On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that national parks and historic sites across Canada will partially reopen to the public at the beginning of June.
The gradual reopenings at 38 parks and 171 historic sites will come with safety measures for visitors and workers.
Environment Minister John Wilkinson has said some trails, day use areas, green spaces and recreational boating will be available starting June 1 at national parks, historic sites and waterways and national marine conservation areas.
Camping in parks will remain off limits at least until June 21, when the federal government will reassess whether it should be allowed.
All national parks and sites have been closed for more than a month to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Trudeau also announced $470 million in support for fish harvesters Thursday, which will include a new fish harvesters benefit that will cover 75 per cent of financial losses sustained by fish harvesters reporting 25 per cent or more in lowered income due to the COVID-19 crisis.
The federal government will provide non-repayable grants up to $10,000 for fishermen who own their own businesses, while another $100 million will go to Farm Credit Canada in order to help farmers and aquaculture fisheries.
A full replay of the Prime Minister's livestream is available here.
In provincial news, Ontario Premier Doug Ford says outdoor recreation spaces will be permitted to open this Saturday, including golf courses and marinas.
Retail stores with street-facing entrances not situated in shopping malls are permitted to open Tuesday, May 19, in addition to off-leash dog parks and outdoor sports fields.
All construction projects can also resume in the province May 19.
A full rundown of what's opening in the coming days can be found here.
Ontario reported 258 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, marking the lowest daily increase of cases in the province since March 29.
In local news, SooToday has compiled a list of area events that will be cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 crisis. The annual Mackinac Bridge walk has also been cut for 2020.
Northern Ontario businesses will receive $49.5 million in COVID-19 relief funding as part of the federal government's regional relief and recovery fund.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 5,524 tested
- 16 positive
- 5,166 negative
- 342 pending
- 0 deceased
- 13 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 12 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 1 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area ***
- 0 in north Algoma
Algoma Public Health states, “these numbers now include testing that was completed at long-term care homes (LTCH) in the Algoma district as part of the province’s one-time surveillance testing initiative. Staff and residents of all Algoma LTCHs have completed one-time surveillance testing.”
*** Three positive cases in Elliot Lake and area have been confirmed by Elliot Lake Family Health Team
Click here for a SooToday list of what's still open in the Sault.
