COVID-19: Here's the situation in the Sault today

COVID-19: Here's the situation in the Sault today

Military reports deplorable conditions in Ontario long-term care homes; latest COVID-19 testing numbers from Algoma Public Health

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the federal government has signed a contract with General Motors to produce 10 million facemasks, while a partnership between manufacturer Vexos and Canadian astrophysicist Art McDonald will see 10,000 low-cost ventilators produced.

Trudeau also announced that Ottawa will fund up 700 youth jobs in the farming sector this summer, but offered few details on how that funding will be rolled out.

"That will help out those who feed our families, while at the same time creating opportunites for students this summer," Trudeau said.

In provincial news,

Ontario Premier Doug Ford says a "heartbreaking, horrific" report from Canadian Armed Forces on deplorable conditions in five of the hardest hit long-term care homes in the province will warrant an investigation by Ontario's chief coroner.

Ford says the report - which has already resulted in one death at a long-term care home referred to the chief coroner - will be released to the public in its entirety.

"Until yesterday morning, we didn't know the full extent of what these homes - what these residents - were dealing with," Ford said Tuesday. "The reports they provided us were heartbreaking. They were horrific. It's shocking that this can happen here in Canada."

"It's gut-wrenching, and reading those reports was the hardest thing I've done as premier, knowin that so much more needs to be done. But what I am feeling, what we all are feeling, is little in comparison to the hardship that these residents and their families have had to endure. There's nothing worse than feeling helpless when it comes to protecting a loved one. So please, pray for these residents, please pray for their families."

Ontario is now calling on the federal government to extend military deployment in the five long-term care homes for another 30 days.

Ontario reported 287 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, marking the lowest daily increase of cases since March 30, when 260 new lab-confirmed cases were reported.

In local news, Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Christian Provenzano is urging the public to follow advice from Algoma Public Health after people swarmed Toronto's Trinity Bellwoods Park while ignoring physical distancing guidelines over the weekend.

Here's what you need to know about the COVID-19 Assessment Centre in Sault Ste. Marie now that it's expanded criteria for COVID-19 testing.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health: