COVID-19 restrictions are tightening for Algoma amid a continued rise in cases.
As of today, anyone twelve or older will be required to provide proof of full vaccination to actively participate in organized sports unless a medical exemption applies - a similar requirement took effect for the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts at the start of the month.
It's the latest restriction to be imposed for the region amid rising case counts, with Algoma Public Health Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Loo legally ordering anyone in Algoma who has confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection - or who is identified as a close contact - to follow isolation requirements and other public health direction or face a fine of $750 or up to $5000 a day.
Loo also required businesses and organizations in Sault Ste. Marie - where most of Algoma's cases are located - to reinstate recently lifted provincial capacity limits and physical distancing requirements - as well as strengthened masking requirements for indoor and outdoor organized public events - a move that happened to Greater Sudbury last week.
As of Thursday, Algoma Public Health had 209 "active" cases - including fifteen in hospital - more than a quarter of the 767 cases the health unit had reported since the pandemic began.
Public Health Sudbury and Districts - on the other hand - has seen "active" cases declining since it started reimposing restrictions, dropping to 227 as of Thursday afternoon, though it has also reported four COVID-19-related deaths over the last ten days.