New modelling from the federal government shows that epidemic growth of COVID-19 is slowing in Canada, with the number of cases doubling every 16 days, as opposed to doubling every three days as indicated in modelling from earlier this month.
There are now 47,327 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,617 deaths attributed to the virus across the country, with approximately 80 per cent of all deaths occurring in long-term care homes
About 17 per cent of all cases in the country have required hospitalization, less then five per cent of all cases have required intensive care, and 5.5 per cent of all cases have resulted in death.
Almost 75 per cent of positive COVID-19 cases reported pre-existing health conditions.
Canadian public health officials project 3,277 to 3,883 deaths from COVID-19 by May 5.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government, in partnership with leaders from provinces and territories, will be releasing new guidelines for restarting Canada's economy Monday.
In provincial news, Ontario reported an increase in positive test results Tuesday, with 525 cases of COVID-19 and 59 deaths attributed to COVID-19 Monday.
Ontario has announced the launch a new web portal, COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers, for businesses looking to retool operations to make health-related products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Prabmeet Sarkaria says the province is using the new portal to solicit requests from businesses for temporary changes to provincial rules and regulations, in order to remove barriers that hinder businesses or Ontario's supply chain.
In local news, Sault Ste. Marie City Council unanimously voted to suspend collection of the municipal sewer surcharge for the months of April and May 2020, in an effort to cushion the blow from COVID-19.
The Queen Street Cruise has been cancelled, but organizers hope to reschedule the annual event for the fall.
Porter has extended its suspension of flights until the end of June.
Canada Post says it's experiencing pre-Christmas levels for parcel delivery - so in other words, expect delays if you're shopping online.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 1,891 tested
- 13 positive
- 1,552 negative
- 326 pending
- 0 deceased
- 9 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 9 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 1 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area ***
- 0 in north Algoma
*** Three positive cases in Elliot Lake and area have been confirmed by Elliot Lake Family Health Team
Click here for a SooToday list of what's still open in the Sault.
