As local businesses prepare to enter Phase 3 of the province's reopening plan on Friday, Public Health Ontario is reporting 111 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
This is the lowest number of new cases so far in the month of July.
The province reported 112 new cases on July 7, and 111 new cases on June 26, but before that, the number of daily cases hasn't been at or below 111 since late March at the start of the pandemic.
Here in the Sault, Algoma Public Health (APH) reported another new case of the novel coronavirus on Thursday evening, bringing the region's total to 25.
The new case is the only active case that the health unit is aware of.
There are currently over 1,000 pending cases in Algoma.
Here's the latest local, provincial, and federal news regarding COVID-19 cases and funding that you need to know:
Most of the province, including Algoma region, to enter Phase 3 of reopening on Friday
Premier Doug Ford has announced that 24 regions will enter Stage 3 on Friday July 17 at 12:01 a.m.
New limits will allow up to 100 people outdoors and up to 50 people indoors.
Public gathering limits apply to indoor and outdoor events, such as community events or gatherings, concerts, live shows, festivals, conferences, sports and recreational fitness activities, fundraisers, fairs, festivals or open houses. A two metre distance must still be maintained at such events.
To read more about what will be reopened in Phase 3 and what restrictions will be in place, click here.
Masks: The new normal
Algoma Public Health announced on July 10 it is instructing Algoma residents to begin wearing masks in all indoor premises of businesses, organizations and on public transit as of Friday.
Dr. Loo, APH's associate medical officer of health, clarified at city council that children under two, people with breathing difficulties, communication challenges, children under five who chronologically or developmentally refuse to wear a mask or face covering and can't be persuaded to do so by their caregiver are excluded from the mandatory masking rule.
Read more from Dr. Loo on exceptions and expectations of the mask rule here.
Here's how one local business is adapting to the public health order.
Stage 3: What can open and what can't
Wondering what is going to change as Algoma region enters Stage 3? This list will help clarify what you'll be able to do.
Algoma Public Health's top doc 'surprised' by timing of Ford's Stage 3 announcement
Algoma’s top doctor says Algoma Public Health (APH) was surprised by the timing of Premier Doug Ford’s Monday announcement allowing indoor bar and restaurant gatherings of up to 50 people beginning Friday.
This announcement comes just seven days after APH ruled staff, customers and the general public must wear masks at all times when indoors (in places such as banks, retail stores, malls, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, casinos, public transit and many other places) also beginning this Friday.
But how do you wear a mask and enjoy a beverage and a meal at the same time?
“That (APH mask directive of July 10) was issued before we knew Stage 3 was opening,” said Dr. Marlene Spruyt, APH medical officer of health and chief executive officer, speaking to SooToday late Monday afternoon.
“We this week will have to rephrase some of that and get some new instructions for indoor dining and drinking because it is totally impractical to wear a mask while drinking beer in a bar.”
Read the full story by SooToday's Darren Taylor here.
No new cases in Algoma region today
Thursday evening, APH confirmed the area's 25th case of COVID-19.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday:
- 17,077 tested
- 25 positive
- 15,674 negative
- 1,245 pending
- 0 deceased
- 24 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 20 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 2 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area
- 0 in north Algoma
Carpenters' council says that long-term care facilities need room renovations, upgraded building systems to control infection spread
The global pandemic provides affords a "long-overdue opportunity" to assess and renovate outdated long-term care (LTC) facilities in Ontario, said the Carpenters' District Council of Ontario (CDCO).
In a July 10 news release, the CDCO said now is the time to look at opportunities to overhaul these care facilities through renovations and updates to building infrastructure – improving care and housing for all residents.
Read more here.
