COVID-19 Updates 2020
As of December 21, 2020 The Ontario Government and health officials have introduced a provincewide shutdown to be in effect as of December 26, 2020 at 12:01am. The shutdown is planned for 14 days in Northern Ontario and 28 days for Sothern Ontario. The shutdown is subjected to extensions depending on increases in positive cases.
All elementary and secondary students in Algoma will learn remotely starting January 4, 2021 and return to in-person instruction January 11, 2021. Subject to extensions if numbers spike.
The restrictions are as followed:
As of November 3, 2020 Ontario entered in to a colour coded prevention system. Algoma Public health is currently in colour green - prevent. for a full break down of what each colour means please visit here.
As of October 13, 2020 All workplaces must put the necessary measures in place to protect the health of their workers and the public. The Provincial government has enacted legislation regarding mandatory masking. The key differences between the provincial regulation and APH's instructions for face covering are:
As of October 6, 2020 all COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be moving to appointment-based testing only.
As of October 5, 2020 applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) open as of this morning. The CRCB allow those who are forced to miss work to care for loved ones at home to receive $500/week. This includes:
As of October 3, 2020 the Ford government making masks mandatory across the province weather or not your region has already put it in place or not.
A news release issued by the province states that starting Saturday it is, "Pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two meters physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household."
As of September 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments such as nightclubs are banned from selling alcohol after 11 p.m. Alcohol is not allowed to be consumed on their premises between midnight and 9 a.m. The businesses must also be closed by midnight and stay closed until 5 a.m., except for takeout and delivery.
As of September 25, 2020 you can get tested for COVID-19 at select pharmacies if you are not showing symptoms and eligible for testing as part of a targeted
As of September 24, 2020 Ontarians should only seek testing at assessment centres if you are:
As of September 19 the Ontario Government has reduced the size of unmonitored private gatherings to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. This is in light of the spike of positive cases over the past week. - Ontario News
As of August 31, 2020 small business owners or charities can apply for CEAP funding, customers should contact their energy provider. Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs) will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on
As of July 30, 2020 the Ford government has set out new guidelines for children returning to school in the fall. K-8 Students will be in class 5 days a week and sit, eat, and social distance play together. 9-12 Students will have alternate timetables allowing for a 50% in person attendance. Those students when working from home will still be connected to there classrooms virtually. All in person instruction is voluntary to ensure everyone is staying safe and comfortable. https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-reopening-schools
As of July 17, 2020 masks will be required to when entering all public spaces across Algoma. We will also enter in to Stage 3 reopening. this will allow for outdoor gatherings of 100 people and indoor gatherings of 50 people. There are select business that will be allowed to reopen such as: Dine in restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, casinos, team sports, tours and guided services, and live shows. Parks and playgrounds will also reopen, social distancing applies. We also suggest to sanitize before and after use.
As of July 16, 2020 most emergency orders in Ontario have been extended to July 29, 2020 and the state of emergency has been extended until July 24, 2020.
As of July 9, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till July 22, 2020
As of July 7, 2020 introduced legislation to enable the extension of some pandemic emergency orders over the next year. This bill will allow the Ontario government to make quick decisions to extend or change public health measures as things begin to change and develop.
As of June 24, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till July 15, 2020.
As of June 12, 2020 the Algoma Region is allowed to move on to stage 2 reopening. This will allow for group sizes to be increased to 10 people and for many things to reopen as long as they can follow physical distancing. Businesses that are allowed to open: Patios, malls, splash pads, campgrounds, and hair salons to name a few.
For a full list visit: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-permits-more-businesses-and-services-to-reopen-in-the-coming-days.html
As of June 5, 2020 short term stay rentals are allowed to reopen. Lodges, cabins, cottages, homes, condominiums and bed-and-breakfast.
As of June 2, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till June 30, 2020.
As of May 27, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till June 9, 2020. This means that the closure listed will still be in effect: outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery. Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters.
As of May 19, 2020 It has been announced that students will not be going back to school for the 2019- 2020 year.
The following are allowed to open, while practicing physical distancing guidelines:
As of May 16, 2020 The fire Ban has been lifted as of 12:01 am
The following are allowed to open while practicing physical distancing guidelines:
As of May 12, 2020 the state of emergency has been extended till June 2, 2020.
As of May 9, 2020 seasonal and hardware store are able to open for walk in purchases
As of May 1, 2020 Premier Ford announced that on Monday May 4, 2020 the Provence will allow for some business to open as long as they can follow Health and Safety Guidelines.
The listed businesses are as followed:
Seasonal businesses and services, essential construction projects, Marinas & golf courses can prepare for season. More details can be found here.
As of April 6, 2020 All marinas and boat launches are closed until further notice required by Ontario‘s emergency order due to COVID-19 pandemic.
As of April 3, 2020 There is a provincial wide fire band on until further notice. Under the ban you cannot have an outdoor fire period, including the burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit. For more information please visit :
https://www.ontario.ca/data/restricted-fire-zone-rfirezon
As of March 31,2020 the Ontario Government has closed all communal or shared, outdoor recreational amenities, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, beaches, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, and other outdoor recreational amenities.
As of March 23, 2020 the Pavilion is now closed due to COVID-19.
As of March 18, 2020 The Office will be closed to the public until further notice. There will be no rink or hall rentals at this time.
As of March 14, 2020 The EarlyON Centre and Library are both closed. All group activities have been cancelled. The constituency meeting with MPP Michael Mantha, for March 17th in Prince, has been cancelled. Please limit any visits to the municipal building to essential services. Payments can be done electronically or dropped in the locked mailbox on the wall beside the entrance doors. Please call for further information: 705-779-2992.
All elementary and secondary students in Algoma will learn remotely starting January 4, 2021 and return to in-person instruction January 11, 2021. Subject to extensions if numbers spike.
The restrictions are as followed:
- indoor organized public events and social gatherings, except with members of the same household (the people you live with). Individuals who live alone may consider having exclusive close contact with one other household.
- Prohibiting in-person shopping in most retail settings - curbside pickup and delivery can continue. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries will be limited to 25 per cent capacity for in-store shopping. Supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food, as well as pharmacies, will continue to operate at 50 per cent capacity for in-store shopping.
- Restricting indoor access to shopping malls - patrons may only go to a designated indoor pickup area (by appointment only), essential retail stores that are permitted to be open (e.g. pharmacy, grocery store), or, subject to physical distancing and face covering requirements, to the food court for takeout purchases. Shopping malls may also establish outdoor designated pickup areas.
- Prohibiting indoor and outdoor dining. Restaurants, bars and other food or drink establishments will be permitted to operate by take out, drive-through, and delivery only.
As of November 3, 2020 Ontario entered in to a colour coded prevention system. Algoma Public health is currently in colour green - prevent. for a full break down of what each colour means please visit here.
As of October 13, 2020 All workplaces must put the necessary measures in place to protect the health of their workers and the public. The Provincial government has enacted legislation regarding mandatory masking. The key differences between the provincial regulation and APH's instructions for face covering are:
- In indoor employee areas, if a distance of 2m (6 feet) cannot be guaranteed between employees, employees must wear a face mask of face covering. The mask must cover the mouth, nose and chin with out gaping.
- Plexiglass is no longer identified as an exemption to wearing a mask/face covering. Therefore in indoor public areas staff behind plexiglass are now required to wear a mask/face covering. Plexiglass offers an additional layer of protection and should still remain in place.
As of October 6, 2020 all COVID-19 Assessment Centres will be moving to appointment-based testing only.
As of October 5, 2020 applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) open as of this morning. The CRCB allow those who are forced to miss work to care for loved ones at home to receive $500/week. This includes:
- a child under age 12 due to the closures of schools or daycares because of COVID-19
- a family member with a disability or a dependent because their day program or care facility is closed due to COVID-19
- a child, a family member with a disability, or a dependent who is not attending school, daycare, or other care facilities under the advice of a medical professional due to being at high-risk if they contract COVID-19
As of October 3, 2020 the Ford government making masks mandatory across the province weather or not your region has already put it in place or not.
A news release issued by the province states that starting Saturday it is, "Pausing social circles and advising that all Ontarians allow close contact only with people living in their own household and maintain two meters physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household."
As of September 26, 2020 at 12:01 a.m., restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments such as nightclubs are banned from selling alcohol after 11 p.m. Alcohol is not allowed to be consumed on their premises between midnight and 9 a.m. The businesses must also be closed by midnight and stay closed until 5 a.m., except for takeout and delivery.
As of September 25, 2020 you can get tested for COVID-19 at select pharmacies if you are not showing symptoms and eligible for testing as part of a targeted
As of September 24, 2020 Ontarians should only seek testing at assessment centres if you are:
- Showing COVID-19 symptoms;
- Have been exposed to a confirmed case of the virus, as informed by your public health unit or exposure notification through the COVID Alert app;
- A resident or work in a setting that has a COVID-19 outbreak, as identified and informed by your local public health unit; and
- Eligible for testing as part of a targeted testing initiative directed by the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Long-Term Care.
As of September 19 the Ontario Government has reduced the size of unmonitored private gatherings to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. This is in light of the spike of positive cases over the past week. - Ontario News
As of August 31, 2020 small business owners or charities can apply for CEAP funding, customers should contact their energy provider. Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs) will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on
As of July 30, 2020 the Ford government has set out new guidelines for children returning to school in the fall. K-8 Students will be in class 5 days a week and sit, eat, and social distance play together. 9-12 Students will have alternate timetables allowing for a 50% in person attendance. Those students when working from home will still be connected to there classrooms virtually. All in person instruction is voluntary to ensure everyone is staying safe and comfortable. https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-reopening-schools
As of July 17, 2020 masks will be required to when entering all public spaces across Algoma. We will also enter in to Stage 3 reopening. this will allow for outdoor gatherings of 100 people and indoor gatherings of 50 people. There are select business that will be allowed to reopen such as: Dine in restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, casinos, team sports, tours and guided services, and live shows. Parks and playgrounds will also reopen, social distancing applies. We also suggest to sanitize before and after use.
As of July 16, 2020 most emergency orders in Ontario have been extended to July 29, 2020 and the state of emergency has been extended until July 24, 2020.
As of July 9, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till July 22, 2020
As of July 7, 2020 introduced legislation to enable the extension of some pandemic emergency orders over the next year. This bill will allow the Ontario government to make quick decisions to extend or change public health measures as things begin to change and develop.
As of June 24, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till July 15, 2020.
As of June 12, 2020 the Algoma Region is allowed to move on to stage 2 reopening. This will allow for group sizes to be increased to 10 people and for many things to reopen as long as they can follow physical distancing. Businesses that are allowed to open: Patios, malls, splash pads, campgrounds, and hair salons to name a few.
For a full list visit: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-permits-more-businesses-and-services-to-reopen-in-the-coming-days.html
As of June 5, 2020 short term stay rentals are allowed to reopen. Lodges, cabins, cottages, homes, condominiums and bed-and-breakfast.
As of June 2, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till June 30, 2020.
As of May 27, 2020 the State of emergency has been extended till June 9, 2020. This means that the closure listed will still be in effect: outdoor playgrounds, play structures and equipment, public swimming pools and outdoor water facilities, as well as bars and restaurants except for takeout and delivery. Additionally, there continues to be restrictions on social gatherings of more than five people, and staff redeployment rules remain in place for long-term care homes and congregate settings like retirement homes and women's shelters.
As of May 19, 2020 It has been announced that students will not be going back to school for the 2019- 2020 year.
The following are allowed to open, while practicing physical distancing guidelines:
- Retail services that are not in shopping malls and have separate street-front entrances with measures in place that can enable physical distancing.
- Seasonal businesses and recreational activities for individual or single competitors, including training and sport competitions conducted by a recognized national or provincial sport organization. This includes indoor and outdoor non-team sport competitions that can be played while maintaining physical distancing and without spectators.
- Animal services, specifically pet care services, such as grooming and training, and regular veterinary appointments.
- Indoor and outdoor household services that can follow public health guidelines, such as housekeepers, cooks, cleaning and maintenance.
- Lifting essential workplace limits on construction.
As of May 16, 2020 The fire Ban has been lifted as of 12:01 am
The following are allowed to open while practicing physical distancing guidelines:
- Golf courses will be able to open, with clubhouses open only for washrooms and restaurants open only for take-out.
- Marinas, boat clubs and public boat launches may open for recreational use.
- Private parks and campgrounds may open to enable preparation for the season and to allow access for trailers and recreational vehicles whose owners have a full season contract.
- Businesses that board animals, such as stables, may allow boarders to visit, care for or ride their animal.
As of May 12, 2020 the state of emergency has been extended till June 2, 2020.
As of May 9, 2020 seasonal and hardware store are able to open for walk in purchases
As of May 1, 2020 Premier Ford announced that on Monday May 4, 2020 the Provence will allow for some business to open as long as they can follow Health and Safety Guidelines.
The listed businesses are as followed:
Seasonal businesses and services, essential construction projects, Marinas & golf courses can prepare for season. More details can be found here.
As of April 6, 2020 All marinas and boat launches are closed until further notice required by Ontario‘s emergency order due to COVID-19 pandemic.
As of April 3, 2020 There is a provincial wide fire band on until further notice. Under the ban you cannot have an outdoor fire period, including the burning of grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fireplace or fire pit. For more information please visit :
https://www.ontario.ca/data/restricted-fire-zone-rfirezon
As of March 31,2020 the Ontario Government has closed all communal or shared, outdoor recreational amenities, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, beaches, picnic areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, and other outdoor recreational amenities.
As of March 23, 2020 the Pavilion is now closed due to COVID-19.
As of March 18, 2020 The Office will be closed to the public until further notice. There will be no rink or hall rentals at this time.
As of March 14, 2020 The EarlyON Centre and Library are both closed. All group activities have been cancelled. The constituency meeting with MPP Michael Mantha, for March 17th in Prince, has been cancelled. Please limit any visits to the municipal building to essential services. Payments can be done electronically or dropped in the locked mailbox on the wall beside the entrance doors. Please call for further information: 705-779-2992.
