In national news, the federal government announced $650 million in aid for Indigenous peoples Friday, with more than $280 million earmarked for healthcare resources and surge capacity for First Nation and Inuit communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following is a breakdown of Friday’s funding announcement:
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$285.1 million for healthcare resources and surge capacity in First Nation and Inuit communities
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$270 million to supplement the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
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$44.8 million over five years to build 12 shelters for Indigenous women and children, with $10.2 million in shelter support annually after five years
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$1 million towards Métis anti-violence projects
Also on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded to media questions surrounding refunds for airline tickets amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In provincial news, Ontario released its new COVID-19 testing strategy Friday, which will see testing expanded to include asymptomatic people. Video of the full announcement can be found here.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says that a staged reopening of the economy by region is currently being discussed at the provincial level. Watch the announcement here.
Ontario reported 344 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, along with 41 deaths and 310 recoveries.
In local news, The City of Sault Ste. Marie opened up ball diamonds and soccer fields to the public Friday. They will open for casual use only, and not for team play. Users are being reminded that groups under five can use the fields but must maintain physical distancing at all times.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 6,991 tested
- 21 positive
- 6,399 negative
- 571 pending
- 0 deceased
- 20 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 17 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 1 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area
- 0 in north Algoma