Most of Quebec will be in Orange by Monday, Except Montreal and Several Large Surrounding Regions3/4/2021
 Quebec Premier, Francois Legault, at the press conference on March 3rd, 2021
LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – March 4, 2021: Most of Quebec to move to an orange alert level on Monday, March 8th Most of the province will move to into an orange zone this coming Monday, March 8th, announced Premier Francois Legault during the evening press conference on Wednesday. The areas that will remain as red zones is Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, Lanaudiere and Monteregie. A move from red to orange will bring a series of changes for regions listed in the change on Monday, such as the curfew moving back from 8pm to 9:30pm, houses of worship will be able to host 100 people instead of the previous limit of 25, restaurants and gyms are open with some restrictions, individual sports in pairs or as a part of a family bubble will be permitted, and outdoor activities will be allowed for up to 8 people. Gatherings in private places (homes) in orange zones remains forbidden, and subject to public health infractions if you are caught. SO WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL TO AND FROM QUEBEC FOR EXAMPLE? CFBS was speaking by email this morning with Marlène Joseph-Blais, Senior Communications and Media Relations Advisor for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord. We asked if the travel recommendations would change for the North Shore when travelling to Quebec city, for medical appointments, for example. This is the response that we had received: "Everyone who enters the North Shore is asked to respect a 7-day preventive self-isolation and avoid social interactions for 14 days. All North Shore residents who travel to another region will be asked to follow the same directives when they get back (exception: you do not need to follow these measures if your travel time is under 24 hours)." - Marlène Joseph-Blais, Senior Communications and Media Relations Advisor for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord Keep in mind that there are exceptions for those who work in the essential services sector. This exception allows for essential workers to attend work if requested by their employer to do so, but no other outside interactions are permitted besides attending their workplace during the preventitive isolation period. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Faculty, students and hairdressers participated in the Shaved Head Challenge at École Mgr Scheffer! BRAVO to all! LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – March 1, 2021: The first shaved head challenge was a huge success at École Mgr Scheffer! CFBS was speaking on Friday with Secondary V students, Madison Letto and Shelby Woodford, of École Mgr Scheffer, about their recent participation in Défi têtes rasées Leucan, The Leucan Shaved Head Challenge on February 25th. Bravo to all who participated as they raised $3000.00, well past their original goal of raising $1000.00! Défi têtes rasées Leucan, The Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, presented by PROXIM, is a major Leucan fundraising activity that mobilizes the community in a spirit of solidarity in order to offer services to families of children with cancer and to invest in clinical research. It is a great gesture of support for children who, during chemotherapy, undergo a change in their body image due to hair loss. Listen to the interviews with École Mgr Scheffer students, Madison Letto in English, and Shelby Woodford in French, about the challenge event and its success. Click on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist 
 LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 26, 2021: Be safe! Follow the public health guidelines during March break, or receive a fine!
CFBS was speaking by email with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier would like to notify the following message to the population: "With the spring break period, the Sûreté du Québec will send reinforcement on Lower North Shore to make sure that the Public Health measures will be observed by all. So in the next week, people from the Lower North Shore will see new SQ officers coming to enforce Public Health rules, along with the regular SQ officers of the local police station. To be very clear, the Sûreté du Québec officers are coming from outside of the North shore, and will be COVID tested prior to being deployed on the Lower North Shore, with no exceptions. Most importantly, our citizens from all LNS communities, not only in Blanc-Sablon, need to understand that the reinforcement officers coming have orders to ensure the strict observance of the Public Health rules. Have a safe and happy March break from all of us at the Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon." - Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 23, 2021: Students and faculty at École Mgr Scheffer join the Défi Leucan challenge! Défi têtes rasées Leucan, The Leucan Shaved Head Challenge, presented by PROXIM, is a major Leucan fundraising activity that mobilizes the community in a spirit of solidarity in order to offer services to families of children with cancer and to invest in clinical research. Participants in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge must collect donations from those around them: family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, community, etc. It is a great gesture of support for children who, during chemotherapy, undergo a change in their body image due to hair loss. Taking part in the Leucan Shaved Head Challenge means being part of a unique family on which children with cancer can count on a daily basis. Support the students of École Mgr Scheffer by donating, you can click here to go to the donation page for our local school. Listen to the interviews with École Mgr Scheffer students, Madison Letto and Danielle Dumas in English, or with Matthew Beaudoin and Shelby Woodford in French, about the challenge. Click on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 Blanc-Sablon Airport Location on Google Maps LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 22, 2021: Phenomenon similar to an Earthquake experience felt in Blanc-Sablon At approximately 7:35 am on Sunday February 21st, an employee of the weather observation station at the Blanc-Sablon airport experienced a phenomenon similar to an earth quake, as the whole building began to shake. "It only lasted for a few seconds, but everything was moving," said Mitchell Leon, a weather observer, who works in collaboration with NAV Canada to report the local weather conditions. CFBS contacted Earthquakes Canada on Sunday to obtain info on what may have occurred at the airport, and received a call back from Stephen Crane, PhD, Research Scientist, at the Canadian Hazards Information Service for Natural Resources Canada. Mr. Crane confirmed that there was no report of an earthquake in the area, however it may possibly have been a cryoseism instead. This is what he had to say about this phenomenon: "Cryoseisms (more commonly referred to as “ice quakes” or “frost quakes”) are felt in Canada almost every winter, occur in cold temperatures, particularly if there has been a sudden drop in temperature. These are not related to earthquakes, but are related to weather. When temperatures fall rapidly, the moisture trapped in the soil begins to freeze. As the moisture freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the surrounding soil and bedrock. Eventually the stress is too much and the soil and bedrock may crack, creating a loud noise and occasionally shaking the ground. These cryoseisms are very localized, so the effects cannot be detected by seismometers (unless in the very rare possibility that it occurs very close to the recording instrument). I can not confirm that a frost quake did occur, as we don’t have any instruments nearby, but I can confirm that it was not an earthquake." - Stephen Crane, PhD, Research Scientist, at the Canadian Hazards Information Service for Natural Resources Canada. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  NORTH SHORE – FEBRUARY 19, 2021: ENHANCED MEASURES BETWEEN THE NORTH SHORE AND NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
The Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de la Côte-Nord issued a press release on Thursday (February 18) to inform the population that the entry management protocol for isolated territories now applies to everyone coming into the region from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. This protocol includes the following measures for people entering the Lower North Shore, Minganie and Caniapiscau MRC's from other regions of Québec, or from other Canadian provinces or territories:
Note that this protocol does not apply for any road travels of less than 24 hours between Québec and the border villages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Also stated in the press release is that in the coming days, an awareness team from the Red Cross will be sent to the border regions. The teams will be there to welcome visitors who enter the North Shore by plane or using the ferry, in order to inform them of the public health measures to follow. The local Sureté du Québec will maintain an active presence within the communities and with arriving visitors to ensure that the health and safety rules (no gatherings, curfew, etc.) are being followed by all. So why the Red Cross? Wanda Beaudoin, the Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, sent CFBS the following statement regarding why the Red Cross will be assisting with informing the population of the entry protocol: "I am sure the citizens are asking why it is not the rangers doing the sensitization at the airport, the wharf and at the border, we have to say the demand to have the Rangers activated was requested several times by the mayors. However, given the complexity of getting this service activated, the CISSS de la Cote-Nord worked diligently to try to find another alternative to protect its citizens on the Lower North Shore, given the difficulty with the activation of the Rangers. So instead, an agreement was reached by the CISSS and the RED CROSS, to assume the tasks of sensitization of the population about the regulations in place. Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the direction of the CISSSS and all of their staff for their hard work in trying to keep us safe as a population, and also to recognize the efforts they put in the organization of the vaccination clinic. We are very lucky as a region to have been vaccinated in a timely manner. Once again, thank you." - Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon Reminder, if you develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, consult the COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool and follow the instructions. You can also call Public Health at 1-877-644-4545 for more information. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 19, 2021: No Curfew Fine Infractions Issued to Date Locally
CFBS was speaking with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier informed us that the population is now been respecting the curfew measures issued by the Quebec Government. "The roads have been quiet since we announced that we will now be issuing fines to any curfew infractions," said officer Chartier. The local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon said on Wednesday February 17th that the leniency period for those who are caught out after the provincial curfew of 9:30 PM for our area without an acceptable reason, has ended. With pressure from their chain of command, the local police have no choice but to issue fines to any curfew infractions. Any persons caught by the Sûreté du Québec on the roads illegally without a valid reason or caught breaking the curfew by hosting gatherings, will be fined. How much you may be wondering? Curfew infraction fines are $1000.00 + $546.00 administration fees, equaling a total of $1546.00. "We are very happy that our citizens have received the message, because it was becoming problematic with those not respecting the curfew in the last weeks,'' said officer Chartier. "We will be on patrol on the weekend as well," he added. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 17, 2021: Break the curfew, receive a fine!
CFBS was speaking this morning with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon. Officer Chartier informed us that the leniency period for those who are caught out after the provincial curfew of 9:30 PM for our area without an acceptable reason, has now ended. "We have stopped a lot of people during our night patrols, and have let them pass with a warning, but we now have pressure from our chain of command to begin issuing fines to any curfew infractions," said officer Chartier. Beginning this evening (Feb 17) at 9:30 PM local time, any persons caught by the Sûreté du Québec on the roads illegally without a valid reason or caught breaking the curfew by hosting gatherings, will be fined. How much you may be wondering? Curfew infraction fines are $1000.00 + $546.00 administration fees, equaling a total of $1546.00. Officer Chartier would also like to remind residents of Labrador that the curfew fines apply to them as well if they cross the border into Quebec after 9:30 PM local time. "We have been seeing a lot of Labrador residents on this side of the border after our curfew hour, everyone needs to be aware that when you cross the provincial border, you must follow the rules of the province that you are in,'' said officer Chartier. He also added that any reasons given as to why you may be out after curfew will be verified by the police. When asked about if there is an update for any border changes from the Quebec Government, officer Chartier said that there has been no new mandate issued to the local SQ. They had been requested on Monday (Feb 15) by public health to be prepared to set up security at the border if needed, but at this time, there is still no mandate set for a security check point to be installed at the Blanc-Sablon border. "We are prepared to go if asked, but this may not be needed now," stated Mr. Chartier. On Friday February 12, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced the province has moved back to Alert Level 5 of its response plan in an effort to gain control of the quickly spreading coronavirus variant B117, which health officials say is the cause of the recent outbreak. Under an Alert Level 5, health officials are asking everyone to stay home as much as possible, except to collect essential items, such as groceries and medications. They are also asking people to limit contacts to only those in their immediate household bubble in Newfoundland and Labrador. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS NORTH SHORE - FEBRUARY 16, 2021 - WORKSHOPS NOW AVAILABLE FROM LE MARAIS CFBS was speaking with Dominique Leclerc, a Special Care Counsellor at Clinique interdisciplinaire Le Marais, an interdisciplinary clinic that now offers specialized psychosocial services to the residents of the North Shore territory. Dominique shared information with us today about the new workshops being offered by Le Marais as well as information about the services they offer, for business, school, social and community backgrounds, etc. ABOUT LE MARAIS Le Marais is a private clinic providing specialized psychosocial services. It will bring together professionals from all backgrounds under one roof. This context will help foster an interdisciplinary approach to clients. For more information, you can visit the Facebook page of Clinique interdisciplinaire Le Marais at: https://www.facebook.com/cliniquelemarais/ You may also call Dominique or Marie-Eve at 418-741-3032 or email info@cliniquelemarais.ca. Listen to the interview with Dominique Leclerc by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 NATIONAL NEWS – FEBRUARY 16, 2021: No waiting period now for EI benefits
The Federal Government is temporarily waiving the one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) claimants who establish a new claim between January 31, 2021 and September 25, 2021. This includes claimants of regular, fishing and special benefits. For more information or to submit a claim, visit Employment Insurance. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Government of Newfoundland and Labrador border security at the L'anse au Clair/Blanc-Sablon border, which has been in place since November 26, 2020
LOCAL NEWS BLANC-SABLON – FEBRUARY 15, 2021: No changes at the border tonight says the local SQ CFBS received lots of calls and messages today regarding if there will be changes taking place at the border here in Blanc-Sablon tonight at 7 PM. Speaking with Denis Chartier, of the local Sûreté du Québec office here in Blanc-Sablon, Mr. Chartier informed us that they had been requested by public health to be prepared to set up security at the border if needed, but at this time there is no mandate set for the time and date of the security check point to be installed. "We are on hold right now, there will be no check point set up at the border this evening" stated Mr. Chartier. On Friday February 12, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald announced the province has moved back to Alert Level 5 of its response plan in an effort to gain control of the quickly spreading coronavirus variant B117, which health officials say is the cause of the recent outbreak. Under an Alert Level 5, health officials are asking everyone to stay home as much as possible, except to collect essential items, such as groceries and medications. They are also asking people to limit contacts to only those in their immediate household bubble in Newfoundland and Labrador. CFBS also received information from local residents of Blanc-Sablon this afternoon stating that there was no change in cross border travel for essential services, including essential shopping, and that the same procedure is in effect as in the last couple of months with the Newfoundland and Labrador border security. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 10, 2020 - LNS residents concerned about state of current mail services
CFBS received a lot of calls and messages earlier this week from local residents who asked if we could get information on why there was no mail coming in for just over 1 week in many areas on the coast. On a normal week, mail delivery should take place on 3 days, unless if bad weather interrupts the service. It has been a question asked by many residents for quite some time now, "What is going on with our mail delivery services on the Lower North Shore?" Speaking with Randy Jones, Warden of the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent, he informed CFBS that he is well aware of the situation, taking many calls himself from residents voicing their frustrations regarding the mail. Warden Jones said that a meeting will take place on Friday (Feb 12) at the request of Marilène Gill, the Bloc MP for Manicouagan, and the mayors of the Lower North Shore to discuss the survey that had recently been carried out and concerns about the current mail services. More details to come ........ Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Air Tunilik Contant's cessna grand caravan aircraft at Natashquan LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 10, 2020 - Air Tunilik Contant now based at Natashquan on the LNS CFBS was speaking today with Simon Contant, President and pilot at Air Tunilik Contant, to speak about the airline services they currently offer on the North Shore territory. Founded in 2002, Air Tunilik is proud to have become the most important bush aviation company in Quebec. They have a fleet of various aircraft and includes a vast network of seaplane bases. In addition to being able to charter an aircraft to go wherever you want, their network of bases covers a large portion of the province's territory. They have facilities at Sept-iles, Havre St-Pierre, Manic-5, Caniapiscau, and now based on the Lower North Shore in Nathashquan with a cessna grand caravan aircraft. Check out the Website of Air Tunilik Contant here and their Facebook page here. Listen to the interview with Simon Contant of Air Tunilik Contant by clicking on the sound file below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 QUÉBEC, February 5, 2021: The English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA) and the Fédération des comités de parents du Québec (FCPQ) are proud to announce the launch of the PARENTS.QUEBEC website.
A singular juncture of parent resources, PARENTS.QUEBEC is a complement to the Open School (École Ouverte) government platform launched last spring and will help parents support their children based on their specific needs. Beyond its pedagogical value, this new tool will help parents find the right resource, depending on the needs, the region and the age of the child. For EPCA, the active participation of parents has always been essential to their children’s educational success. “This very relevant and helpful tool will fill a void that has long been a source of frustration for parents who often do not know where to turn when they want to support their children,” said EPCA President Katherine Korakakis. For several years, EPCA and FCPQ have sought to boost support for parents by uniting the resources available to them. The support of the Quebec government for this initiative brings this shared vision to life. “While PARENTS.QUEBEC is being launched during the pandemic, it is the result of many years of hard work, developed partnerships and repeated requests from parents. The daily lives of families have been turned upside down since last March, and the situation shows more than ever the importance of having a tool that answers parents' questions and helps them find resources according to their needs,” explained Kevin Roy, President of the FCPQ. “Each day, Quebec parents play a key role in the development and success of their children, and the support of the Quebec government to PARENTS.QUEBEC demonstrates the importance and recognition we give them. Since the beginning of the pandemic, parents have demonstrated incredible strength and resilience by juggling school and work at home, and their requests for help have been heard. This tool will become a valuable reference to answer their questions. Like Open School, PARENTS.QUEBEC is added to the list of resources and concrete means available to promote student success,” added Education Minister Jean-François Roberge. This tool will become a valuable reference to answer their questions. Like Open School, PARENTS.QUEBEC is another concrete means available to foster collaboration and promote student success.” A second phase of the project is under development and will be announced in the coming months. It will also be possible to access PARENTS.QUEBEC via Open School (Ecoleouverte.ca). About the English Parents’ Committee Association of Quebec (EPCA) The English Parents' Committee Association is the official voice of Quebec’s English public school parent community. Supporting school board Parent Committees and speaking with one voice for parents and their children, EPCA represents more than 100,000 students in all dealings with the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur (MEES) and across all levels of government. About the Fédération des comités de parents du Québec For over 45 years, the FCPQ has been bringing together the parent committees of Quebec's School Service Centers and supporting parent volunteers who are concerned about parental involvement in public elementary and secondary schools in order to ensure the quality of education offered to children. Related link: www.parents.quebec (English and French version)  Constance Monger, Territory Coordinator for the CISSS de la Cote-Nord on the Lower North Shore LOCAL NEWS - FEBRUARY 5, 2020 - Deadline to get a COVID vaccination appointment on the LNS CFBS was speaking today with Constance Monger, Territory Coordinator for the CISSS de la Cote-Nord on the Lower North Shore, regarding the vaccination campaign against COVID-19 on the Lower North Shore. Every resident of the Lower North Shore who is 18 years and over is invited to book an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. You can register online here. If you run into problems when trying to register online, please call 1-844-407-0967. The registration period for the vaccination clinics that will start next week on the Lower North Shore and will end this Sunday, February 7th, at 4:00 p.m. for online and telephone registration. People aged 70 years and over who live in these territories will still be able to call the Info-Vaccine line (1-844-407‑0967) to know if an extra dose can be administered to you. Listen to the interview with Constance Monger by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 27, 2021: NORTH SHORE – COVID-19 Vaccine Information
CFBS has been receiving questions from our listening audience regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that has begun to be administered to the North Shore and Lower North Shore population in the last couple of weeks. So far, the vaccination campaign has targeted primarily the health care workers, seniors living in CHSLD's, those working in CHSLD's, and the elderly population over the age of 80 years old in accordance with the vaccination priority groups. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord stated in their press brief held last week that the vaccination campaign is going well in the region. Other vaccination clinics intended for the population will soon be organized elsewhere in the territory, depending on the availability of vaccines. In each setting, the vaccination will be carried out while respecting the prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated as established by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. Speaking by email this week with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, about vaccine questions that CFBS was receiving, the following is the info that he had shared with us: How effective is the vaccines? The COVID‑19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) approved by Health Canada are safe. The vaccines were tested on a large number of people. They have met all the requirements for approval. Vaccine efficacy 14 days after the first dose, and before the second dose, is 92%. These are thought to be 95% effective after two doses. Experts closely monitor any adverse reactions that may occur after vaccination and take the appropriate measures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. Are there any possible side effects? Adverse reactions are not uncommon after vaccination. These reactions are usually mild or moderate, and can last a few days. Symptoms may include pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever and chills. To date, no serious adverse effects have been identified with RNA-based vaccines. Will all age groups be receiving the vaccine, such as babies, children, and pregnant women? Vaccines will become available gradually. Some people will be vaccinated before others. There is an order of priority of groups for vaccination that can be found here. Vaccination of children and pregnant women will be determined based on future studies on vaccine safety and efficacy in these people. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccinations, you can visit here. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Screenshot of Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 19, 2021: NORTH SHORE – CISSS PRESS BRIEF COVERAGE A press briefing was held this afternoon by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) regarding the COVID-19 situation on the North Shore. The press briefing was led by Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, and Priscilla Malenfant, director of the program to support the autonomy of the elderly (SAPA). In the past week 18 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded, for a total of 25 cases on the North Shore since January 1st. There are currently 17 active cases in the region. The situation remains delicate across the North Shore. The CISSS requests that the population follow the health instructions in all places and at all times. If you have at least one of the following symptoms: fever, sore throat, cough, loss of breath, or loss of smell or taste, stay home and call 1-877-644-4545 to get a screening test appointment. REMINDERS: • Indoor and outdoor gatherings are prohibited. • Do not receive any visitors at home, except for a family caregiver. If you live alone, you can receive one visitor. • Do outdoor activities with members of your household. • Stay at least two meters away from people from other households. • Wear your mask adequately (it must cover your mouth and nose). • Wash your hands. The vaccination campaign is going well in the region. To this day, 2,646 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in the region. This week, the vaccination operation continues everywhere on the territory, in accordance with the vaccination priority groups. Health care workers who are in contact with users will be vaccinated first. Some people, such as seniors of the North Shore, are more affected by the pandemic. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would also like to remind seniors to keep moving despite the confinement! Simple efforts can make a world of difference. For example, 15 minutes of light exercise, standing up for a few minutes every hour, or going for a walk outside, when possible. For the population in general, do not forget to look after the seniors around you, even remotely. A simple telephone or video call can make a great difference in their daily life. In a press release this afternoon, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord invited people aged 80 and over, who reside in the MRC of Sept-Rivières, to register now for a vaccination clinic by appointment to be vaccinated against COVID-19, which will begin on Thursday, January 21, 2021 in Sept-Îles. People in this age group wishing to register for this clinic must leave their contact information (name, phone number, and date of birth) at 1-844-407-0967 for an appointment. As mentioned in today's press brief, other vaccination clinics intended for the population will soon be organized elsewhere in the territory, depending on the availability of vaccines. In each setting, the vaccination will be carried out while respecting the prioritization of the groups to be vaccinated as established by the Ministry of Health and Social Services. This week, vaccines are distributed everywhere on the North Shore. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 and its complications. It is in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, wearing a medical mask or face covering and washing hands, states the CISSS in today's press release. You can obtain information about the COVID-19 vaccination by visiting Québec.ca. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  BLANC-SABLON - JANUARY 12, 2021 - Lower North Shore Residents Respect the Curfew
CFBS was speaking by email this morning with officer Guy Pinard, of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon. He informed us that since the province wide curfew began on Saturday, January 9th, there were no health infractions issued on the Lower North Shore for not respecting the provincial curfew of 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Officer Pinard also wanted to thank all citizens on Lower North Shore for their collaboration in respecting the rules, mentioning that our streets locally have been empty at night. Keep in mind that not following the public health directives regarding the provincial curfew could be costly, fines can range from $1000 to $6000 locally if you are caught in violation. Here is a look at the new restrictions and what's open and what's closed during the four-week curfew that is expected to end on February 8, 2021: CURFEW RULES The Quebec government says between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., residents will be prohibited from moving outside their place of residence, with exceptions for health care, humanitarian reasons or essential work. EXEMPTIONS:
VISITORS/GATHERINGS
TRAVEL BETWEEN REGIONS The Quebec government says travel between cities and regions is not recommended, with exceptions for students, workers, shared custody agreements and the transport of goods. EDUCATION
EDUCATIONAL CHILDCARE SERVICES (DAYCARES)
SPORTS
BUSINESSES
OFFICE SPACE Teleworking is mandatory for people working in offices from Dec. 17, 2020 to Feb. 8, 2021, with the exception of workers who presence is deemed necessary by the employer. RESTAURANTS
OTHER BUSINESSES Museums, cinemas, theatres, personal care settings, saunas and spas must remain closed, except for massage therapy treatments provided. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - JANUARY 8, 2021 - New Veterinary Service Opening on the Lower North Shore CFBS was speaking today with Gabrielle Landry, veterinary technician, to talk about the services being offered at the new LNS Veterinary Service, opening it's doors at 1161 Boulevard Docteur Camille Marcoux in Lourdes-de-Blanc-Sablon on Tuesday, January 12th. Some of the services being offered will include:
You can check out the Facebook page of Service Vétérinaire BCN / LNS Veterinary Service by clicking here Listen to the interview with Gabrielle Landry by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Becky Spingle CFBS Journalist
 LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 23, 2020 - CFBS welcomes you to join us this Dec 24th for "Maureen's Christmas Eve Storytime"
It is with the upmost respect and holiday spirit that CFBS welcomes our listeners to join us on 89.9/93.1 FM this Christmas Eve at 7pm for the story "I’m not Santa" by Jonathan Allen, recorded by Mrs. Maureen Wellman back in 2016. Maureen passed away last spring (2020) and has been greatly missed by her community, family and friends. An avid listener of CFBS, she was a huge advocate for literacy, and made sure that we honoured literacy days by giving CFBS trivia questions, books, and prizes to give away. Born in 1955 on July 1st, she was our local Canada Day lady, always spreading her love for our nation. Maureen taught many local residents while she was a teacher from 1977 to 2012, she was a teacher at the school in Bradore and also at Ecole St. Theresa. She was known in our communities for giving books to the children. She loved children and their excitement and appreciation of receiving a book. Many thanks to Maureen's family for agreeing to have her recording of "I’m not Santa" by Jonathan Allen play on CFBS airwaves this December 24th at 7pm. So everyone, tune in to the radio or listen online right from your bed on your I-pads this Christmas Eve. Online listeners can tune in here. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 23, 2020 - A Christmas Message from Mayor Beaudoin of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon CFBS was speaking today to Mayor Wanda Beaudoin regarding the days that there will be no daily COVID-19 updates given by Santé Publique for the North Shore on the CISSS de la Cote Nord website during the holiday season, as well as Mayor Beaudoin's holiday message to the population. Listen to the interview with Mayor Beaudoin by clicking on the sound files below (click on the speaker icon next to the sound file and a media player will open up to hear the interview). Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 22, 2020 - Follow the rules or face a fine, orange zone infractions could cost you!
CFBS was speaking by email this morning with Officer Guy Pinard of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon regarding what the fines could be for those who do not follow the health directives during the holiday season, as detailed to the Sûreté du Québec by Santé Publique. Keep in mind that gatherings of no more than six people will be permitted in regions and areas located in alert (orange) zones, as well, that activities such as office parties are prohibited in all regions. Here is what you need to know:
Officer Pinard of the local Sûreté du Québec office in Blanc-Sablon would like to also remind the population that if you have any questions about the health measures, or if you are having symptoms of COVID-19, that you can call Santé Publique at 1-877-644-4545 at any time. The SQ continue to be present at the local airport and federal wharf to remind travelers of the restrictions and recommendations for arriving into the region. For a list of COVID-19 rules and restrictions for living in an orange zone, you can check out the Quebec government website at quebec.ca. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 21, 2020 - What you need to know about the holiday restrictions in an orange zone
Lots of questions have been emerging in the region following the North Shore moving to an orange zone alert level 3 last week for the North Shore, especially regarding holiday gatherings and parties. CFBS is awaiting info from the local Sûreté du Québec police regarding what the fines will be given for those who do not follow the directives regarding holiday gatherings. Here is a recap of what you should know taken from the Quebec government website, quebec.ca: HOLIDAY GATHERINGS Gatherings of no more than six people will be permitted in regions and areas located in alert (orange) zones. For these regions, it is recommended to do a voluntary confinement, one week before and one week after the time of the gatherings. OFFICE PARTIES Activities such as office parties are prohibited in all regions. OFFICES Office worker telework is mandatory in all regions from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021, inclusively, except for workers whose physical presence is deemed by their employer to be required to maintain the ongoing activities of a public or private organization. CHILDCARE SERVICES AND SCHOOLS Childcare services (daycares, CPE and family care) will remain open. However, in order to limit contact during the Christmas holidays, families are advised to keep their children at home as much as possible and so inform their childcare provider beforehand. As for preschool and elementary school students, they will stay home, and distance learning services will be provided from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021, inclusively, on the basis of their school calendar. Secondary school students will stay home and distance learning services, according to the usual schedule, will be provided from December 17, 2020 to January 10, 2021 inclusively, according to their school calendar. Specialized schools for children who need special services will stay open. In addition, exceptionally, some students with special needs may be allowed to attend school so as not to adversely affect their progress. EMERGENCY SCHOOL CHILDCARE SERVICES Emergency childcare services will be set up in schools but will only accept children whose parents are employed at a qualifying listed job and/or priority service. These services will be available according to the school calendar. This means that no emergency childcare services will be provided if a day off is scheduled. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 19, 2020 - Two new cases of COVID-19 has just been confirmed for the LNS The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with COVID information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 4 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 2 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), 1 in the MRC of Manicouagan, and 1 in the MRC of Sept-Rivières. Speaking by email this afternoon with Marlène Joseph-Blais, Communications for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, the following update was given by Ms. Joseph-Blais regarding the 2 new cases added on the Lower North Shore today: "Two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded for the LNS. These two people were not present on the North Shore during their period of contagiousness. The two people are in isolation outside of the North Shore. No risk of transmission for communities. We cannot specify the places of residence to ensure confidentiality." The CISSS has previously reminded the population in the last weeks of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. In total to date, there have been 260 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 221 cases having been cured, leaving 36 cases now active in the territory, 1 hospitalization at this time on the North Shore, and 3 deaths on the North Shore due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. Specifically, today's announcement brings the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore) covid case total to 3 since the beginning of the pandemic. The North Shore territory is now at ALERT LEVEL 3 in orange, which is the moderate alert level. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist
 LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 18, 2020 - Epidemiological Investigation Underway of 3rd Confirmed Case of COVID-19 on the LNS
The CISSS de la Côte-Nord updated their website today at 11:00am Quebec time with covid information for the territory from santé publique. At that time, there was 1 new case announced today in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), bringing the total case load on the LNS to 3 since the beginning of the pandemic. As well, there were also 4 other cases announced on the North Shore today in the MRC of Manicouagan. Speaking by email this afternoon with Pascal Paradis, Communications Advisor of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, the following update was given by Mr. Paradis regarding the new case on the Lower North Shore: "There is a new case of COVID-19 on the LNS. The person followed all the recommendations of the entry and isolation management protocol. The epidemiological investigation is underway and the person is in isolation. Close contacts of the case were identified, assessed and placed in isolation. The risk of transmission in the community is considered low." The CISSS has previously reminded the population of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. DO YOU HAVE THE COVID ALERT APP YET? Did you know that your smart phone can help limit the spread of COVID-19? The COVID Alert app will let you know if you’ve been in contact with someone who also used the app and later tested positive. COVID Alert doesn’t collect any personally identifiable information. No one will know who you are or where you’ve been. Using the app is one more thing we can all do together to limit the spread of COVID-19. Protect yourself, and protect your community. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist |
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March 2021
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