The Algoma health district, which includes Sault Ste. Marie, is re-imposing capacity limits and face mask requirements, to head off rising COVID-19 infections.
The area’s public health officer says the infection rate is the highest it’s been since the start of the pandemic.
Algoma joins the Sudbury health unit in reinstating some controls.
Algoma’s rate of new COVID-19 cases is among the highest in Ontario at this time.
As of November 14th, there are 155 active cases in Algoma, with 14 hospitalizations.
In response to rapidly rising COVID-19 cases in Algoma, and especially in the municipality of Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma Public Health is taking further action to curb the spread of the virus and protect the health system capacity.
Algoma’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Jennifer Loo, with the support of the provincial Chief Medical Officer of Health, is taking the following three actions:
Legally ordering anyone in Algoma who has a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection, or who is identified as close contact, to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction.
Those aged 12 years and older in Algoma must now provide proof of identification and vaccination if they are entering an indoor facility to actively participate in, coach, officiate, volunteer or spectate organized sports.
Sault Ste Marie businesses and organizations will also reinstate recently lifted provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements and strengthen masking requirements both indoors and outdoors.