APH reports 21 new cases of COVID-19, region’s 19th COVID-related death

Algoma Public Health is reporting 21 new cases of COVID-19 in the region. The region's 19th COVID-related death was also included in this update. 

19 cases are in the Sault and two are in the Elliot Lake area. 

Five of the cases are linked to close contact with a known COVID-19 case, and 16 are of unknown origins.

These cases bring the total number to 1,718 confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

There are currently 251 active cases and five hospitalizations due to COVID-19 in the region.

Algoma regions with COVID-19 cases reported in the past 14 days include:

• Sault Ste. Marie and area
• Central and East Algoma
• Elliot Lake and area

"Although the Omicron variant has not yet been confirmed in Algoma, a number of current exposures are suspected and presumed to be due to this variant of concern, due to initial lab screening results, a history of travel, or links to known Omicron exposures in other areas of the province," the APH site says.