Premier Doug Ford Covid-19 lockdown

Ontario reports 700 new COVID-19 cases as calls for return to Stage 2 increase

by Nisean Lorde for Post City Posted: September 28, 2020

Ontario has reported an increase of 700 confirmed COVID-19 cases — a major jump from the 491 cases reported Sunday. The number represents a new record for daily cases in the province, surpassing the previous record of 640 cases reported on April 24 during the peak of the first wave. One new death and an increase of 331 resolved cases were also reported.

According to public health authorities, there were more than 41,000 tests processed on Sunday.  The majority of new cases are concentrated in four areas and in people under the age of 40:

  • Toronto (344 new cases)
  • Peel (104 new cases)
  • Ottawa (89 new cases)
  • York Region (56 new cases)

 

 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is taking steps to curb the spread of the virus. On Friday, he announced that all strip clubs must shut down and that bars and restaurants must stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m., and close by midnight (with exception to take-out and delivery).

“Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments, including strip clubs, with most cases in the 20-39 age group,” Ford said in a press conference, adding that the new restrictions are precautionary and won’t be forever.

Earlier this month, social gathering limits in COVID hot spots — Toronto, Peel Region, and Ottawa — were lowered to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. These limits were then extended to all regions across the province.

Under the new amendments to the Reopening Ontario Act, it would be considered an offence to host or organize a gathering in residential premises or other prescribed premises that exceeds the limits under an order. Hosts who break these rules will be charged, at minimum $10,000; individuals who show up to these social gatherings can be fined $750.

Even with new measures in place, some are asking the province to make COVID hot spots, such as Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa, to return to Stage 2 of the provincial reopening plan.

“With Ontario reporting 700 new #COVID19 infections today, the OHA is calling on @ONGov to intensify public health measures in Toronto, the GTA and Ottawa. At this rate, hospitals are facing a direct threat to their ability to continue delivering high-quality care,” the Ontario Hospital Association wrote in a statement.

 

 

 

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