Algoma Public Health warns of increased risk of COVID-19 in the area
Officials at Algoma Public Health said Thursday that there is an alarming trend in high risk COVID-19 cases across Algoma over the past week.
Across the Algoma district, health unit officials said the weekly incidence of new high-risk cases has increased by more than 50 per cent.
"Early signals indicate increased transmission of COVID-19 in the region," the health unit said in a news release.
"Residents are reminded to continue to take the necessary precautions to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19."
There has also been an increase in hospitalizations and outbreaks in high-risk settings.
“To put ourselves in the best position to reduce COVID-19 transmission and this trend, it is recommended that we remain committed to practicing the COVID-19 precautions that have helped keep us safe throughout the pandemic,” Dr. John Tuinema, acting medical officer of health, said in the release.
“Although rising cases are not unexpected in the fall, we must continue to take precautions every day to protect those at home and in the community and to protect our healthcare resources, especially this thanksgiving weekend.”
It is important to note that while a previous COVID-19 infection may provide some degree of short-term immunity, immunity does decrease over time and a person’s risk of severe illness may also increase with each re-infection. With the Omicron sub-variants circulating in Algoma, vaccination continues to be one of the best ways to protect ourselves from severe illness, hospitalization, and death, especially if at higher-risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection (from Public Health Ontario).
To minimize the risk, Algoma Public Health suggests staying up-to-date on vaccinations, keeping indoor spaces well ventilated, physical distancing, handwashing, wearing a well-fitted mask in indoors or crowded spaces (including outdoors) and rapid antigen testing and screening for symptoms.
There are vaccine opportunities available in the region, if you live in Sault Ste. Marie and area, Central and East Algoma, please visit review avaialable vaccine clinics in Algoma.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.