Taking a look back at May 2020
May 2— In a hopeful sign, the provincial government let certain non-essential businesses resume. That included construction work at the Canada Summer Games 2021 site near Brock University.
May 4 — Thirteen patients and four staff tested positive for COVID-19 at Greater Niagara General Hospital after two outbreaks were declared there.
Meanwhile, Norgen Biotek, based in Thorold, was producing 100,000 coronavirus test kits daily. Since the start of the pandemic it had added about 50 workers and said it expected to hire another 50 soon.
May 5 — Despite emergency orders imposed by Queen’s Park, visitors flocked to Niagara Falls over the weekend. “We’ve been home for what seems like ages and today is beautiful, so we wanted to come out and see the falls and get some fresh air,” said one visitor.
May 6 — Unable to have the traditional wedding they wanted, due to COVID-19 rules, April and Dan Garrison turned to Plan B — they got married on the front lawn of their St. Catharines condominium. Socially distanced neighbours looked on, and one sang “Here Comes the Bride.”
May 7 — We learned COVID-19 had claimed another Niagara life — that of Welland’s Albert Beaupre, 101, a decorated Second World War veteran.
Meanwhile, the family of a Lundy Manor retirement home resident who died from COVID-19 sued the business, alleging management failed to protect residents. The case remains before the courts.
May 9— Another grim report: April put another 10,500 Niagara residents out of work, on top of the 11,000 who had already lost their employment during the pandemic.
May 13— Headline: “Reopening the borders now not worth the risk.” Now, seven months later, it is still relevant.
May 25: Headline: “Enjoy the weather but avoid large groups, says Hirji.”
May 27: Just one new confirmed COVID-19 case on this
day, the ninth straight with fewer than five new cases. The good old days.
May 28: In St. Catharines, firefighters responding to complaints of open bonfires found 350 to 400 young people partying at Sunset Beach. Across the remainder of Niagara, there was a collective, frustrated head shake.