As the Ontario government announces somewhat murky guidelines for the reopening of schools in September, Public Health Ontario reports 178 new cases of COVID-19 this morning, keeping steady with the numbers reported each day this week.
Public health officials have also noted 246 more recoveries noted, bringing the overall number of active cases in the province down to 2,281.
Algoma Public Health has reported one new case in the region today, bringing the total to 24.
The health unit has now tested over 10,000 people.
Here are the latest local, provincial, and federal updates on coronavirus funding, reopening, and emergency orders that you need to know:
One new cases in the Algoma region today linked to F.J. Davey Home
Algoma Public Health has confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in the region. The long-term care home stated on their website that staff surveillance testing revealed a person of the F.J. Davey Home has contracted the virus. So far, all other initial lab results from the home have been negative and some are still pending.
Read the home's full statement here.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 10:30 a.m., June 18, 2020:
- 10,088 tested
- 23 positive *(One has been reported since this morning's report, bringing the total of positive cases to 24 in the region)*
- 8,838 negative
- 901 pending
- 0 deceased
- 22 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
Ontario releases some information about what school could look like this fall
Premier Doug Ford announced today that students will be returning to school, in some form, come September.
However, how exactly the return to school will unfold remains unclear, and will vary largely region-to-region. The government has tabled three scenarios that each school should prepare for by Aug. 4, 2020.
Learn more about the government's reopening guidelines for schools here.
City's reopening plan for splash pads, outdoor pools dog-paddling in COVID-uncertainty
Last night, SooToday's David Helwig reported that the Sault's two outdoor pools as well as the Bellevue Park Splash pad won't be opening anytime soon.
While the Ontario government announced on June 8 that indoor and outdoor swimming pools and splash pads and wading pools may open to the public as part of the Stage 2 reopening framework, city staff has said that crews will prepare the areas for opening, but they don't have specific reopening information at this time.
Beef and hog farmers get a boost
Ontario's beef and hog farmers will receive up to $10 million to cover the increased costs of feeding their animals while they wait to be processed because of delays due to COVID-19.
The Canadian and provincial governments are jointly providing the emergency funding through two programs.
Under the $5-million beef cattle set-aside program, beef farmers can claim $2 per head of cattle per day to help pay for additional costs should they have to keep their market-ready animals on their farms for extended periods of time.
The hog sector support program will provide up to $5 million to help cover costs.
Additionally, the province said it will provide up to $1.5 million to process and package surplus pork for food banks.
Learn more about the support program here.
More Ontario regions permitted to enter Stage 2
More regions of Ontario are moving into the second stage of the province's reopening plan today, including parts of the Greater Toronto Area.
York, Durham and Niagara are among the areas allowed to further open their economies, though Toronto, Peel and Windsor-Essex will remain in the first stage until at least next Friday.
Most areas were allowed to enter the second stage last Friday, except for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, some regions that border the United States and those with COVID-19 outbreaks among migrant workers.
More information on regional reopening can be found here.
Planning on watching the American fireworks on July 4? Our rules still apply
While the City of Sault Ste. Marie has cancelled its annual Canada Day fireworks display, Saultites may still want to watch the Independence Day fireworks on July 4 coming from the Sault Ste. Marie Michigan side.
There are rules to follow.
The city recommends citizens not congregate on the boardwalk and are reminded that physical distancing rules still apply.
You can read more from the city on this matter here.
Old Stone House to reopen
The Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site will reopen to the public beginning June 23, with limited visitation. VIsitors will be asked to wear their own masks and gloves.
Learn more about the rules that will apply at the historic site by clicking here.
