COVID-19: Here's the situation in the Sault this week

New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 654 and a low of 306.

The U.S. is expected to announce today that fully vaxxed Canadians will be permitted to cross land borders as of Nov. 8. 

Travellers will need to show proof of vaccination upon request, a White House source says. 

Here's the latest on new cases in Algoma

As of 2:45 p.m., Algoma Public Health has not reported any new cases of COVID-19.

The last cases of the virus in the region were reported yesterday.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 14:

• 171,223 tested
• 481 confirmed 
• 6 active cases
• 1 currently hospitalized
• 475 resolved
• 7 deceased

Algoma Public Health is reporting that recent results from additional laboratory testing have detected the following variants of concern in Algoma:

• B.1.1.7 (Alpha), first detected in the UK
• B.1.617.2 (Delta), first detected in India
• P.1 (Gamma), first detected in Brazil

According to data on howsmyflattening.ca, a University of Toronto-led website which collects and analyzes data from Ontario's COVID-19 cases, 62 per cent of ICU beds in Algoma Public Health's jurisdiction are currently occupied, zero of which are COVID patients.

The data also describes the community risk level for COVID-19 in our region as 'low.'

Total confirmed cases by area of residence: 

• 378 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
• 55 in central and east Algoma
• 33 in Elliot Lake and area
• 15 in north Algoma

Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of Oct. 13 states:

• 3,572 cumulative positives
• 2,813 cumulative recovered
• 42 deaths
• 9 cases currently hospitalized

Here's the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations in Algoma:

Algoma Public Health is continuing in phase two of Ontario's 3 Phase Vaccine Distribution Program. As of 4 p.m. yesterday:

• 176,128 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered (now including third doses for those eligible)
• 79.7 per cent of youth 12-17 have received at least one dose 
• 84,915 people are fully vaccinated (74.2 per cent of eligible population)
• 90,101 people have received at least one dose (78.7 per cent of the population or 88.4 per cent of the eligible population)

APH reported cases this week: 

Case #478, tested on Oct. 8, falls under the "unknown exposure" category.

Case #479, tested on Oct. 12, is also classified as unknown exposure.

Cases 480 and 481, both tested on Oct. 12, were exposed through international travel and close contact.  

Sault tightens vaccine rules for kids sports

Starting Oct. 14, additional groups will have to provide proof of vaccination.

Romano's office offering COVID proof of vaccine certificate lamination service

Contact Romano's office (located at 390 Bay Street) for more information or stop by with your green health (OHIP) card.

Seven per cent of city staff unvaccinated, with seven people put on unpaid leave

The city placed a deadline for staff to disclose their vaccination status by Oct. 8. 

Most hospital staff and all volunteers vaccinated: SAH

Fewer than five employees are currently on unpaid leave for refusing to comply with Sault Area Hospital's vaccination policy.

U.S. businesses looking forward to welcoming Sault, Ont. shoppers

The local Chamber of Commerce has some concerns that local businesses will once again be feeling the effects of cross-border shopping.

Stricter COVID-19 vaccination rules for coaches, volunteers start today

The seven medical officers of health in the north have issued letters of instruction requiring proof of vaccination or a valid medical exemption for anyone 12 years and older who is coaching or officiating organized sports in an indoor facility, as well as volunteers or spectators.

VIDEO: How do you feel about the border reopening?

The border is set to reopen as of November. 

Will the COVID Grinch let us have a normal tree-lighting ceremony?

Mark Thursday, Nov. 18 on your calendar!

VIDEO: Do you think businesses or governments should have the right to require you be vaccinated for work?

Here's what Sault residents think. 

Here's how the digital vaccine passport will work

Initial access to download the enhanced certificate starts today and is based on your birth month.

Why some businesses refuse Ontario's vaccine passport and what it could mean for the small business community

'All businesses want is a return to a degree of normal and not to be locked down,' small businesses advocate Michael Wood said.

After 19 months, U.S. land border to reopen to vaccinated Canadians in November

Fully vaccinated Canadian vacationers and day-trippers will be allowed to drive into the United States as of early November.

Science will determine testing needs at border: Hajdu

The United States is expected to open its borders to Canadians early next month, but the cost of PCR tests required to return home could prevent most travellers from venturing abroad.

Travellers should get informed, says Canada Border Service Agency

Fully vaccinated travellers coming to Canada must complete the mandatory pre-arrival molecular COVID-19 test. 

COVID-19: Ontario to unveil new reopening plan, including ending capacity limits: source

The province is expected to release the plan late next week.

COVID-19: Public health measures working, reason for optimism in fight against fourth wave, Tam says

'The curve is just bending,' Tam said last week, emphasizing how basic measures, like masking, should remain in place to avoid another surge in the winter. 

ONTARIO: Hospitals seeing low rates of staff losses to mandatory vaccine policies

Nearly 97 per cent of staff are either fully or partially vaccinated and have attested they will have both doses by Nov. 9.