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

New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 563 and a low of 331.

The Ontario government recently announced that it will not be making a mandatory vaccination policy for hospital workers. 

Premier Doug Ford says the government will keep monitoring the situation, but for now will leave the decision to mandate vaccines up to individual hospitals. 

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 latest cases of the virus in the region were reported yesterday.

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

• 176,483 tested
• 556 confirmed 
• 49 active cases
• 2 currently hospitalized
• 507 resolved
• 8 deceased

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, 52 per cent of ICU beds in Algoma Public Health's jurisdiction are currently occupied, 10 per cent 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: 

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

Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of Nov. 3 states:

• 3,920 cumulative positives
• 3.329 cumulative recovered
• 52 deaths
• 5 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 1:30 p.m. yesterday:

• 180,497 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered (now including third doses for those eligible)
• 81.4 per cent of youth 12-17 have received at least one dose 
• 87,329 people are fully vaccinated (76.3 per cent of eligible population)
• 91,287 people have received at least one dose (79.8 per cent of the population or 89.5 per cent of the eligible population)

APH reported cases this week:

Case numbers 519-525 are from close contact or an unknown source. 

Cases 526-529 are from close contact or international travel. 

Cases 530-540 are either from close contact or cause unknown. 

Case numbers 541-545 are also from close contact or are unknown. 

Cases 546-550 are classified as close contact exposures. 

Case numbers 551-553 are all from close contact. 

Cases 554-556 are either unknown or through close contact. 

Algoma hits record-breaking high in active COVID-19 cases

Algoma Public Health Dr. John Tuinema says an uptick in cases among children and the lifting of capacity limits are contributing to the recent surge in cases.

Individuals associated with Grand View and East View public schools test positive for COVID

APH will continue to monitor the situation.

COVID-19 cases at Sault schools, by the numbers

Numbers released Tuesday through an Ontario government website show a total of 20 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff and students in Sault Ste. Marie schools. 

SAH revises mandatory vaccination policy

Effective Nov. 8, 2021, SAH’s policy extends mandatory vaccination to all workers, including existing employees.

Small percentage of staff have been terminated for refusing to comply with vaccination policy, says SAH

"We continue to work with and support approximately 70 of 1,766 active employees who remain not yet vaccinated,” stated SAH spokesperson Brandy Sharp Young in an email.

Planning to go to U.S. beginning next week? Coming home will cost you (updated)

All Canadian travellers will need to pay for PCR tests, provide negative result upon returning to Canada.

ONTARIO: COVID-19 vaccinations won't be added to list of student immunizations: Moore

Dr. Kieran Moore said the government is working with boards and public health units to compile the vaccination status of students to enable better contact tracing and outbreak management.

CANADA: Air Canada suspends more than 800 unvaccinated workers under new federal rules

The vast majority of Air Canada's 27,000 cabin crew, customer service agents and others have received both shots, chief executive Michael Rousseau said Tuesday.

ONTARIO: University researchers develop new plant-based mask material

New biodegradable material provides better filtration and breathability than traditional disposable masks.

Here's how COVID-19 vaccine boosters are rolling out in Ontario

People eligible for the third shot will be able to book an appointment starting Saturday, Nov. 6. The locations and timing for these doses may vary by the public health unit area.

A list of who will be eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot in Ontario

Starting Saturday the next priority group will be able to book appointments for six months past their second dose.