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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2003-05-14, Page 34PAGE 34. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2003. Hospitals modify restrictions As precautions against SARS infections continue, local hospitals continue to modify screening and visitation restrictions. Following the most recent directives from the Provincial Operations Centre, Clinton Public, Seaforth Community, St. Marys, Memorial and Stratford General hospitals have implemented a system which will result in more people wearing surgical masks and some visitors being turned away. CEO Andrew Williams said anyone suffering from flu-like symptoms or a cold should not visit the hospitals, though this was the case even before the SARS threat. Anyone exhibiting signs of muscle aches, severe tiredness, severe headache, cough, unusual shortness of breath or fever will fail the screening test. Patients who fail will have to wear a mask until they leave the facility and will be given information on self-isolation as will visitors turned away. North Huron council briefs Council accepts tender North Huron council at the May 5 meeting accepted the tender of Trelford Motors in the amount of $41,252.80 for a one-ton truck and dump body. The budgeted amount was $45,000. The bid was the lowest of two. *** The quote for a loader tractor from C.G. Equipment in the amount of $60,662.50 was accepted. It was the only tender and it came in under the budgeted amount. *** Permission was given for application of a special occasion permit for the Ontario Open Country Singing Contest. *** William Robertson and Leone Robertson have appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board against a zoning bylaw for the Auburn Co-op. The hearing is Monday, June 2 at 11 a.m. in the North Huron council Wetland levels remain low Though May has brought rainfall and grey skies, with some streams and ditches nearmg bank full, the wetland areas wiihin the Maitland Valley are still at very low levels. Jayne Thompson of the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority said the water levels in wooded swamps are still very low with the Level 1 drought status lifted just recently Staff who show any symptoms will wear a mask and be assessed by a physician. At Clinton Public, two family members per day are allowed to visit during the hours of 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 4 p.m. on the weekends. In-patient visiting hours at Seaforth Community and St. Marys Memorial are 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a maximum of two family members per patient per day. Stratford General is allowing two family members per day, but only one at a time. Visitors must pass the screening tool before admittance. Clergy may visit between 12:30 p.m.. and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. At Listowel Memorial and Wingham and District Hospitals, the administration is currently looking at increasing the number of visitors to two at a time, said CEO Margret Comack. “Students have been hired to do screening at the emergency entrance and we are determining what we can chambers. *** Councillor Jeff Howson made a motion that council proceed with action through the property standards bylaw which would require the owner of a Queen Street, Blyth building to have it repaired or back to its original condition by a specific date, or action will be taken. *** Vandalism on the Blyth Greenway Trail was discussed. Councillor Murray Nesbitt told of damage done to the trail, plus some adjacent lawns by vehicles. “I don’t know what the answer is. Whether there is a better way of gating it or not, I don’t know. It would be nice if they just didn’t do this.” Reeve Doug Layton questioned if it would be best to let the police know. Resident Joe Hallahan said that the OPP had made a pass along the trail because of the good snow cover this winter. Once this water moves through the system, said Thompson, the levels will still be very low in the rivers. However, with the rain received in the past few weeks, some waterways are nearing peak capacity, she said. Though no flood bulletins have yet been issued, MVCA is closely handle.” The (visiting) hours will remain restrictive, she said, as they continue to screen and minimize extra people in the hospital. Alexandra and Marine General Hospital in Goderich has increased the number of visitors to three per day during the hours of 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., said Rick Bedard. Restrictions remain in place to “erect a barrier to SARS to protect our patients, our staff and those in the communities we serve,” said Williams, noting there have been no cases of SARS in Huron-Perth. “We appreciate the public’s co operation and patience over the last month. Their understanding and assistance has made the situation easier for staff and physicians.” Williams thanked families, friends and all health care workers at the hospitals, long term care facilities, community care access centres, health units and all other who supported and dealt with the restrictions. Moving up recently. “They know about it.”*** Council had no objection to the proposed cleanout of the drain at Lot 42, Cone. 10 East Wawanosh. Council also confirmed that the cleanout does not conflict with the official plan or comprehensive zoning bylaw.*** Council endorsed the position taken by Sifto Canada Inc. in respect to the CEPA assessment of road salts.*** A letter was received from Wescast regarding the possibility of renaming the North Huron Wescast Community Complex to honour the late Dick LeVan. Reeve Doug Layton mentioned the airport as another possibility and council agreed to work with Wescast to try and come up with a solution in time for LeVan’s Wingham memorial service May 24. It was fly-up night for members of Belgrave Guiding groups last Thursday. Moving on to Guides were, from left: Desiree MacDonald, Maisy Jefferson, Katelyn Casemore, Grace Hildebrand, Bonnie Nethery. (Vicky Bremner photo) New Pathfinders Belgrave Girl Guides flying-up to Pathfinders at the ceremony last Thursday were, from left: Ellen Jefferson, Ashley Casemore, Kate-Lynn Losch, Emily Warwick. ' Jefferson, Casemore and Losch received Lady Baden Powell awards. (Vicky Bremner photo) monitoring the situation. A break in the precipitation later this week will allow the water to move through the system, she said. There may be some flooding on low- lying areas and if there is an intense rain storm, there could be more flooding as the ground is nearing the saturation point. “We will wait and watch through this week,” said Thompson. The Brubachers of Ethel ® i ||| f^e&taunant and fRa&ety. ||| [ REAL Home-cooked meals! ® [ I CT Come and try our cinnamon buns. C51 | Mon. - Fri. 6:30 am 'til 7:30 pm; | I Sat. 8:00 am - 6:30 pm; Sun. Closed I 887-8659 in Ethel 3^! Trail gets grand opening The Friends of Hullett are holding the grand opening of the Hullett Marsh’s first Interpretive Trail. The Interpretive Trail is approximately 1,000 metres and is located around the Hullett Marsh office located on Hydro Line Road just west of Kinburn Road. The project was designed and built in 2002 with the help of the Shell Environmental Fund, and Take Heart Huron funding opportunities, and was largely built by volunteers. The trail is an educational and interpretive trail meant for people of all ages. There are signs on the trail beside different species of trees and shrubs that explain the species, and describe its importance to wildlife. There are also signs explaining artificial nesting structures, and the different species of birds that use the area. As well, there is a new picnic area open to the public, and a viewing stand that overlooks the waterfowl sanctuary. The opening of the trail is on May 17 at 1 p.m. There will be a short induction, followed by a walk of the trail. Following the Interpretive Trail walk (at around 3 p.m.), if there is interest, there will be a longer wildlife hike on some of the Hullett trails led by the Hullett Marsh manager David Beamer. Anyone who can’t attend the grand opening, can come by and enjoy the trail whenever they like. The trail is open to the public, and is free of charge. Medic Alert Speaks For You. www.medicalert.ca 1-800-668-1507 £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ 5O1' Wedding^nniversary Please join the children of Ross and Mary Procter in a celebration of their 50th year together May 24, 2003 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm North Huron Wescast Centre 99 Kerr Drive, Wingham, Ont. Please bring your best stories and warm wishes only s