OTTAWA – Ottawa Public Health (OPH) is reporting no new deaths related to COVID-19 and just eight new cases of the virus in the community since yesterday (June 2) – one of the lowest totals since the pandemic began.

That brings the city’s number of lab-confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic to 1,977. 

OPH says the resolve rate is about 82 per cent. There have been 247 deaths related to COVID-19 in Ottawa, according to the public health authority.

OPH says there are now just 16 institutional outbreaks on Wednesday, two less than Tuesday, but have yet to say which two facilities have been cleared of the virus.

There are 36 residents hospitalized with COVID-19 as of today (June 3).

Arnprior providing drive-thru assessment service Friday

RENFREW COUNTY – The Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) continues to hold drive-thru COVID-19 testing for the rest of this week. 

“Any resident who is symptomatic or asymptomatic is encouraged to register with the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre or by telephone at 1-844-727-6404,” the RCDHU released in a statement.

Renfrew County Paramedics have four sites set up per day rotating through several areas of the Valley including Cobden, Pembroke, Arnprior, Renfrew, Petawawa, Deep River, Eganville and Barry’s Bay. 

Each site will be open for two hours a day and can process up to 120 vehicles during that time. The Arnprior site was open today (June 3) and will be open again this Friday (June 5).

Wednesday, June 3:

Cobden

Location: 43 Astrolabe Road 

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  

Pembroke/Arnprior

Location: Pembroke – 7 International Dr.

Location: Arnprior – 77 James St. 

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Town of Renfrew

Location: 1 Ma-te-way Park

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Thursday, June 4:

Petawawa

Location: 16 Civic Centre Rd.

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  

Deep River/Eganville

Location: Deep River – 2 Club House Rd. 

Eganville – 178 Jane Street 

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Barry’s Bay

Location: 65 Arena Rd.

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

Friday, June 5:

Cobden

Location: 43 Astrolabe Rd.

Time: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  

Pembroke/Arnprior

Location: Pembroke – 7 International Dr.

Location: Arnprior – 77 James St.

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Town of Renfrew

Location: 1 Ma-te-way Park

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

Saturday, June 6:

Petawawa

Location: 16 Civic Centre Rd.

Time: 09 a.m. to 11 a.m.  

Deep River/Eganville

Location: Deep River – 2 Club House Rd.

Location: Eganville – 178 Jane St.

Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Barry’s Bay

Location:  65 Arena Rd.

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Residents who attend any of the sites are asked to wear a face mask and to bring their health card and drivers license. 

For the full testing schedule click here. 

Ottawa opens pet food bank

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is coming to the aid of local pet owners who can’t afford to feed their animals due to the financial stresses caused by COVID-19.

“When this public health crisis began, we were worried what it might mean for Ottawa’s animals,” OHS President and CEO, Bruce Roney released in a statement. “Loss of income can force families to make difficult decisions, but we don’t want to see families forced to surrender their pets over it.”

The emergency pet food bank, launched in late April, runs each Thursday on-site at the OHS, along with making shipments to local foodbanks. So far, the bank has provided more than 2,000 lbs of food to local pet owners. 

Due to physical distancing guidelines, on-site pickup is only available by appointment. Appointments can be made here. 

Army Run discharged for 2020

OTTAWA – Another one of Ottawa’s most popular running events has been cancelled for 2020, but registrants are being given alternatives.

Like Ottawa Race Weekend before it, the Canada Army Run has been cancelled for 2020.

However, registered runners can receive a full credit of their fee toward a future Canada Army Run or continue to participate in the 2020 event, which is going virtual. 

Organizers say those who choose the virtual option will receive additional instructions via email in the next week or so. Those who choose to receive a full credit of registration toward a future Army Run; no action is required.

Registrants are asked to make their selection by logging onto their Race Roster account and choosing which of the options works best for them. 

Anyone with questions is asked to email info@armyrun.ca.