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

New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 1,453 and a low of 887.

With rising COVID-19 case numbers in Ontario, the province is delaying when it will lift the proof-of-vaccination requirements, along with other enhanced public health measures.

The changes were announced today after 1,453 new cases were reported, with the test positivity rate spiking to 4.4 per cent.

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 latest cases of the virus in the region were reported yesterday.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 5 p.m. on Dec. 9:

• 201,008 tested
• 1,384 confirmed 
• 257 active cases
• 5 currently hospitalized
• 1,127 resolved
• 17 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

Total confirmed cases by area of residence: 

• 1,241 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
• 89 in central and east Algoma
• 37 in Elliot Lake and area
• 17 in north Algoma

Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of Dec.8 states:

• 4,756 cumulative positives
• 4,016 cumulative recovered
• 62 deaths
• 11 cases currently hospitalized

Latest cases in local schools: 

ADSB:

• Anna McCrea Public School: 1 confirmed student case
• Ben R. McMullin Public School: 4 confirmed student cases
• Boreal French Immersion Public School: 9 confirmed student cases 
• Central Algoma Intermediate School: 3 confirmed student cases
• East View Public School: 1 confirmed student case
• Francis H Clergue Public School: 2 confirmed student cases
• HM Robbins NB Public School: 1 confirmed staff case 
• H M Robbins Public School: 1 confirmed staff case 
• Isabel Fletcher Public School: 2 confirmed student cases, 1 confirmed staff case
• Kiwedin Public School: 1 confirmed student case, 1 confirmed staff case   
• R. M. Moore: 1 confirmed student case
• St. Joseph Island Public School: 1 confirmed student case 
• Superior Heights Collegiate and Vocational School: 1 confirmed student case 
• Tarentorus Public School: 3 confirmed student cases 
• Thessalon Public School: 2 confirmed student cases

H-SCDSB:

• Holy Cross Catholic School: 1 confirmed staff case 
• St. Basil Catholic School: 4 confirmed student cases
• St Francis French Immersion Catholic School: 2 confirmed student cases
• St Mary's College Separate School: 4 confirmed student cases
• St Mary's French Immersion Catholic School: 1 confirmed student case
• St Paul Catholic School: 1 confirmed student case, 1 confirmed student case

CSCNO: 

• École secondaire Notre-Dame-du-Sault: 1 confirmed student case 
• École publique Écho-des-Rapides: 1 confirmed student case

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 4:11 p.m. on Dec. 8:

• 193,546 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered (now including third doses for those eligible)
• 89.4 per cent of youth 12-17 have received at least one dose 
• 89,474 people are fully vaccinated (received two doses) (87.8 per cent of eligible population)
• 95,342 people have received at least one dose (83.3 per cent of the population or 91.4 per cent of the eligible population)

APH reported cases this week:

Cases 1,209-1,251 were reported the evening of Dec. 3. 

Cases 1,252-1,281 were reported on Dec. 4. 

Cases 1,282-1,311 were reported on Dec. 5. 

Cases 1,312-1,326 were reported on Dec. 6. 

Cases 1,327-1,358 were reported on Dec. 7. 

Cases 1,359-1,370 were reported on Dec. 8. APH also reported the region's 17th death in this update. 

Cases 1,371-1,384 were reported on Dec. 9. 

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Boreal YMCA Childcare site

APH recommends that all children and staff who attend a child care centre that is in an outbreak situation to self-monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19.

City police respond to anti-mask protesters at public school

Algoma District School Board is advising parents of an incident Friday afternoon (Dec. 3) outside Boreal French Immersion Public School.

Thinking of getting your COVID booster shot?

There’s a five and a half month wait after second shot, APH says; booster shot a priority with new variants.

Hidden benefit of pandemic lets Science North deliver education programs five days a week

COVID-19 rules have restricted group field trips for Science North, but virtual education carries on.

Health Canada actively working to get Canadians involved in spotting fake information about COVID-19

National health care agency says bad information being shared online can actually harm fellow Canadians.

COVID-19: Omicron variant arrives in Thunder Bay

Up to eight people may be infected with the variant, first detected in southern Africa.

Unlike hospital, unvaccinated staff at Group Health Centre face testing and education, not termination

The vaccination rate for healthcare staff at Group Health Centre currently stands at 95 per cent.

Capacity limits extended again for higher-risk settings

Announcement made on Dec. 7 doesn't say how long this pause is for.

COVID-19 outbreak declared at Tarentorus Public School

APH staff is currently assessing the situation.

COVID outbreak declared at Holy Cross School

An outbreak is declared in a school once it has been determined that two individuals have tested positive with an epidemiological link.

APH monitoring school COVID-19 exposures in the Sault (updated)

St. Mary's College has had an outbreak declared, and St, Francis French Immersion Catholic School has had at least one case reported.

APH issues COVID announcement regarding Superior Heights

Health unit conducting a careful investigation.

COVID-19: Advisors project 3,000 cases, 400 in hospital in January even without variant

New science table projections note that the variant's impacts could be 'substantial.'

Red Cross to aid pandemic measures in Batchewana First Nation

A testing site has been set up that will include BFN and Red Cross staff that will be available to aid with vaccination clinics.

Students to be provided with home COVID test kits

Participation is voluntary at this time, APH says.

COVID-19 case reported at White Pines

A letter issued by Algoma Public Health on Wednesday confirmed at least one individual tested positive.

APH declares COVID outbreak at Superior Heights

All high risk close contacts have already been identified.

ONTARIO: Science table recommends weekly rapid tests in schools, workplaces in some areas

Is advising public health units where new COVID-19 cases are near 35 per 100,000 people per week to carry out weekly voluntary screening of unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people in elementary schools.

Mayor calls on province to expand third-dose rollout

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano agrees with infectious disease researcher that booster dose should be extended to 18 years of age and up - and that hardest hit regions like Algoma should receive special attention from Ontario government.