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Hello and welcome to COVID Communiqué 52. This week makes it one year since the first COVID Communiqué was published: safe to say, like so many things this past year, no one could have predicted when it started where we would be a year later. On the one hand, we thought vaccines were 18 months away; on the other, no one was talking about third waves and variants. 

However, though the country as a whole is still struggling with a vicious third wave, close to home things are starting to look up. Tuesday, Quebec announced a lightening of restrictions in the Gatineau, Pontiac, and the MRC des Collines, which will all move from special emergency measures to red zone restrictions. The change will not have an immediate impact on our parishes — we remain closed under the diocesan Red stage protocols — but it will make day-to-day life easier for our Quebec-based parishioners, clergy, and staff. 

The Ontario government is expected to announce an extension of the lockdown this week, likely for at least two weeks. Case numbers are improving, but are not yet down to a level to start opening up. However, vaccines are arriving in record numbers and are getting into arms. On top of which, the forecast is promising some long overdue warmer weather for both sides of the Ottawa River: a bit of sunshine and warmth should go a long way toward lifting hearts and hopes. 

If there’s anything we can help you with, please contact the helpdesk: C19helpdesk@ottawa.anglican.ca. 

COVID Communiqué is produced by our senior staff:Shane Parker, Bishop
Beth Bretzlaff, DeanLinda Hill, Executive Archdeacon
Sanjay Grover, Director of Financial Ministry
Peter John Hobbs, Director of Community Ministries
Jane Scanlon, Director of Communications & Stewardship Development
Carol Sinclair, Director of Human Resources
Michael Garner, Public Health Advisor