New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 3,204 and a low of 2,088 *note: not all symptomatic people are being tested in accordance with new Ontario guidelines.
Premier Doug Ford declared a state of emergency in Ontario during a news conference from Queen's Park today.
He said he will convene cabinet in order to enact order that would make it "illegal and punishable to block and impede the transportation of goods, people and services along critical infrastructure."
These measures would include protecting international boarder crossings, 400 series highways, airports, ports, bridges and railways.
Fines for non-compliance will be severe, the premier said, with a maximum penalty set at $100,000 and up to one year imprisonment.
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 today.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 3 p.m. on Feb. 10:
- 232,376 tested
- 4,255 confirmed *Note: As of Dec. 31, 2021, the province has limited COVID-19 PCR testing to the highest risk populations. Furthermore, some people with mild or asymptomatic infection may not seek testing. Algoma Public Health states that the numbers of confirmed cases are an underestimate of the actual number of people with COVID-19 in the Algoma region.
- 617(2) active cases *Note: the number in brackets are cases in a non-Algoma resident currently in the region.
- 21 currently hospitalized
- 3,638 resolved
- 28 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
- B.1.1.529 (Omicron), first detected in South Africa
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 3,521 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
- 436 in central and east Algoma
- 149 in Elliot Lake and area
- 149 in north Algoma
Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of Feb. 2 states (note: case counts have been reset to reflect new reporting format. Cases from March 2020-Dec. 31, 2021: 5,275 total, 4641 recoveries, 69 deaths):
- 2,787 cumulative positives
- 1,251 cumulative recovered
- 18 deaths
- 11 cases currently hospitalized
Here's the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations in Algoma:
As of 3:45 p.m. on Feb. 7:
-
Population coverage
% of total population that has received at least one dose 84.5% % of total population that have received at least two doses 80.3% % of eligible population (5+) that has received at least one dose 88.3% % of eligible population (5+) that have received at least two doses 83.8% % of adult population (18+) that have received at least one dose 90.9% % of adult population (18+) that have received at least two doses 88.3% % of youth population (12-17) that have received at least one dose 84.2% % of youth population (12-17) that has received at least two doses 80.4% % of child population (5-11) that have received at least one dose 58.8%
APH reported cases this week:
Hospitalizations rise while active COVID case count drops reported on Feb. 5.
Hospitalizations, active COVID case count down slightly reported on Feb. 6.
No new hospitalizations, 45 new cases reported on Feb. 7.
No new hospitalizations, 62 new cases reported on Feb. 8.
Four new hospitalizations, 55 new cases reported on Feb. 9.
62 new cases, region's 28th COVID-related death reported on Feb. 10.
Hospitalizations drop by 7, 75 new cases reported on Feb. 11.
Romano calls trucker blockades illegal, in talks with police to ensure plan in place locally
MPP said he had a discussion with Chief Hugh Stevenson of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service on Thursday.
Sheehan calls for end to blockades
The ongoing occupation in our nation’s capital have disturbed the lives of Ottawans that have been forced to endure unacceptable conditions' - Sault MP Terry Sheehan.
‘We’ve had our freedoms taken away,’ protester says (video)
Group gathers near International Bridge, calls for end to government vaccine mandates, COVID restrictions.
Michigan governor urges Canadian authorities to resolve Detroit bridge blockade
Blockade at Ambassador Bridge 'is having a significant impact on Michigan’s working families who are just trying to do their jobs,' says Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Small demonstration set up at International Bridge (6 photos) (Feb. 10)
Vehicle access to the International Bridge has not been blocked.
COVID-19: Boost rapid test reliability by doing oral and nasal swabbing, experts say
Science table says tests are better at detecting Omicron if people swab both cheeks, followed by the back of the tongue or throat, then both nostrils.
Free rapid tests available at over 2,300 grocery stores, pharmacies (Feb. 9)
Up to 5.5 million tests to be supplied each week as part of the program that starts today.
WATCH: Elliott reveal Ontario's new rollout of rapid tests
Program to last eight weeks.
Provinces to relax COVID-19 restrictions, say risk assessment lies with citizens
Premier Jason Kenney said people need to live with COVID-19.
Almost half of Sudbury region’s total COVID deaths occurred in the past month, stats show
A total of seven of deaths have been reported in Algoma in 2022, with six of those deaths reported in January alone.
CANADA: Officials won't let 'angry crowd' dictate COVID-19 policy, says public safety minister
Minister Marco Mendicino stressed the importance of science and good-faith efforts to deal with the pandemic.
No one is going hungry during Verdi shelter COVID-19 outbreak, Social Services CEO says (Feb. 7)
Shelter to stay closed until Feb. 18, only meals from approved sources accepted for clients.
Details scarce on 'freedom movement' occupation of Garden River healing lodge (Feb. 7)
Group voluntarily left Dan Pine Healing Lodge Sunday, according to police.
COVID-19: Visitor restrictions begin to ease today in Ontario long-term care homes
Residents who have had at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are now allowed to resume social day trips.
Group occupying local Healing Lodge in Garden River First Nation
'These individuals were permitted entry to the Lodge using fabricated information to book an appointment with staff' says a notice from the band asking residents to stay away from the Dan Pine Healing Lodge during the occupation.
Poll shows more than 20% of Canadian households have reported a COVID infection since Dec. 1
The data comes from the Angus Reid Institute.
Hughes describes life as an MP in Ottawa, surrounded by convoy of truckers
New Democrat MP for Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing says she understands frustration over COVID, but is concerned over presence of extremists.