Omicron variant cases detected in Ottawa and driver packs a van full of packages: Top five stories this week
The COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern detected in Ottawa, a driver charged after cramming a van full of packages and one hungry Ottawan ordered 780 times through Skip the Dishes this year.
CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at the top five stories on our website this week.
Two more Omicron variant cases confirmed in Ottawa
Four cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant of concern were confirmed in Ottawa this week.
On Sunday, the Ontario government announced two Ottawa residents who recently travelled to Nigeria tested positive for Omicron, the first cases of the variant in Canada.
On Monday, medical officer of health Dr. Vera Etches confirmed two more cases of the Omicron variant connected to travel.
"In the coming days, we may see an increase in the number of people testing positive because of transmission of the Omicron variant in Ottawa," said Dr. Etches.
"It is important to remember that this is not a new virus and that the public health measures that we practise will help reduce the spread of the Omicron variant. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, do not wait a day or two days to see if your symptoms improve. Book a COVID-19 test immediately."
There have been 12 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant in Ontario.
'This couldn't have been predicted': CTV's Stefan Keyes positive for COVID-19 while in South Africa
CTV News Ottawa's Stefan Keyes tested positive for COVID-19 this week while visiting South Africa.
Keyes had travelled to South Africa for a wedding, and had taken a test in advance of a planned flight out of the country.
"I woke up feeling a little off, but then I kind of shook it off a little bit. Then I realized I may have had a low-grade fever and my throat started to be a little itchy," Keyes said on Monday. "I'm not completely down for the count. I don't feel fatigued or achy."
Keyes said he made the choice to travel based on the best knowledge he had at the time. News of the Omicron variant developed quickly after his arrival in South Africa.
"This couldn’t have been predicted," he said. "I'm very knowledgeable about the pandemic and how it operates around the world, but this was a celebration of love for a fraternity brother I love deeply, and all of his guests are here out of love for that couple.
"We did everything right. I had a negative PCR test to come down here. The world had not shut down. The government did not advise us not to go on both sides across the Atlantic. Travelling right now is definitely a calculated risk and I got caught up in the mix."
THREE PEDESTRIANS KILLED IN TWO DAYS
Three pedestrians died after being struck by drivers in the national capital region this week.
Thursday morning, a woman in her 60s was struck by a driver at the intersection of Chemin d'Aylmer Road and Rue Chaudiere in Gatineau. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Thursday evening, a 38-year-old pedestrian died after he was struck by the driver of a vehicle on March Road.
Friday night, a 45-year-old man died after being hit by a vehicle on Highway 417, between Metcalfe and Bronson.
Ottawa police say a driver struck a pedestrian on March Road in Kanata Thursday evening. (Connor England/CTV News Ottawa)
Ottawa-area driver charged after cramming van full of packages
A delivery driver is facing about $500 in fines after their van was so full of items they couldn't properly see out of the vehicle.
Ontario Provincial Police say the van was filled to the point officers could not see the driver when they stopped the vehicle in the Embrun area.
The driver was charged with several Highway Traffic Act offences, including no clear view out of the front, no clear view to the right, crowding the driver's seat and failing to produce a driver's licence.
They were also fined for failing to surrender an insurance card. The insurance card was in the glove box, so it was inaccessible because of all the packages.
OPP say a driver was charged with several Highway Traffic Act offences after they were pulled over with a van full of items. (Russell OPP)
An Ottawa customer has ordered 780 times from Skip the Dishes this year
One hungry Ottawan has placed more than two orders per day on Skip the Dishes so far this year, according to a new report from the food delivery app.
Skip the Dishes is unpacking its largest orders, most popular food items and other statistics from the past year.
Someone in Ottawa has ordered 780 times through the app so far in 2021. Skip the Dishes provided no other details about the customer, citing privacy concerns.
The most expensive order in Ottawa this year was $932.40. Skip the Dishes says the $932 order contained, in part:
- 1 order of General Tao Cauliflower
- 1 Mediterranean Chicken Plate
- 1 order of Singapore Noodles
- 1 Pad Thai Chicken,
- 2 Fattoush Salad (Small)
- 1 Chicken breast burger meal
- 2 Panko Crusted Fish orders
- 2 Shrimp and Salmon orders
- 1 Chicken Fingers and Fries order
- 2 Salmon orders
- 3 General Tao Chicken orders
- 2 Falafel Wraps
- 3 Breaded Shrimp orders
- 1 Florida Salad
- 1 Calamari
- 2 Thai Cauliflower Bites
- 1 Personal Tuscan order
- 1 Chicken Parmigiana order
- 1 Chicken Wings order
- 2 Lasagnas
- 1 Garden Salad
- 2 Garlic Dips
- 1 Reese Peanut Butter Tart
(Skip the Dishes)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.