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

New cases reported every day this week; currently 234 active cases, 15 hospitalizations in the region
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New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 793 and a low of 481.

Health Canada announced today that it has approved COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11. 

Pfizer-BioNTech is the first vaccine authorized in Canada for use in children under 12 years old.

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 6 p.m. on Nov. 18:

  • 183,662 tested
  • 791 confirmed 
  • 234 active cases
  • 15 currently hospitalized
  • 557 resolved
  • 9 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: 

  • 682 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
  • 60 in central and east Algoma
  • 33 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 Nov. 17 states:

  • 4,264 cumulative positives
  • 3.664 cumulative recovered
  • 53 deaths
  • 7 cases currently hospitalized

Latest cases in local schools: 

  • Isabel Fletcher Public School: 4 confirmed student cases. 
  • Korah: 1 confirmed student case
  • Pinewood Public School: 1 confirmed student case
  • R. M. Moore: 1 confirmed student case
  • Thessalon Public School: 1 confirmed staff 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 3:15 p.m. on Nov. 17:

  • 183,127 total doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered (now including third doses for those eligible)
  • 82 per cent of youth 12-17 have received at least one dose 
  • 88,451 people are fully vaccinated (86.8 per cent of eligible population)
  • 91,860 people have received at least one dose (80.3 per cent of the population or 90.1 per cent of the eligible population)

APH reported cases this week:

Cases 633-661 were reported on Nov. 12. 

Cases 662-691 were reported on Nov. 13. 

Cases 692-709 were reported on Nov. 14. 

Cases 710-723 were reported on Nov. 15. 

Cases 724-741 were reported on Nov. 16. 

Cases 742-767 were reported on Nov. 17.

Cases 768-791 were reported on Nov. 18.

COVID case surge prompts additional health measures from APH

Due to a recent surge in confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported across Algoma, Algoma Public Health (APH) is increasing area public health measures, including imposing capacity limits and physical distancing requirements at local businesses.

Individual associated with Isabel Fletcher Public School tests positive for COVID

APH is conducting a careful investigation to identify close contacts.

APH reports new COVID-19 cases at two schools in the Sault

High risk contacts have been contacted at Isabel Fletcher, and investigations are ongoing at Korah Intermediate to determine who had close contact.

APH reports a COVID-19 case with ties to Thessalon Public School

APH will notify all low risk and high risk contacts via letter to provide further guidance and direction. 

One positive COVID case reported at St. Mary’s College

No 'outbreak,' but one person self isolating, board says.

Steelworkers union boss concerned over COVID outbreak, worker safety

Tenaris is not mandating vaccinations, company official says.

Sault Area Hospital monitoring COVID-19 outbreak in a medical unit

Only vaccinated visitors for compassionate reasons are currently permitted on the unit in outbreak, the hospital says. 

Sault jail has a dozen confirmed COVID-19 cases

Ministry of the Solicitor General says it works with local public health units to complete contact tracing, determine requirements for close contacts.

Rise in COVID cases in Algoma leads to Batchewana First Nation to enter two-week lockdown

The lockdown will remain in place until Nov. 28.

APH looks to reduce strain on health care system with additional COVID-19 measures

Algoma currently has one of the highest COVID-19 transmission rates in Ontario.

COVID outbreak among homeless lodged at Bel Air Motel

Social services board chair says outbreak caused by anti-vax, anti-mask protesters who wanted to help the homeless.

VIDEO: Any thoughts on the recent surge of active Covid cases?

Here's what Saultites had to say. 

Three quarters of COVID hospitalizations are unvaccinated, says SAH

15 people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 in Sault Ste. Marie, says APH website.

Capacity restrictions in place for Greyhound games as COVID cases surge

Number of potential walk-up tickets available is not known at this point.

If COVID-19 vaccines work, why are cases involving the fully vaccinated rising?

'What we're seeing is the more severe illnesses are occurring in the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated,' North Bay Public Health Physician Dr. Carol Zimbalatti says. 

Dozens of Sudbury hospital employees put on unpaid leave over COVID vaccinations

Employees have until November 26 to get the shot or face termination.

North Bay school sporting events with Algoma, Sudbury halted due to COVID surge

Health Unit has 'recommended that teams not travel to or from the areas of Sudbury and Algoma. Until further notice, school teams from those districts will not be allowed to participate in tournaments [in North Bay].'

Michigan becoming a COVID hotspot just as border reopens to Canadian travellers

Michigan's state-wide vaccination rate has surpassed 70 per cent but only 51 per cent of Chippewa County residents are fully vaccinated.

Ontario will let regions take lead on tougher pandemic measures for now: Ford

Ford says that local approach makes sense because the risk is lower than in previous infection waves now that more people are vaccinated.

CANADA: Health minister promises announcement soon on COVID-19 border measure changes

Government has faced mounting pressure to do away with a requirement for fully vaccinated travellers into Canada to provide a negative molecular COVID-19 test.

Virtual-only assemblies among changing COVID guidance for elementary schools

The changes, announced Thursday, include allowing high schools to return to four courses a day in February 2022.

WATCH: Ontario announces new enhanced COVID-19 testing strategy

Pop-up testing clinics in shopping malls, more testing options at pharmacies and sending test kits home with students over the holidays are all part of Ontario's enhanced winter strategy.

Ontario sending COVID test kits home with students over Christmas break

Within the next four-to-six weeks, the province will be distributing 11 million rapid antigen tests to students attending all publicly funded schools. The province purchased the tests specifically for the Christmas break testing program.

Ontario looks to add up to 80 rapid testing sites in Northern Ontario

Here's a look at what Thursday's announcement means for the north.


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About the Author: Megan Pounder

Megan Pounder is a Sault Ste. Marie-based journalist and a member of the Village Media news desk
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