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

The province is reporting 76 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 today, which is the lowest number of cases reported since March 22, and the first time since then that Ontario has reported numbers in the double digits.

Locally, all cases in the Algoma region are now resolved.

Here's the latest local, provincial, and federal news regarding COVID-19 cases and funding that you need to know:

No new cases in Algoma region today

Currently, there are no active case in the Algoma region.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday: 

• 19,857 tested
• 27 positive
• 19,340 negative
• 490 pending
• 0 deceased
• 27 resolved

Total confirmed cases by area of residence: 

• 22 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

Province launched independent long-term care COVID-19 commission

The Ontario government launched an independent commission into COVID-19 and long-term care. 

Three commissioners will investigate how COVID-19 spread within long-term care homes, how residents, staff, and families were impacted, and the adequacy of measures taken by the province and other parties to prevent, isolate and contain the virus. 

Watch the full press conference here.

Labour Council protests outside Romano's office

Sault Ste. Marie and District Labour Council representatives joined with a group of teachers and other education workers from several unions outside Sault MPP Ross Romano’s office early Wednesday afternoon, calling on the provincial government to hire more janitors in the face of a possible return to classrooms by teachers and students in the fall.

“The government has offered a few million dollars, which equates to seven cents per student, for a plan to be put in place for their safety when they return to school, but it isn’t enough funding,” said Michele McCleave-Kennedy, Sault Ste. Marie and District Labour Council president.

“We don’t think seven cents per student is going to be enough to keep our students safe in the schools. Basically that equates to two Lysol wipes per day, per kid...we need proper funding and proper programming so that kids are going to be safe.”

Read more about the protest here.

Jehovah's Witnesses to host virtual convention this year

While having held huge indoor conventions in past years, Jehovah’s Witnesses locally, nationally and around the world will be holding virtual conventions this year due to COVID-19. 

“We did have, originally, a regional convention scheduled here for Sault Ste. Marie for June 12 to the 14 (at GFL Memorial Gardens), but because of our concern for the safety of not only Jehovah’s Witnesses but the public that would attend, the decision was to cancel it,” said Roy Dewar, Sault Ste. Marie Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses spokesperson, speaking to SooToday.

Annual Bruce Mines Run Around the Bay planning to go ahead as usual

With most in-person events and activities being cancelled this year due to COVID-19, it’s rare to find something that is still running business as usual. The fourth annual Bruce Mines Run Around the Bay is set to occur as an in-person race on Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. 

The run organizer says the relatively small September event should fall within APH guidelines.

Huron Shores municipal office opens for appointments only

In keeping with COVID-19 protocols, the Municipal Office of the Township of Huron Shores in Iron Bridge is now accepting visitors by appointment only. At Iron Bridge, the interior office door remains locked to ensure all visitors meet entry requirements and physical distancing guidelines.

Read more about the guidelines here.