As businesses cautiously reopen and many return to work in Phase 2 of the province's staged reopening plan for Ontario, the provincial government continues to report a downward trend in new provincial COVID-19 cases.
As of today, there are no new cases in the Algoma region. The last case was reported in Sault Ste. Marie on June 12.
The health unit reports that a total of 9,762 people have been tested locally as of this morning.
Here are the latest local, provincial, and federal updates on coronavirus funding, reopening, and emergency orders that you need to know:
Ontario extends emergency orders
The emergency orders in Ontario have been extended to June 30.
According to the government, extending the emergency order ensures they have the tools to "safely and gradually reopen the province, while continuing to support frontline health care workers and protect vulnerable populations."
For more details on Ontario's emergency orders, read the story here.
Province reports 190 new COVID-19 cases
The week's trend continues with Public Health Ontario still reporting a daily COVID-19 case increase below 200.
The public health agency reported 190 new lab-confirmed case of the coronavirus today. Over the last four days, the daily increase has ranged from 181 new cases to 197 new cases.
Testing levels remain consistent with 24,205 tests processed in Ontario since yesterday's update.
For the full report, read our story here.
National parks to gradually reopen
Environment Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says Canadians who have campground reservations in some national parks will be allowed to pitch their tents and pull in their trailers starting next week. Wilkinson announced that camping will be allowed as early as Monday at 31 national parks — including Gros Morne in Newfoundland, Banff in Alberta and Kluane in Yukon.
More details on the federal government's plan for reopening Canada Parks can be found here.
No new cases in the Algoma region today
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 8:30 a.m., June 17, 2020:
- 9,762 tested
- 23 positive
- 8,838 negative
- 901 pending
- 0 deceased
- 21 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 18 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
Patios pop up in the Sault amid COVID-19
Local restauranteurs have worked fervently to get their patios up and running since the province gave restaurants the green light to begin serving customers outdoors. and SooToday cameras took a tour to find out how patio-goers and restaurants are handling the 'new normal'.
SooToday took a camera tour to find out how patio-goers and restaurants are enjoying 'the new normal.' Click here to check it out.
Time to cut that quarantine hair!
The provincial government announced last week that hair salons would be permitted to open as of June 12.
So, are you wondering what to expect during your first haircut since COVID-19?
Check out this video of a hair stylist explaining the new health guidelines now in place to protect workers and clients.
