internet suppliers suspending data overage charges this month due to COVID-19 precautions, now’s your chance to investigate the world of podcasting. Although local St. Patrick’s Day dances, teas and suppers have been cancelled, Valley residents might want to check out the Opeongo Line Special Podcast. Producer Barry Conway says an Opeongo Readers’ Theatre command performance recorded live in Maynooth and celebrating the joys of Irish humour will be available online from tonight, March 15. The show includes two one-act comedies, both penned by Lady Gregory: One called “Hyacinth Halvey” about the trials and tribulations of a young man who comes to Maynooth for work but whose reputation precedes him; and the other, a wild tale called “The Workhouse Ward,” about two frenemies who can’t stand each other yet can’t stand to be apart. Click HERE for this and previous shows from the Opeongo Readers’ Theatre.
Ace of Spades still on the loose!
Angela Prince of Barry’s Bay was the Week #23 winner of $2,992 in the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s Catch the Ace progressive lottery. Angela’s lucky number 48 revealed the Eight of Clubs. Tickets for next Thursday’s draw are on sale now throughout the Valley. The estimated weekly prize for Week #24 is $2,805 and should the winner’s lucky number find the Ace of Spades, that ticket holder will win an estimated total of $62,200! All proceeds support Valley Manor Redevelopment.
With all that’s coming down in the world, the Current is doing a FANTASTIC job of keeping us all abreast of what is happening!!! Keep up the good work.