As we cope with the COVID-19 crisis, many of us need a reminder that other social problems continue to take place and can even accelerate in times like these. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and essential services are still in place that can help victims get the help they need.

Christina Flood, Executive Director of Healing Hearts Home, said, “The quarantine, labeled “Stay Safe, Stay Home”, is adversely affecting the overall safety and health of those who are most vulnerable. Especially, for individuals living in unsafe homes. They are at risk while they are in isolation, due to the fact that they are not physically visible and are separated from mandated reporters and others who can help them be safe in their home. We all must work together. If you suspect someone is being abused, know someone is being abused, or are being abused yourself, please call the Michigan abuse hotline at 855-444-3911.”

Michigan’s Sexual Assault Hotline 855-VOICES4 provides 24/7 immediate crisis counseling and referrals to community based sexual assault programs across the state. There was an extension to the hotline added last year that now allows survivors to text 8666-238-1454 for support.

Sexual assault is broadly defined as any form of unwanted sexual contact obtained without consent. National statistics show that one in three women and one in six men experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. In times of crisis, abuse rates may actually increase as financial pressures, stress, and social distancing directives put additional strain on the poor coping skills and the addictive behaviors of abusers.

For local options, contact:

Blue Water Safe Horizons Crisis Line: 888-985-5538 www.bwsh.org

Healing Hearts Home: 586-727-0674 www.healingheartshome.org

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 14th at 5:30 PM are as follows:

• State of Michigan: 27,001 confirmed cases; 1,768 deaths
• St. Clair County: 223 confirmed cases; 7 deaths
• Ontario: 7,953 confirmed cases; 334 deaths
• Sarnia-Lambton: 119 confirmed cases; 11 deaths

The Blue Water Chamber of Commerce is hosting a virtual St. Clair County Town Hall Meeting on April 15th featuring speakers from several sectors of business, government, and emergency management to discuss how the County is responding to the pandemic. Information obtained in that meeting will be featured in the COVID-19 Blue Water Area Community Update tomorrow.

The City of Sarnia decided to close the boat launch at Sarnia Bay in Centennial Park. It will be closed as of 10 PM tonight. The Province of Ontario has extended the State of Emergency which ensures the continuation of all emergency orders currently in effect until April 23, 2020.

Please continue to reputable sources for information on COVID-19:

• Centers for Disease Control:  cdc.gov/coronavirus
• State of Michigan: Michigan.gov/coronavirus  or Info Hotline  1-888-535-6136 Daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm or email questions to COVID19@michigan.gov
• St. Clair County Health Department: COVID-19 Info Hotline (810) 966-4163 Mon – Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm or email questions to covid19@stclaircounty.org
• St. Clair County Community Mental Health COVID-19 Support Line (810) 985-8900, available Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
• Lambton Public Health: https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus/
• City of Sarnia COVID-19 Hotline: 1-877-4-SARNIA (1-877-472-7642)

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand

A growing number of Michigan residents think Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order has gone too far. Included in that number are members of The Michigan Conservative Coalition who have organized a protest at the capital on Wednesday, April 15th at noon. As of the time of this story, more than 500 people have agreed to participate in a drive-by protest.

Drivers from around the state are planning to slowly circle the capital building beginning at noon with flags and signs, according to a Facebook page featuring more than 5,000 interested participants. A group calling itself ”Michiganders Against Excessive  Quarantine” has more than 260,000 members on their public group Facebook page. The general theme expressed in many of the posts is that Governor Whitmer has required many restrictions, some of which seem excessive and unnecessary.

Another group is gathering signatures to initiate a recall of the Michigan governor. The petition virtually signed by more 120,000 people reads in part, “Her failure’s during the COVID-19 Coronavirus is causing more Michiganders to get sick. Closing and banning various non essential business’s and activities while leaving others open. Further promoting the pandemic.”

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Sex trafficking survivor turned advocate, Elixa Bleu, says the Coronavirus Shutdown is a  ‘Perfect Storm’ for Abuse.  According to Bleu, it is already starting.

“Pre-teens and teens at home alone with their parents for days on end due to school closures will be groomed by predators online…they will be promised a ‘better life’ if they run away,” said Bleu.  Statistics show that the  average runaway is trafficked within 48 hours of leaving home.

Bleu said parents and guardians need to be “extra vigilant” when monitoring their child’s online activity during the quarantine. She provides these safety tips that should be communicated to minors:

•  Never share pictures of yourself online that you wouldn’t want to be seen by your family.
• Set user profiles to private so only real friends can get access.
• Know who you’re chatting with.
• Don’t share personal information online such as your full name, school, address or phone number, or user passwords.
• Don’t meet up in person with anyone you met online.
• Report suspected abuse to law enforcement or a trusted adult.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, which is always available is 1-888-373-7888.

On March 23, 2020, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shirley deSilva resigned her position.  The chamber has officially begun a search for a new CEO. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, a 650 member non-profit organization.

For decades, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce has played an active and vital role in Sarnia Lambton’s growth. But even before its official incorporation in 1905, the Chamber can trace its roots back to the late 1800s.  It all started on Feb. 26, 1860 with an informal meeting of prominent businessmen who wanted to increase economic trade and manufacturing within the town.

The CEO is the face of the organization and is required to sit on numerous local boards in addition to all Chamber committees and to attend all Chamber events. Interested candidates can send resumes in confidence to Mary Jean O’Donnell, Chair of the Board of Directors, by email (mjodonnell@slchamber.ca).  Closing date for applications is May 15, 2020.

Reporting for WGRT – Marty Doorn

Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of April 13th at 5:30 PM are as follows:

• State of Michigan: 25,635 confirmed cases; 1,602 deaths
• St. Clair County: 219 confirmed cases; 6 deaths
• Ontario: 7,470 confirmed cases; 291 deaths
• Sarnia-Lambton: 118 confirmed cases; 10 deaths

Governor Whitmer’s press conference today began with a focus on data about the curve of infection. While she said the curve looks like it is beginning to flatten, she also affirmed the need to continue social distancing measures to keep it headed in that direction. Whitmer acknowledged that many people are becoming restless with her executive orders for many reasons. She spent some time expressing concern regarding those frustrations, addressing false information circulating, and even accepting her role as a target for frustration. Acknowledging a planned protest of her orders, she encouraged protestors to exercise their free speech and asked that they protest in a safe manner that won’t put first responders at risk.

Several things have been put in place to increase healthcare options, access to testing, and PPE. On the issue of restarting the economy and opening things back up, four primary factors are being considered:

• Sustained reduction in case counts
• Enhanced ability to test and trace
• Sufficient health care capacity
• Best practices for the workplace

The City of Sarnia has received around 400 complaints of people not following social distancing directives. While they appreciate the tips due to the importance of the directives, they would like to remind residents that The Provincial Orders on social distancing do not include restrictions on walking through or using portions of park and recreational areas that are not otherwise closed and that do not contain outdoor recreational amenities including; sports fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, beaches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks and community gardens.

Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand