By Natali Trivuncic
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ntrivuncic@fortfrances.com

Starting today, those 75 years and older can book using the ministry booking system. Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health at the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) said she encourages anyone who is eligible to book an appointment for the vaccine. Those who are currently eligible are anyone born […]

By Maan Alhmidi
THE CANADIAN PRESS

OTTAWA, Ill. – Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination drive is poised to shift into high gear this week as the federal public health agency prepares to take delivery of the largest number of doses since the launch of the immunization effort. Nearly 1.2 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are set to […]

By Jocelyn Galloway
Special to the Times
jgalloway@fortfrances.com

As the federal government deliberates, MPP Greg Rickford said he is in support of the use of a “vaccine passport” for International travel. “Over the past summer, I had the opportunity to meet with tourist operators across Northwestern Ontario,” said Rickford. “During this time, I heard loud and clear that […]

By Merna Emara
Staff Writer
memara@fortfrances.com

The Confederation College is now accepting applications for the new and free Personal Support Worker (PSW) program. The province of Ontario provided province-wide funding to have 6,000 students enrol in a six-months accelerated program. Prior to this, students would need eight months to complete the PSW program. Successful applicants will […]

By Natali Trivuncic
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ntrivuncic@fortfrances.com

Booking process open to those aged 80 and over The provincial vaccination booking system was launched on Monday. Dr. Kit Young Hoon, medical officer of health at the Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU), said there were a few technical glitches, but many residents were able to book dates for vaccinations. The […]

By Natali Trivuncic
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ntrivuncic@fortfrances.com

It has been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic not only shut down the world but also impacted many lives and businesses in Ontario that will reap the repercussions for years to come. Lisa MacLeod, Ontario’s Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, held a virtual tele-townhall meeting on […]

Press release

In light of our region moving into the Red–Control level of the provincial COVID-19 Response Framework, Riverside has updated our Long-Term Care (LTC) Visitation policy and procedure. These temporary changes are effectively immediately. At this time, there are no changes to visitor restrictions for our Acute Care/Hospital facilities. While we […]

By Natali Trivuncic
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ntrivuncic@fortfrances.com

While many activities were cancelled last year due to COVID-19, many were hopeful this summer would look different. As case numbers continue to rise and vaccination rollout across the province has steadily slowed down, fair games and the sweet smell of fried foods might have to sit out for another […]

By Jocelyn Galloway
Special to the Times
jgalloway@fortfrances.com

Emo Food Bank is now open for in-person visits twice a month. Since the COVID-19 province-wide lockdown in December, the Emo Food Bank has been forced to deliver food by curbside until last week. As of March 3, the Food Bank is now open every first and third Wednesday of […]

TORONTO – The head of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine task force will be leaving the job this month, ending a tenure that was marked by delays and confusion over the province’s immunization effort. Premier Doug Ford said Monday that retired general Rick Hillier will step away from the role when his […]