Sault MPP and Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano stood alone at the podium for Ontario’s daily COVID-19 update as Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott and Education Minister Stephen Lecce were being tested for COVID-19, after Lecce reportedly came into contact with an individual with the virus.
Romano announced a framework whereby “academically stranded students” would be able to complete their academic training and receive their diplomas or degrees.
Romano said beginning July 2, highly employable students who would have graduated and been in the workforce by now had it not been for COVID-19’s disruption of their education, will be able to complete lab, practicum or other in-person training necessary to meet the graduation requirements of their respective programs.
Romano pointed to students in such programs as nursing, PSW and skilled trades as examples.
He noted, for example, some nursing students need only 12 hours more in-person instruction before graduating.
Romano said, through the program announced Wednesday, hundreds of such currently “academically stranded students” should be able to complete their training in eight weeks and ready for the workforce by September in a “worst-case scenario.”
Romano said colleges and universities, faculties and students benefiting from this particular program have been advised by the province to get ready for a July 2 return to the classroom.
Romano said social distancing will be in effect once the students show up at the labs or machine shops in July, with only authorized individuals allowed to enter the colleges and universities.
Romano's speech may be viewed here.
Also Wednesday, the provincial government stated more facilities and services will be available at provincial parks in certain regions beginning June 12.
Public Health Ontario is showing what appears to be a downward trend in the COVID-19 curve, reporting 251 new cases of the virus in the province today.
Daily increases have been from 100 to 200 cases fewer per day than those reported last week.
The province is reporting 11 deaths due to COVID-19 today, including one person between the ages of 20 and 39, six people between the ages of 60 and 79, and four people over the age of 80.
The Ministry of Long-Term Care reports there have been 1,766 deaths of long-term care residents as a result of COVID-19 and seven staff deaths.
To date, Public Health Ontario has confirmed 31,341 cases of COVID-19, with 25,380 recoveries (81 per cent) and 2,475 deaths. There are now 3,486 active cases of the coronavirus in Ontario, including 580 people hospitalized with COVID-19.
Public Health Ontario is reporting 551 new recoveries in today’s update.
Locally, after Premier Doug Ford's June 8 announcement allowing places of worship to resume their religious services under certain public health and safety conditions, all Roman Catholic parishes of the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie will reopen their churches June 20 and 21.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 8:30 a.m., June 10, 2020:
- 8,486 tested
- 21 positive
- 7,812 negative
- 653 pending
- 0 deceased
- 21 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 17 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 1 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area
- 0 in north Algoma
