 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 LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 18, 2020 - One new case 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 5 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 1 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), and 4 in the MRC of Manicouagan. Keep in mind that there may be little information given about the new case on the Lower North Shore today, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time 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 256 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 215 cases having been cured, leaving 38 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
 CFBS photo taken in November at the Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border check point LOCAL NEWS – DECEMBER 17, 2020: Will there be changes made to the Labrador border entry requirements? CFBS was contacted this afternoon by some concerned citizens asking to clarify rumours that there would be changes taking place tonight at the border checkpoint for Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border. These rumours seem to stem from concerns that changes may take place following the Quebec government's decision to have the North Shore territory enter an orange zone alert level, despite the low case numbers, as this change signals more measures within the region that target specific sectors of activity and settings where the risk of transmission is deemed higher. The sectors and settings in orange zones are subject to selective restrictions, prohibitions and closures. At this time, the goal of moving all of the provinces yellow zones to orange, and orange zones to red, is for prevention to curb the spread of the virus. The border check point at Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border was re-instated on November 26 by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The entry point for Southern Labrador border is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture officials. The purpose is to monitor traffic at the border. In an email exchange between CFBS and Newfoundland and Labrador's Premier, Andrew Furey's office back in November, it was stated that the decision at that time to re-instate the check point was based on information the government had received from Quebec Public Health. CFBS was speaking this afternoon with Chad Letto, the Mayor of L'anse au Clair and Chair Person for the Combined Councils of Labrador. Mr. Letto said that he did have a conversation with Lisa Powell-Dempster, MHA for Cartwright/L'Anse au Clair at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, about if there may be any possible border changes for L'anse au Clair/Blanc-Sablon following the alert level changes happening on the Quebec side. During this conversation, she confirmed that Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the chief medical officer of health for Newfoundland and Labrador, has said that there will be no border changes for the Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border at this time from their government. Speaking as well this afternoon with Wanda Beaudoin, Mayor of the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon, she stated that she is not aware of any changes being made to the Blanc-Sablon border at this time from the Quebec government. Important to note however, is that all details for the region with the new orange zone restrictions have not yet been made clear. More directives from Public Health may be given to the region in the next days regarding the new alert level. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Dave Charlton, Regional Chief Pharmacist. LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 16, 2020: 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 Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, Dr. Richard Fachehoun, medical specialist in public health and preventive medicine, and Mr. Dave Charlton, Regional Chief Pharmacist. The North Shore territory will move into an orange alert level 3 tonight at midnight tonight for the period of time between Dec. 17 and Jan. 11, as the province's yellow zones will be upgraded to orange and orange zones to red — which is the highest alert level. Travel restrictions will apply within an orange zone, schools will be closed from Dec. 17th to Jan. 11th, multiple stores will be closed starting on December 25th, and telework is also recommended for office workers whose employer does not require their presence in office. Regarding the travel restrictions, for the Lower North Shore and the other isolated regions such as Minganie and Caniapiscau, the entry protocol will now apply the same as the rest of Quebec. All visitors to the region will have to undergo a screening test upon arrival and undergo isolation. This rule will not apply for travel within the region. The following orange alert level 3 information was taken from the Government of Quebec website, which can be found at www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/progressive-regional-alert-and-intervention-system/level-3-alert-orange/:
The CISSS de la is also actively preparing for the COVID vaccination campaign on the North Shore, stating that they want to be prepared to administer the vaccine to the population as soon as it is received, expecting approval in the coming days. The CISSS de la Côte-Nord would like to remind the population that a telephone consultation service is available at all times. A qualified nurse or a social counsellor will answer the calls 7 days a week / 24 hours a day, through the Info Health/Info-Social programs, by simply dialing 8-1-1. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Map of the Lower North Shore QC., photo from lowernorthshore.ca LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 14, 2020 - Construction on the Route 138 will commence on the LNS this spring The federal government announced this afternoon that it will finance the construction of two new sections of Route 138, Kegaska to La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière, totaling an investment of $185 million for the region's infrastructure with those two projects. Quebec's portion of the cost has not yet been determined and will be announced later when all of the final details are outlined. This major news for the Lower North Shore region was announced this afternoon from Ottawa by the honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities) and the honourable Jonatan Julien, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Côte-Nord Region (on behalf of François Bonnardel, Minister of Transport and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region). In attendance for the announcement by zoom were also local elected officials and administrators of the Basse-Côte-Nord Region; Randy Jones, Warden of the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent and Mayor of Gros Mecatina, Chief Bryan Mark of Unamen Shipu, and Chief Mike McKenzie of Uashat-Maliotenam. "The federal government can build bridges, the province will build roads, and we'll get this country hooked up from one end to the other," said Minister Joly, quoting Warden Randy Jones' previous statement regarding the need to connect the country through the Route 138. Quebec has already launched a call for tenders for a soil study earlier this fall to develop two other sections of road, one between La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine, as well as another between La Tabatière and Old Fort. These sections (approx. 300 km), would complete the Route 138 connection of the Lower North Shore to the rest of the province, a long awaited connection by the population of the region. To quote Warden Randy Jones excitement during the announcement, "YAHOOOOOO!" will be a reaction across the Lower North Shore region today. Mr. Jones expressed his thanks to the federal government on behalf of the population and also to Chief McKenzie and Chief Mark for their collaboration in lobbying the government for the continuation of route 138. CFBS asked Minister Julien if all should go as planned for the timeline completion of the Route 138 connecting the Lower North Shore to the rest of the province, if there was an estimate for how many years the completion of the project would take. Minister Julien said that they will have a clearer picture once the work begins this coming spring in the two portions mentioned, Kegaska to La Romaine and Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière. At that time they will have more of an idea, especially after the info is obtained from the soil studies being carried out in the other areas of the Lower North Shore where there will be work on connecting the Route 138. FINISHING THE ROUTE 138, FROM WEST TO EAST - Kegaska to La Romaine: Approximately 50 km, CONFIRMED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - La Romaine to Tête-à-la-Baleine: Approximately 200 km, SOIL STUDIES BEING CARRIED OUT - Tête-à-la-Baleine to La Tabatière: Approximately 30 km, CONFIRMED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT - La Tabatière to Old Fort: Approximately 100 km, SOIL STUDIES BEING CARRIED OUT Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist Watch the live feed of the Infrastructure announcement here:  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - Epidemiological Investigation Underway of 2nd 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). As well, there were also 8 other cases announced on the North Shore, bringing today's total to 9 new cases for the whole territory. 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: "There is a COVID-19 case on the Lower North Shore. The person followed the recommendations of the entry management protocol. The epidemiological investigation is underway. The person is in isolation." Keep in mind that this may be the only information given about the new case on the Lower North Shore today, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any community discrimination. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - The Second Case of COVID-19 Has Just Been Confirmed 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 9 new cases announced today for the North Shore, 1 in the MRC du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Lower North Shore), 2 in the MRC Haute-Côte-Nord, 3 in the MRC of Manicouagan, and 3 in the MRC Sept-Rivières. At this time, there may be little to no details given about the new case on the Lower North Shore, as the CISSS de la Côte-Nord previously mentioned privacy in their press conferences since the 1st confirmed case was announced on the Lower North Shore back in November. The CISSS reminded the population at that time 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 227 confirmed cases on the North Shore region since the beginning of the pandemic, with 209 cases having been cured, leaving 16 cases now active in the territory, 0 hospitalizations at this time, and 2 deaths on the North Shore due to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. The North Shore territory remains at ALERT LEVEL 2 in yellow, which is the early warning stage. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 11, 2020 - Local SQ officers spreading awareness during the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic CFBS was made aware this week that local Sûreté du Québec officers were present at the airport in Blanc-Sablon and the federal wharf speaking with passengers entering the region from the province's "red zones." Speaking by email with Denis Chartier, head of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon, he provided this information on the new request given to the SQ: "So, shortly, no changes about the mandate as SQ officers. We only answer a request from the “Comité de Sécurité Publique” (CSP) of the MRC about the rising of this 2nd wave of the pandemic and incoming people from “red zones” … in fact nearly all of the Province of Quebec at this time is tagged “red” actually and we will expect some students, workers, travelers who will coming back to LNS with Xmas holidays coming. In fact, SQ officer’s will try to be present at airport and wharf to inform and sensitize travelers about the strict recommendations of Public Health when they get in LNS. It’s an answer from a concerns addressed from our MRC to the SQ. The objective is to prevent any contamination of the LNS. It’s an emphasis of Regional Public Health Director recommendations in this critical period of residents/students/workers coming back home - and in their family." - Denis Chartier, head of the local Sûreté du Québec in Blanc-Sablon Mentioned last Friday at the CISSS de la Côte-Nord press briefing, Public health is asking all visitors from outside of the region to isolate themselves for a period of 7 days upon their arrival on the North Shore and to take a screening test on the first, and seventh day, if they are entering the Lower North Shore, Minganie, or Caniapiscau. Hosts of the visitors should also isolate themselves. As well, the new measures announced by the CISSS de la Côte-Nord last Friday will now allow visitors to isolate themselves part-time for work purposes. The CISSS confirms that it will be possible for a visitor to go to work as soon as they arrive on the Lower North Shore, or elsewhere on the territory of the North Shore, provided that they respect "social distancing" and the health rules of the workplace. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - DECEMBER 1, 2020 - Winter tires are due in Quebec today
Owners of motorized road vehicles registered in Quebec must be equipped with winter tires as of today, December 1st. This mandatory winter tire installation date, notably allows better adaptation to changing and unpredictable weather conditions and provides greater safety for road users. When temperatures drop below 7°C, all-season tires begin to lose elasticity, which results in reduced traction and inferior control and braking abilities. Winter tires, however, retain their elasticity at temperatures well below 7°C. This obligation applies to any motorized road vehicle registered in Quebec other than a heavy vehicle, a tool vehicle or an agricultural machine. It also applies to any rental vehicle regardless of its place of registration. The owners, like the lessors of these vehicles, must comply with the obligation for the period from December 1, 2020 to March 15, 2021. Anyone who contravenes the regulations would commit an offense and would be liable to a fine ranging from $ 200 to $ 300. The Ministère des Transports also reminded drivers earlier this fall that when purchasing winter tires, consumers are advised to consult a specialist dealer to ensure they are choosing a quality product that meets their needs. Remember that a tire designed for winter driving is a tire on which the official pictogram, a logo showing a snowflake and a mountain, is affixed or a tire fitted with studs and used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of anti-skidding on the tires of certain road vehicles. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 30, 2020 - No new case on the LNS today due to a postal code error During the daily COVID update for the North Shore by the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Côte-Nord (CISSS de la Côte-Nord) on its website, there was 1 new case added to the to the MRC du Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent's (Lower North Shore) total. Beside the addition was a side note saying that the "case from another region was attributed to the Lower North Shore because of an error with the postal code." Speaking by email with Pascal Paradis, Communication advisor for the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, Mr. Paradis confirmed the postal code discrepancy by stating the following: "That is a case from another region. No link with the LNS. A wrong postal code was entered in this other region. This case will be removed from our statistics."  Snap shot of the CISSS de la Cote Nord's COVID update on their website today, November 30, 2020 The CISSS de la Côte-Nord will also be hosting a last minute press briefing this afternoon at 2pm QC time (3pm LNS time). Many local residents are speculating the possibility of the North Shore moving into an orange alert level for the region due to up rise in cases in recent weeks, but this will remain to be seen if this is the purpose to today's press brief. More to come ........ Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS – NOVEMBER 27, 2020: Screening questions asked at the border for tracing purposes
Effective yesterday morning, Thursday November 26, the entry point for the Southern Labrador border is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture officials. The purpose is to monitor traffic at the border. In an email exchange between CFBS and Newfoundland and Labrador's Premier, Andrew Furey's office, it was stated that based on information from Quebec Public Health, the Labrador-Quebec Border Amendments Special Measures Order of June 26, 2020, remains in effect. This Order is online and can be found here. There are no changes at the Labrador West-Quebec border. CFBS received information from local residents of Blanc-Sablon yesterday afternoon stating that there was no issue in cross border travel for essential services, including essential shopping. Border officials asked drivers a series of questions, such as: if they had recently travelled, if they had symptoms of COVID-19, what the purpose is of wanting to enter Labrador, and also requested to see driver's license as proof of where they are coming from. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Photo taken by CFBS at the border this morning, November 26, 2020 LOCAL NEWS – NOVEMBER 26, 2020: Border security returns this morning between L'anse au Clair and Blanc-Sablon Effective today, Thursday November 26, the entry point for the Southern Labrador border will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to monitor traffic at the border. In an email exchange between CFBS and Newfoundland and Labrador's Premier, Andrew Furey's office, it was stated that based on information from Quebec Public Health, the Labrador-Quebec Border Amendments Special Measures Order of June 26, 2020, remains in effect. This Order is online and can be found here. There are no changes at the Labrador West-Quebec border. In a Facebook post on Monday by Cartwright/L'anse au Clair MHA, Lisa Dempster-Powell, she stated the following: "We are continually evaluating the public health measures necessary to protect the people of NL from COVID-19. A border check was in place in Southern Labrador last spring and it is being set up again this week to support compliance with public health measures. · Travel into Southern Labrador from Blanc-Sablon will be restricted to travel for purposes of work, school, medical or essential retail functions. Individuals entering Labrador will not be required to self isolate if they are entering the province for less than 24 hours. Officers will be stationed at the border 24/7 this week to ensure compliance. · No changes are occurring for the Labrador West-Fermont region for local residents. As has been the case since late June, individuals who live on Fermont, Wabush or Labrador City may travel within that region without having to self isolate when entering Labrador. Screening at the border will continue to ensure compliance with public health orders. Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture officials are now on site at the Marine Atlantic terminal in Port aux Basques to screen people arriving in the province. Officers are also located at the Labrador West – Fermont Quebec border and a check point at the Southern Labrador – Blanc Sablon, Que border will be established on Wednesday, pending the snowstorm that is anticipated in Labrador. FFA is working with RNC, RCMP, Canadian Border Services Agency and the Department of Health and Community Services on public health screening at all points of entry throughout the province." - Lisa Dempster-Powell  One of the main questions regarding limiting cross border traffic from Quebec into Labardor is the difference between restrictions at the Blanc-Sablon/L'anse au Clair border and the Fermont/Lab West border. CFBS has sent an email to Premier Furey's office asking for a statement on why the two border entry points have different restrictions, keeping in mind that in terms of cases, the MRC to which Blanc-Sablon belongs has had 1 confirmed case, but the MRC to which Fermont belongs has had 6 confirmed cases. As reported yesterday by the Labrador Voice, Jordan Brown, the MHA for Labrador West, is calling upon Premier Andrew Furey to apologize for a comment he made on Monday that incorrectly stated the border between the region and Quebec would be closed, which caused confusion in the region for a few hours. During the COVID-19 update livestreamed by the government, Furey responded to a question about border restrictions with Quebec by saying there would be no changes to the Labrador City-Fermont border, but restrictions would be placed on the southern border with Quebec near Blanc Sablon. In a followup question about a scenario where someone worked in Labrador City and lived in Fermont, Furey said the person could apply for an exemption, but otherwise would be required to self-isolate. Brown said it was the contradiction in those remarks that confused him and others in the region. When contacted by SaltWire Network about the confusion the conflicting statements caused, the Office of the Premier said Furey’s comments about changes to the Atlantic bubble at the Quebec-Labrador border were focused on the southern Labrador border, not the one between Labrador City and Fermont. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  Administrator of the Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral, Philip Joycey LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 26, 2020 - Protocols are Being Followed by the CSSSL CFBS was speaking with the Administrator of the Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral, Philip Joycey, regarding why schools on the Lower North Shore remain open, following the first confirmed in the region. Mr. Joycey shares information with the parents about the following: - The CSSSL protocol in place and safety measures for COVID-19 - Directions given to the CSSSL from Public Health - The Importance of school attendance during the pandemic Listen to the interview with Mr. Joycey 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
Dr. Isabelle Samson of Public Health Speaks with CFBS about Epidemiological Investigations and More11/24/2020
LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 24, 2020 - Interview with Dr. Isabelle Samson of Public Health CFBS was speaking this afternoon with Dr. Isabelle Samson of Public Health. Some of the topics covered in the interview today were: - Why screening and isolation is not mandatory; - How epidemiological investigations are carried out; - Situations of contact that would be considered as high risk; - Why schools are currently not closed in communities with COVID; - The transmission of the virus; - The screening process on the Lower North Shore. Listen to the interview with Dr. Samson 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
 Dr. Richard Fachehoun, public health medical consultant to the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, at the press brief for November 24, 2020 LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 24, 2020: 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, and Mr. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord. Mr. Levesque was in attendance by zoom from the hospital in Blanc-Sablon. Dr. Richard Fachehoun stated that since the beginning of November, there have been 29 confirmed cases on the North Shore territory of COVID. At the present day, there are 17 active cases and 3 hospitalizations. One case has now been confirmed on the Lower North Shore, related to travel from outside the region, this person is currently in isolation as well as any contacts. There will be a total of 2 screenings given in a 14 day period to those in isolation. Dr. Richard Fachehoun reminds the population of the importance of respecting the privacy of anyone confirmed of having COVID-19, giving them support, and to not have any more community discrimination. For that reason, the CISSS de la Côte-Nord will not be giving any more information relating to the confirmed COVID case on the Lower North Shore. If you travel, it is strongly reminded that you follow entry protocol when coming to the region and respect voluntary isolation. Holiday Season For the upcoming holiday season, the CISSS would like to recommend shopping early, buying online, and at local retailers. Dr. Fachehoun noted that the best gift to give family and friends is not to transmit the virus. The population is reminded that the voluntary self isolation dates as mentioned in the province's "moral contract" begin on December 17th to the 23rd, then 4 days of holiday gatherings will be allowed with a maximum of 2 gatherings with 10 people per gathering, followed by a voluntary self isolation on December 27th to January 4th. "Do not participate in gatherings if you have symptoms of COVID" added Dr. Facheoun. Claude Lévesque, interim president and CEO of the CISSS de la Côte-Nord, extended his thanks to the Lower North Shore for their great collaboration in following the guidelines since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as thanks to the employees of the establishment for their commitment and dedication to their work. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 23, 2020 - Warden Randy Jones of the MRC speaks to the LNS CFBS was speaking this afternoon with the Warden of the MRC du Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent, Mr. Randy Jones, about the recent confirmation of 1 case of COVID-19 on the Lower North Shore in the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon. Mr. Jones speaks about a recent meeting that had taken place between elected officials of the North Shore asking the government and public health to have the region closed, also a request to have the Canadian Rangers deployed again on the Lower North Shore, as well as the continued fight to have mandatory testing in the region. Listen to the interview with Warden Randy Jones 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
 Government of Newfoundland and Labrador border security at L'anse au Clair/Blanc-Sablon, photo taken in the spring of 2020 LOCAL NEWS – NOVEMBER 23, 2020: Border Security to Return Decides Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and New Travel Restriction Directives Given Many questions were raised on social media today following a Facebook post by Lisa Powell-Dempster, MHA for Cartwright/L'Anse au Clair at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, stating that "24 hour border patrol going back up at L’Anse au Clair/Blanc Sablon. Travel will be for essential reasons only. This measure is being put in place for the safety of our residents".  Facebook post on Nov 23, 2020 by Lisa Powell-Dempster, MHA for Cartwright L'Anse au Clair at the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador CFBS was speaking this afternoon with Chad Letto, the Mayor of L'anse au Clair and Chair Person for the Combined Councils of Labrador, to get more information on the border security that will be in place and what this will mean for traffic on both sides of border. Mr. Letto was speaking with Lisa Powell-Dempster this afternoon, and the following is the details that he shared with CFBS: - Border security will begin on Wednesday November 25, 2020 - For now, this will be in place for a 2 week period - Security will be in place on a 24 hour rotation - Details are still being discussed regarding what will be approved traffic at the check point Mr. Letto stated that it is his hope that it will be more of a monitoring situation, to record the destination of traffic from both sides of the border, to have ease of tracking should a case occur from someone who had crossed over into the Labrador communities. However, Mr. Letto did say that there are concerns within his government regarding the non-mandatory requirement of isolation within the province of Quebec, where as at this time it is a recommendation but not obligatory. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS AND DIRECTIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF NEWFOUNDLAND/LABRADOR In an email sent to Mr. Letto this afternoon, which he shared with CFBS, the following is the updated ferry travel restrictions and directives now being put into effect: - Residents of Quebec who wish to travel across the Strait of Belle Isle to Newfoundland can do so only if they have an exemption letter allowing them to travel; - Labradorians who travel to Newfoundland on the ferry across the Strait of Belle Isle are not required to isolate for two weeks; - Labradorians who cross the border into Quebec on their way to the ferry terminal are required to remain in their vehicles until they board the ferry; - Similarly, ferry passengers travelling across the Strait of Belle Isle from Newfoundland are required to remain in their vehicles from the time they depart the ferry until they cross the border into Labrador. Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist  LOCAL NEWS - NOVEMBER 23, 2020 - CSSL Schools Remain Open on the LNS
CFBS received questions from our listeners regarding if the schools will be closing temporarily in light of the recent 1 case of COVID-19 confirmed in the Municipality of Blanc-Sablon. Speaking by email this morning with the Administrator of the Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral, Philip Joycey, he had this to say regarding the situation: "I fully understand the concern of parents; however, as is outlined in the Centre de Service Scolaire du Littoral’s Covid protocol our decisions will be guided by Sante Public. A clear statement was issued by Marlène Joseph-Blais, person responsible for communications for the CISSS de la Cote Nord, yesterday which gave no indication that our schools should be closed. We have been vigilant in our efforts to maintain COVID procedures in all of our buildings along the coast and will continue to do so. The Centre de Service Scolaire du Littoral is committed to keeping our clientele and community at large, safe during this period and we will be following the recommendation of Sante Quebec in this regard. Rest assured that we will be monitoring the situation closely with the support of Sante Quebec and will act in the best interest of all concerned." - Administrator of the Centre de Services Scolaire du Littoral, Philip Joycey Abbygail Wellman CFBS Journalist |
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