Updated closures in place due to COVID-19

Further protective measures during the COVID-19 pandemic are being put in place by the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration.

Officials say they include the closure of their offices in North Bay, Mattawa, South Algonquin, and West Nipissing.

Anyone seeking services of DSSAB are advised to call 705-474-2151.

In-office visits are restricted to emergencies only, and only at their 200 McIntyre Street East location.

People receiving social assistance payments are strongly urged to set up Direct Bank Deposit if they haven’t already done so.

Meantime, the office at the Nipissing District Housing Corporation at 133 Main Street in North Bay will also be closed as of today (Friday)

Anyone requiring NDHC services are asked to call 705-472-2441.

All client emergency needs, including health and safety issues, will continue to be addressed.

Tenants will be advised of alternative ways to pay their rent where necessary.

The majority of staff at all sites will be working remotely.

(Nipissing)

Nipissing University is restricting access to the Education Centre effective 9 pm tonight (Friday)

Most university employees will be working from home effective Monday, March 23rd until at least Monday, April 6th when officials will re-evaluate the situation.

All students currently living in residence are required to leave residence by 7pm on Sunday.

(health unit)

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is giving good marks to all organizations that have been recommended to close in our district, due to COVID-19.

It says it’s proud of the bars and restaurants that have had to close and/or move to take-out and delivery only.

The release points out many of these establishments are locally owned and operated and have put the community’s well-being over their business.

It says all establishments throughout our district have been contacted to make sure they have the most up-to-date information about the province’s order to close bars and restaurants.

Restaurant and bar operators can access more information on the Health Unit’s website myhealthunit.ca/COVID-19 or by calling a Public Health Inspector at 1-800-563-2808 ext. 5400.

The health unit has provided a list of tips if you’re picking up.

It includes order food ahead of time, if ordering in person, place your order and wait outside until ready, practice social distancing, use simple and easy hygiene practices, regular handwashing or using alcohol-based sanitizer, not touching your face and covering your cough or sneeze.

Individuals who are in self-isolation can order take-out.
However, to avoid contact, to reduce your risk the order could be paid in advance and delivered outside the home.

There are no reported COVID-19 cases in the district.

(Callander)

Callander has a Emergency Management Community Control Group and are meeting on a regular basis.

The municipality says all municipal offices are closed for walk in until further notice.

You can still contact staff by phone or email but in person service is for appointment only.

For information on payments go to www.mycallander.ca

Callander has already closed all recreational and cultural facilities.

(Northgate)

BayToday says the food court at the Northgate Shopping Centre is closed.

Officials say they’ve done this to prevent people from congregating within the food court and the seating there.

Many business at the mall which is open are offering take out services including Tim Horton’s and the A and W.

March Break events were cancelled this week.

(transit)

North Bay Transit is asking passengers to board buses at the rear door in order to limit interactions with drivers.

Fares will be suspended until further notice.

If you use the accessible ramp the service will still be provided.

The schedules are being adjusted as of tomorrow with buses running once an hour.

All routes are continuing to operate.

(ONTC)

Ontario Northland is temporarily reducing its service for the Polar Bear Express passenger train following a discussion with community leaders.

The train will operate two days per week on Mondays and Thursdays, effective March 26, until further notice.

There will be no changes to departure and arrival times.

Freight service between Cochrane and Moosonee will continue as scheduled Tuesday and Friday.

(Hall of Fame)

The North Bay Sports Hall of Fame are advising the 40th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner scheduled for Saturday May 2 has been cancelled.

The 4 individuals scheduled to be inducted will be inducted at next year’s dinner.

The 2019 Hall of Fame Award Winners will be recognized and presented their awards at a later date this year.

(Capitol Centre)

Movies that have been cancelled

Sunday Cinema: Little Women (originally scheduled Mar 22)

Free  Family Movie: Wonder Park (originally scheduled March 29)

The following live performance events are now postponed or cancelled

• Thane Dunn’s Elvis the Comeback King – postponed to May 30^th 
• Capitol Centre’s Annual Children’s Festival –  cancelled
• The New Shanghai Circus – postponed to Sunday February 21, 2021
• Snowed in Comedy Tour – postponed, new date TBA
• Spring Sing – postponed, new date TBA
• NB Symphony Orchestra, Brilliant Beethoven –  cancelled
• The Man in Black – postponed to August 10, 2020

The Just for Laughs Roadshow Tour – postponed to April 26, 2021

(photo by station staff)