Ontario reported 1,855 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, a 25.5% increase from the day before and a record-high in the province. There were also 1,451 resolved cases (an increase of 6.3% compared to the previous day), and an increase of 20 deaths (a reduction of 4.8% compared to the previous day). The highest numbers were recorded in the usual hot spots:
- 517 new cases in Peel
- 494 new cases in Toronto
- 189 new cases in York Region
- 130 new cases in Halton
In a press conference on Friday, provincial ministers noted that the higher numbers were expected due to celebrations that took place in recent weeks, and suggested that it would be about two weeks before we see visible effects on the case numbers as a result of the lockdowns imposed in Toronto and Peel.
Also at the press conference, retired general Rick Hillier, who is in charge of Ontario’s vaccine rollout taskforce, talked about when Ontarians can expect to receive vaccines.
“It was my duty to agree to the premier’s request to lead the task force in this war to defeat COVID-19,” Hillier said. “We will be ready as of December 31, 2020, to receive the vaccine, no matter when it arrives, and to ensure the people of Ontario are vaccinated.”
Premier Ford, Minister @celliottability, and General Rick Hillier make an Announcement https://t.co/E97670pmoH
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) November 27, 2020
Also concerning the vaccines, Premier Doug Ford called on Prime Minister Trudeau to “to provide certainty” that the contracts signed are “rock solid” and that Ottawa will provide detailed information to support provincial planning, including when, how much, and what type of each vaccine we’re getting.
“The sooner we get a vaccine, the sooner we can offer that added protection for our frontline staff and most vulnerable, take the pressure off of our hospitals, and begin to return life to normal,” Ford said at Friday’s press conference.
Reaction to the latest announcement has been mixed across social media with some chiming in about the vaccine situation and others citing the cross-boundary shopping for Black Friday deals at malls such as Vaughan Mills.
@fordnation stop distracting the people of Ontario with the vaccines !!! Talk about 1855 covid numbers! And the open schools and the closed small business,!!!!!! https://t.co/H3B8pucsu7
— susana (@pirikebela) November 27, 2020
Making announcements about a vaccine that isn’t approved yet & angry that you can’t get @JustinTrudeau to look into his crystal ball and tell you when a safe vaccine will be ready – cart before the horse #onpoli
— lcs (@lcsh72) November 27, 2020
Way to go Doug! I voted for you and I am happy I did. Your news conference today was GREAT.
— Rocky’s mom (@hollyharpers) November 27, 2020
Instead of lining up at Vaughan Mills, support local small businesses this #BlackFriday with many great suggestions below!?? #BlackFriday2020 https://t.co/N4QfIa23OP
— Dr. Jennifer Kwan (@jkwan_md) November 27, 2020
Click here for more info on lockdown restrictions in Toronto and Peel.
