In this week's episode of "Good Morning from Rockland" the new, weekly breakfast show by TVC22 host Thomas Stockting provides a news round up including: COVID-19 Update the New Variant of Concern; Dr. Paul talks kids vaccines; Christmas Parade a boost for businesses; & Food Bank continues online fundraiser;

COVID-19 UPDATE

A new variant of concern, a mutation of the COVID-19 virus has been detected in the Ottawa region. 

Speaking on Monday afternoon Dr. Paul Roumeltiotis, Medical Officer for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit said that although they are exercising caution, Omicron isn’t the biggest concern.

Although there are currently a few residents who are being monitored by the EOHU having recently returned from the African continent, no cases of the new variant have been reported in our region.

Dr. Paul was also on hand taking questions from the public during a live QnA with MP Francis Drouin as they addressed concerns regarding the vaccines for 5-11 year old’s.

At the time of recording there were 8 active cases in the United Counties of Prescott Russell, of which 1 was in Clarence-Rockland. The rolling average has been on the rise slightly and is now at 7.7.

Taking a glance at the vaccination rate - the EOHU is now at 82.8% for the first dose and 79.6% for both. These numbers have changed slightly due to an updated population census being released in which there was a 3% rise in residents.

There have also now been 8,579 third doses administered and this week the EOHU expanded the eligibility criteria for the booster shot to residents 50 years old and over. 

For more info you can head to the eohu website.

CHRISTMAS PARADE OF LIGHTS

Following a modified event last year due to the pandemic, the Christmas Parade of Lights is coming back to the streets of Clarence-Rockland this weekend. 

With floats a plenty, featuring the residents of Whoville, the Grinch and Santa the festive cheer will fill the air. 

But, along with the Christmas spirit comes benefits for the local businesses. We caught up with Karl Parent, who is both the owner of the local Independent and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as Adlan Zaidi, the co-owner of Café Joyeux, to find out what it means to have this event drawing residents to Rockland’s main street. 

FOOD BANK FUNDRAISER

Although the festive period can be a time for overindulgence for some, for others it can put a strain on an already limited budget. 

Every year the Rockland Help Centre dedicates the first Sunday in December to their annual “Guingnolée” - a time where they collect food donations from families across the municipality thanks to the hard work of over 150 staff and volunteers. 

In 2020, forced by the pandemic, the fundraiser went virtual and Steve Love, a key volunteer in organizing the guignolée explained that this may be the new norm.

There is still time to donate to the Help Centre this year, head to their website or Facebook page to contribute!