Skip to content

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

Region's 42nd COVID-related death reported this week; currently 443 active cases, 17 hospitalizations in the region as of 3:30 p.m. Friday
pexels-polina-tankilevitch-3735747
Stock photo

New daily cases in the province ranged this week between a high of 2,761 and a low of 1,217 *note: not all symptomatic people are being tested in accordance with new Ontario guidelines.

The province lifted mask mandates in schools, retail settings and most other indoor public spaces in Ontario earlier this week (March 21.)

This change comes a few weeks after the province lifted proof-of-vaccination rules and capacity limits. 

Select settings such as public transit, health-care facilities, long-term care homes and congregate care settings will keep mask mandates until the end of April, when the province plans to put an end to all remaining public health rules. 

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 at 3:30 p.m. today.

Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health, updated at 3:15 p.m. on Mar. 24:

  • 247,263 tested
  • 6,361 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.
  • 437(6) active cases *Note: the number in brackets are cases in a non-Algoma resident currently in the region.
  • 19 currently hospitalized 
  • 5,924 resolved
  • 42 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: 

  • 5,245 in Sault Ste. Marie and area
  • 614 in central and east Algoma
  • 256 in Elliot Lake and area
  • 246 in north Algoma

Comparatively, in Chippewa County, which covers Sault Ste. Marie Mich. and surrounding area, the COVID-19 data as of March 23 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):

  • 3,181 cumulative positives 
  • 3,556 cumulative recovered
  • 32 deaths
  • 1 case currently hospitalized

Here's the latest on COVID-19 vaccinations in Algoma:

As of 3:30 p.m. on Mar. 17:

  • Population coverage

    % of total population that has received at least one dose 84.8%
    % of total population that have received at least two doses 81.3%
    % of eligible population (5+) that has received at least one dose 88.6%
    % of eligible population (5+) that have received at least two doses 84.9%
    % of adult population (18+) that have received at least one dose 91.1%
    % of adult population (18+) that have received at least two doses 88.8%
    % of adult population (18+) that have received at least three doses 61.6%
    % of youth population (12-17) that have received at least one dose 84.4%
    % of youth population (12-17) that has received at least two doses 81.1%
    % of child population (5-11) that have received at least one dose 59.9%

APH reported cases this week:

Active cases, hospitalizations drop in March 21 update

APH reports one new hospitalization with COVID-19 on March 22

Region's 42nd COVID-related death, 50 new cases reported on March 23

Hospitalizations, active cases up in March 24 update

55 new cases reported on March 25

COVID-19: Ontario prepared to handle increase in COVID cases, hospitalizations: Ford

When asked at a news conference Friday if he would reintroduce restrictions to respond to a surge, Premier Doug Ford wouldn't say.

New charges laid against convoy organizer Patrick King

He's now facing 10 charges.

Road trip opportunity will serve to document life after COVID while promoting Indigenous company

'We really want to highlight communities coming back to life after COVID. We really want them to talk about how things have been so closed down, how it’s been hard to get together as a community to celebrate.'

Travellers still required to use ArriveCAN before arriving in Canada, CBSA reminds

Those who fail to do so may have to test on arrival.

Some have jitters about lifting mask mandate; APH doctor says too early to tell if cases will spike

Most Algoma residents have received two jabs of vaccine; Tuinema excited about new COVID treatments.

VIDEO: Will you continue to wear a mask?

Despite mandates around masks being lifted many are choosing to continue wearing them.



Discussion

About the Author: Megan Pounder

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