COVID-19: Here's the situation in the Sault this week

New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 704 and a low of 429.

With Thanksgiving coming up this weekend, Ontario's top doctor has issued recommendations for those gathering who have mixed vaccination statuses. 

Dr. Moore also reminded Ontarians not to attend events, parties, or dinners if they have any symptoms of illness.

Here's the latest on new cases in Algoma

As of 2:45 p.m., Algoma Public Health has not reported any new cases of COVID-19.

The last cases of the virus in the region were reported two days ago.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 4 p.m. on Oct. 6:

• 170,348 tested
• 477 confirmed 
• 9 (1)* active cases
• 2 currently hospitalized
• 468 resolved
• 7 deceased

*The number in brackets are active cases in non-Algoma residents who are temporarily in Algoma. These cases are not counted as part of Algoma’s confirmed case count.

Algoma Public Health is reporting that recent results from additional laboratory testing have detected the following variants of concern in Algoma:

• B.1.1.7 (Alpha), first detected in the UK
• B.1.617.2 (Delta), first detected in India
• P.1 (Gamma), first detected in Brazil

According to data on howsmyflattening.ca, a University of Toronto-led website which collects and analyzes data from Ontario's COVID-19 cases, 62 per cent of ICU beds in Algoma Public Health's jurisdiction are currently occupied, zero of which are COVID patients.

The data also describes the community risk level for COVID-19 in our region as 'low.'

Total confirmed cases by area of residence: 

• 375 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
• 55 in central and east Algoma
• 33 in Elliot Lake and area
• 14 in north Algoma

Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of Oct. 6 states:

• 3,401 cumulative positives
• 2,752 cumulative recovered
• 40 deaths
• 10 cases currently hospitalized

Here's the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations in Algoma:

Algoma Public Health is continuing in phase two of Ontario's 3 Phase Vaccine Distribution Program. As of 10:45 a.m. yesterday:

• 174,589 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered (now including third doses for those eligible)
• 79.1 per cent of youth 12-17 have received at least one dose 
• 84,072 people are fully vaccinated (73.5 per cent of eligible population)
• 89,630 people have received at least one dose (78.3 per cent of the population or 87.9 per cent of the eligible population)

APH reported cases this week: 

Case #473, located in north Algoma, was through close contact.

Case #474, located in the Sault, falls into the 'international travel' category.

Cases 475-477, located in the Sault area, the Elliot Lake area and north Algoma, fall into either the 'unknown' or 'international travel' categories. 

Porter Airlines resumes Sault Ste. Marie flights

The Toronto-based air carrier announced Oct. 6 that it is returning to all 18 of its year-round destinations today with the addition of the three northeastern Ontario cities, plus Fredericton and Saint John, N.B.

Algoma Public Health releases a safe Thanksgiving guide

COVID protocols, hand washing and safe food preparation are the focus this Thanksgiving weekend.

Starting November, COVID vaccination required for plane, train travel in Canada

By the end of November, anyone aged 12 years or older will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to board a plane or a train in Canada, and that will include staff. 

Blues Society ends weekly concert series at The Canuck for 'health and safety reasons'

The Sault Blues Society announced on Monday it was cancelling Wednesday Blues Nights until further notice and will no longer be booking or promoting events at The Canuck.

Canuck owner says he's for 'freedom of choice' in statement to local media

Jim Brogno says his establishment takes health and safety of staff, patrons 'very seriously.'

Up to 16% of unvaccinated are just really afraid of needles

Public health officials will work with those who are needle-hesitant.

Employee refused the vaccine? Employers do have options, Sudbury lawyer says, but they’re limited

Unvaccinated workers might be required to take regular testing, wear masks more often or even be laid off if other companies or clients don’t want to work with them.

Survey to look at COVID-19 impact locally

A survey has been designed to gather information about the impact of COVID-19 on local businesses and organizations. The feedback will be used to communicate the needs of the community directly to  municipal, provincial and federal governments.

Judges dismiss strippers' court challenge of lockdown restrictions

Arguments by Garden River lawyer Naomi Sayers that the forced closure of strip clubs violated their charter rights were dismissed Monday by the judges as "moot."

COVID-19: Ontario focused on recovery, determined to avoid future lockdowns, throne speech says

'If additional public health measures are needed, they will be localized and targeted,' said Lt.-Gov. Elizabeth Dowdeswell

COVID-19: Pfizer submits trial data on vaccine use in children aged 5 to 11 to Health Canada

The drugmaker confirmed Saturday it provided the initial trial data to the federal department for review as it prepares to make a formal submission seeking authorization to use the product in children.