Supplied…
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (2020 04 17) – Mayor Christian Provenzano offered the following statement on the confirmation of the community spread of COVID-19 in the Algoma District:

“I have been asked over the past week whether it is time to lift some of the COVID-19 restrictions. The people who have asked point to the low number of positive COVID-19 test results in the Algoma District relative to the region, province and country. To be clear, the test results are not, in any way, an indication that we can let up on our efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. The test results are an indication that we need to stay committed to and follow the advice of our public health professionals. That advice, put simply, is this:
” Wash your hands and avoid touching your face;
” If you have COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate;
” If you do not have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home;
” If you have to go out, practice physical distancing.

Yesterday, Algoma Public Health confirmed evidence of community spread. While we knew the virus was in our community, we now know that it is travelling through our community. It is more critical than ever that we follow the advice of our public health professionals. If we follow their advice, we slow the spread of the virus and keep ourselves, our loved ones and each other safer.

I have been impressed by the effort, care and kindness shown across our community and I am confident in our collective ability to keep focused on our immediate goal. Let’s stay committed and continue to slow the spread of COVID-19 together. Follow our public health professionals’ advice: wash your hands, avoid touching your face and #StayHomeSSM.”