Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke briefly on Thursday, where he promised expedited COVID-19 test kits, more work on details surrounding new border measures and a forthcoming resolution of the issues experienced by Canadians having trouble coming back to the country.
Trudeau also reiterated the benefits of yesterday's announcement of an $82-billion stimulus package intended to offset the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 crisis, which will provide up to $27-billion for businesses and workers, plus $55-billion to help Canadian businesses and households through tax deferrals.
The federal government also announced the introduction of the Emergency Care Benefit, which will provide relief to workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance and lack access to paid sick leave.
A COVID-19 emergency support benefit was also introduced Wednesday, which will support those who are self-employed and do not qualify for Employment Insurance.
Trudeau also used Wednesday to announce new, temporary border restrictions on "non-essential travel" between Canada and the United States, which could go into effect Friday night.
In local news, the City of Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development and Tourism and Community Development departments held a conference call for local businesses Thursday morning, in an effort to facilitate discussions on supports and needs for Sault Ste. Marie businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, The City of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma Public Health held a joint news conference, where Dr. Jennifer Loo, Algoma Public Health associate medical officer of health and director of health protection, told media that it could take weeks - even months - to flatten the curve on COVID-19.
The news conference came just hours after Tuesday's late-night announcement that the Algoma District now has its first postive case of COVID-19.
A partnership between Sault Area Hospital and Algoma Public Health also saw the opening of Sault Ste. Marie's first COVID-19 assessment centre at 165 Drive In Road on Wednesday.
In provincial news, Premier Doug Ford announced the introduction of emergency legislation Thursday that would provide additional assistance for workers forced to stay home because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Wednesday, Ford Ontario said the province is now doing 2,000 COVID-19 tests a day, and that he expects that number of daily COVID-19 tests to rise to 5,000 tests per day.
The Ontario Hockey League announced Wednesday that it's officially cancelling the 2019-2020 season.
Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Raftis told SooToday that the decision was unfortunate, but not surprising.
For local, provincial, and national COVID-19 related news, including closures, cancellations, and a list of what's still open, visit SooToday's COVID-19 page here.
