Algoma Public Health announces four COVID-related deaths, will implement further restrictions
Algoma Public Health announced four COVID-related deaths Tuesday, and said it will implement further restrictions this week.
In addition to the deaths -- bringing the area's total to 14 fatalities since the beginning of the pandemic -- the health unit announced another 23 new cases Tuesday evening.
The medical officer of health for Algoma Public Health said in an interview that it would be announcing more restrictions later this week, to keep up with the highest rate of infection per 100,000 people in northeastern Ontario.
"They may come in the form of additional limits on gathering sizes," said Dr. Jennifer Loo. "We are also working very closely with our schools and other partners to look at better ways we can protect that younger population, as well."
As of Tuesday, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Algoma are more than 280, with 17 people hospitalized.
Sault Mayor Christian Provenzano said he's especially concerned by the trend, given that the region once had the lowest rate of infection in Ontario.
"Each of us need to get our individual contacts down and if we get our individual contacts down, we'll bring our collective cases down," Provenzano said.
He said he spoke with Loo and expressed his support, should the health unit decide further restrictions for the area are needed.
He's also encouraged by the fact that children aged 5-11 are now eligible to receive their vaccines.
"We will certainly be making sure my oldest daughter gets her vaccine," Provenzano said. "I think that will help keep kids in school safer."
On Nov. 30, vaccinated Canadians will be able to travel across the border for trips under 72 hours without needing a COVID-19 test to return home.
But with COVID-19 rates of infection throughout parts of northern Michigan similar or higher to that of Algoma, both the mayor and health unit are advising against travel.
"Unfortunately, vaccination rates are not as high over there compared to here," said Loo. "In many cases, the rules and the precautions that we're taking here may not be in place."
Loo advises extra diligence and to follow the same rules as if you were at home, should you decide on travelling into the U.S.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street
Trump hush money trial: Play-by-play on Day 2 of Stormy Daniels testimony
Adult film star Stormy Daniels took the stand for a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump's hush money case continues in Manhattan.
B.C. wildfires likely to spread with weekend temperatures expected to soar, province says
Wildfire and emergency management officials in British Columbia are urging residents to be prepared for increased fire activity as temperatures are expected to soar above 30 C in parts of the province this weekend.