Ontario confirmed 24 new cases of novel coronavirus in the province on Saturday, raising the provincial total to 103.
It is the highest daily increase in Ontario since the outbreak began. Of the 103 cases, five are resolved.
Many of the new cases involve people with international travel history, though the transmission source for 16 of them is listed as “pending.”
Some of the international destinations listed include the U.S., Egypt, Portugal and Spain, Asia, and a Caribbean cruise.
All of the new cases are reported to be in self-isolation.
The majority of them are in southern Ontario, with nine in Toronto, one in Peel Region, three in Durham Region, one in Halton, and one in Hamilton.
Others were reported in Middlesex-London, Waterloo, Huron-Perth, Ottawa, and the Kawartha area.
On Friday, the province confirmed 19 new cases of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health recommended the immediate suspension of all large events and gatherings of over 250 people.
The federal government also recommended on Friday that Canadians avoid all international travel amid concerns involving the pandemic.
Concerned about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials say the risk is very low for Canadians, but have advised against any non-essential travel (latest travel advice can be found here). If you have traveled, they recommend you self-monitor to see whether you develop symptoms and if you do, to contact public health authorities.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing – very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. And if you get sick, stay at home.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.