New COVID-19 cases ranged between 1,707 and 1,822 this week.
This week also saw Black Friday come and go. Retail analysts said they expected most of this year's Black Friday purchases to be online, and they were right. Across Canada, Black Friday shoppers appear to have heeded public health warnings, with more online purchases and less crowding at brick-and-mortar stores than most years.
Here's the latest local, provincial, and federal news regarding COVID-19 cases and funding that you need to know:
One new case of COVID-19 reported by Algoma Public Health this week
On Wednesday, APH extended a cross-border travel advisory for Algoma residents who regularly cross the Canada-U.S. border. This advisory is in effect until Dec. 30.
The extension came just hours before the health unit announced the area's 61st confirmed case of COVID-19. APH has linked this case to international travel.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated on Friday at 11:30 a.m.:
- 63,945 tested
- 61 confirmed
- 1 active case
- 60 resolved
- 0 deceased
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 56 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 3 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area
- 0 in north Algoma
Province continues to unveil plans for COVID-19 vaccine rollout
The Ontario government announced this week that it will be looking to industry leaders to assist in the planning and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, when they become available. Retired General Rick Hillier will be leading the province's task force of the rollout of the vaccine, and has stated the plan will be in place by Dec. 31.
NDP MPP for Timmins Gilles Bisson stated this week the government needs to be more open with its communication on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly when it comes to how the vaccines will be distributed to Northern Ontario. Bisson said he does expect Northern Ontario will get its fair share when vaccines become available.
Private company new to the Sault wants to perform COVID testing
A growing northern Ontario occupational testing company has recently opened a centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Donna Nordstrom, North Stream Safety and Rehab president and CEO, told SooToday her company will soon be offering COVID-19 testing in the city, with the ability to get test results back in as little as two to four hours.
Read more here.
Stokely Creek shutting doors for the winter
There’ll be no cross country skiing or snowshoeing at a well-known Algoma winter tourist spot this winter.
The owners recently announced that Stokely Creek Lodge will not be open for anyone to enjoy in the winter of 2020-21 due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Ontario government to spend $380M to support families facing additional expenses amid COVID-19
On Monday, Premier Doug Ford announced $380 million in funding for the new Support for Learners program. The one-time payments are meant to help offset additional learning costs due to COVID-19.
Applications are now open until Jan. 15, and successful applicants are eligible to receive $200 for each child aged 0-12 or $250 for each child aged 0-21 with special needs.
Ontario doctors comment on public rallies and protests against lockdowns
Ontario physicians are speaking up against public rallies where some people are protesting pandemic restrictions, lockdowns and the wearing of face masks.
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) issued a public statement on the weekend to say there is good evidence that wearing a mask is indeed an effective way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. The OMA further stated that In addition to spreading misinformation, the rallies have exceeded government guidelines on the size of outdoor gatherings and few of the participants have worn masks.
Fully online degrees will be available from Algoma U in 2021
Sault MPP Ross Romano announced Friday that the provincial government, with $3 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), will be establishing what is being billed as a ‘state of the art’ virtual campus for Algoma University, creating 71 new full and part-time faculty jobs over the next five years.
This will enable more people to learn from home during COVID-19 and beyond.
Organizers 'hopeful but cautious' about hosting Bon Soo in 2021
Organizers of the annual Bon Soo Winter Carnival are "hopeful but cautious" about hosting the event in 2021, and have selected Feb. 5 through 15 as the dates for upcoming festivities.
Events panned for the 2021 festival will take place once again at the Machine Shop as well as other locations throughout the city. Read more about the plans for the event here.
The big picture for local sports during COVID-19
Algoma Public Health recently released guidelines on playing organized sports in times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Physical exercise is deemed an essential activity (along with going to work and school, grocery shopping and attending medical appointments).
While exercise considered essential and organized sports are going forward this year, both practice and competition will look somewhat different than they have in past years. You can learn more about the specific guidelines here.
Meanwhile, the Sault Jr. Greyhounds U18 team is preparing for a return to game action this weekend, under modified rules.
She Leads event goes virtual this year
The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce is hosting their second annual She Leads event next month. Due to COVID-19, this year's event will be entirely online.
Read more about the event and how to get tickets here.
