As Ontario extends some emergency orders until July 24, Public Health Ontario is reporting 111 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 today.
Since Sunday, the province has reported between 102 and 129 new cases every day.
Here in the Sault, Saultites are preparing to mask up as mandatory face covering comes into effect tomorrow.
Algoma Public Health (APH) reported another new case of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday afternoon. The new case is the only active case that the health unit is aware of, and it comes less than a week after the 25th case was reported.
There are currently almost 1,450 pending cases in Algoma.
Here's the latest local, provincial, and federal news regarding COVID-19 cases and funding that you need to know:
Emergency orders and state of emergency extended
Most emergency orders in Ontario have been extended until July 29, and the state of emergency has been extended until July 24.
The orders extended until July 29 include work redeployment and limiting work for healthcare workers, retirement homes and long-term care homes, pickup and delivery of cannabis, signatures of wills and powers of attorney, rules for areas in Stage 2 and patios. More information on the extension can be found here.
Algoma Public Health reports region's 26th COVID-19 case on Wednesday
Alogma Public Health reported a new case of COVID-19 on Wednesday. The individual was tested on July 13.
APH says close contacts of the individual have been notified.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday:
- 17,500 tested
- 26 positive
- 16,043 negative
- 1,431 pending
- 0 deceased
- 25 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 21 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
Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie won't open on Friday
Gateway Casino Sault Ste. Marie has confirmed that it won't be opening its doors under Stage 3 of Ontario's reopening plan.
Rob Mitchell, director of communications and public affairs for Gateway Casinos and Entertainment Limited, confirmed in an email that all Gateway locations across the province will remain closed as the company evaluates how it can operate under current capacity restrictions.
Read the full story by James Hopkin here.
Cineplex won't open movie theatres on Friday
Cineplex says its employees “aren’t in a position” to open movie theatres in Ontario on Friday even though the government has announced indoor establishments can reopen in most of the province as part of its Stage 3 reopening plan amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
A Cineplex spokesperson has said the company is still reviewing what's being proposed by the province.
Read more here.
Poutine Feast still possible this summer
Sault Ste. Marie's historic sites board learned yesterday that organizers of Poutine Feast, the world's largest travelling poutine festival, have so far not ruled out events in many communities in 2020.
SooToday learned that discussions are currently being held with the city about bringing Poutine Feast back to the Ermatinger-Clergue site in either September or October.
Provincial government amends liquor laws to help hospitality sector recover from COVID-19
Ontario is changing its liquor laws to give consumers more delivery options and allow boat operators with liquor licenses to temporarily sell and serve alcohol while their boats are docked.
The province says the changes, which came into effect Wednesday, are to help hospitality workers and businesses.
COVID-19 cancels hospitals' annual Five Car Draw
Saultites won't have a chance to win a car or cash this year.
The Sault Area Hosptial Foundation has decided to cancel their 31st annual Five Car Draw due to COVID-19.
Read more here.
More vacationers sticking close to home this summer
With COVID-19 restrictions being eased in Ontario this week, it will likely encourage more residents to consider summer vacation and travel ideas.
That doesn't mean you can suddenly travel from coast to coast without restrictions, but there are still plenty of options to consider and stay healthy.
Learn more here.
Steve Butland says 'thank you' to Saultites for COVID-19 response
Former Sault Ste. Marie city councillor, mayor, and MP Steve Butland thanked the community, teams of local mask-makers and sewers, for helping keep COVID-19 numbers low.
He challenges other communities to meet COVID concerns as well as Sault region has.
