As Toronto and Peel regions get the green light to enter Stage 2 later this week, Ontario report a further decline in new COVID-19 cases.
Public Health Ontario has reported 161 new cases of COVID-19 today, the lowest number of cases reported in a single day in nearly three months.
The number of new cases has been steadily decreasing over the past three weeks with 2,297 new cases from May 31 to June 6, 1,491 new cases reported between June 7 and 13, and 1,309 cases reported last week.
In Northern Ontario, there are a total of 16 active cases. Two of those are in the Algoma Region. The last case reported in the Algoma District was on June 19, linked to the F.J. Davey Home.
Here's the latest local, provincial, and federal news regarding COVID-19 cases and funding that you need to know:
Feds lay out guidelines for returning public servants to workplaces
Canada's public servants are now being primed for an eventual return to their workplaces, although many are expected to continue working remotely for the foreseeable future.
Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos said in a message to public servants today that the reopening of federal worksites will vary depending on local public health conditions and each department's requirements.
Learn more about preparations for public servants' return to work here.
Ford government slated to make largest investment public education investment in province's history
The Ontario government announced Friday that it is investing $736 million more in public education for the 2020-21 school year, increasing the total to more than $25.5 billion.
This funding, through the Grants for Student Needs (GSN) program, represents the largest investment in public education in Ontario's history, the province said. As a result, Ontario's average per-pupil funding amount has reached $12,525, which is an increase of $250 over the previous year.
More information about the funding and what it will be used for can be found here.
Toronto and Peel move to Stage 2 of reopening.
Premier Doug Ford announced that on June 24 at 12:01 a.m., Toronto and Peel regions will reopen.
WIndsor-Essex will remain in Stage 1, largely due to the volume of new cases on area farms.
Ford said that he is in talks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ensure support is in place for farmers who have been hit hard by COVID-19.
Watch the full announcement 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 22, 2020:
- 10,481 tested
- 24 positive
- 8,838 negative
- 901 pending
- 0 deceased
- 22 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 19 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
COVID-19 changes practices at the Bellevue Marina this summer
The city recently opened Bellevue Marina in accordance with plans set out by the province.
In keeping with social distancing guidelines, officials decided best practice was to leave one launch closed.
After three months of isolation and the nice weather upon us, everyone is anxious to be out on the water. This means with one launch open at times it can be very busy.
SooToday reached out to the city's Community Services department to discuss expectations for anyone who wishes to access the boat launch or the marina services and safe guidelines for ease and efficiency of it's use.
Click here to check out the Q&A answering all your questions about staying COVID-19 safe while boating this season.
You can hang out with bugs again!
Entomica is slated to reopen with the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre on Wednesday after being closed by COVID-19 protection measures since March 17.
The two beloved and award-winning movies normally presented at the centre as well as the Beaver Plane adventure will not be shown at this time.
For the time being, Northern Nature Trading will not be able to accept trades.
Read more about the rules and regulations at the Bushplane and Entomica here.
Residents, staff at local retirement home say thanks for support
It hasn't been easy inside a retirement home these past few months, but sometimes it's the little things that can make a situation bearable.
This heartwarming video was put together by the staff at Great Northern Retirement Home, featuring residents showing off the many things that have been donated by the community, and family members doing drive-by visits that will surely bring a smile to your face.
