Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Thursday:
401 new coronavirus cases in Ontario, total rises to 2,793 cases and 53 deaths
Ontario reported 401 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 2,793 cases. The province also confirmed 16 additional deaths for a total of 53.
It noted 831 people have recovered from COVID-19.
Ontario has tested 62,733 people so far and 2,052 are currently under investigation awaiting test results.
As of Thursday, 405 patients are hospitalized with the virus, 167 are in the ICU (intensive care unit) and 112 are in the ICU on a ventilator.
Status of cases in Toronto
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said as of Thursday afternoon, there were 727 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 170 probable cases.
It was estimated that 26 per cent of the cases were because of community spread.
Of the confirmed and probable cases, she said 39 of the 86 hospitalized Toronto residents were in ICU beds.
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Toronto to fine social distancing violators $5,000 -
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Toronto taking steps to protect seniors in long-term care -
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COVID-19 could mean more Toronto long-term rentals -
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Coronavirus: Families of residents at Toronto’s Seven Oaks Long-term Care Home say they’re terrified -
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Elevator etiquette in COVID-19 -
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TTC drivers’ union directs members to limit number of passengers on buses amid COVID-19 outbreak -
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Fertility treatments across Canada on hold as clinics shut down due to coronavirus pandemic -
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Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario health officials say COVID-19 projections will be ‘challenging’ -
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Coronavirus outbreak: Numerous businesses closed for being non-compliant with Emergency Act, mayor says
Two more long-term care home residents die in Durham Region
The Durham Region Health Department confirmed to Global News on Thursday that a third resident at Hillsdale Terraces Long-Term Care in Oshawa died from COVID-19.
Officials also said a resident at the Douglas Crossing Retirement Community in Uxbridge died from COVID-19.
As of Thursday afternoon, nine people in total in the region have died, 31 are in hospital, 118 are in home isolation and 15 have been deemed resolved.
READ MORE: Outbreak at Oshawa long-term care home worsens as another resident dies
Second Brampton resident dies from COVID-19
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Peel Public Health says a man in his 60s has died at Brampton Civic Hospital from COVID-19.
A statement released by Peel Region on Thursday said the man got the virus from a “close household contact.”
“This tragic passing in our community reminds all of us that we must take decisive action to stay home as much as possible,” Dr. Lawrence Loh, the region’s interim medical officer of health, said in the statement.
READ MORE: Peel Region reports 1st COVID-19-related death
Premier Doug Ford says health officials to release COVID-19 projections
Premier Doug Ford says he has instructed Ontario health officials to release their projection numbers on where the province is headed amid the coronavirus pandemic on Friday.
“They’re going to tell the public exactly what they’re telling me and it’s going to be very clear where we were, where we are now and where we could be if we don’t follow the chief medical officer’s protocol,” Ford said.
Toronto bylaw about physical distancing enacted
Toronto Mayor John Tory has signed a bylaw that will allow enforcement officers to issue tickets to those who are violating orders related to physical distancing.
As of Thursday and for 30 days, Tory said two or more residents who don’t live in the same household and are within two metres of each other can be ticketed.
The City of Toronto is waiting for permission to impose a set fine of $750. However, if ticketed and subsequently convicted, residents can face fines of up to $5,000.
READ MORE: Toronto mayor signs bylaw to enforce physical distancing at city parks, squares
Sixth Toronto police member tests positive for COVID-19
A sixth member from the Toronto police has tested positive, spokesperson Meaghan Gray confirmed to Global News on Thursday.
Gray said the six includes a person at the service’s headquarters, three from 14 Division, one from 23 Division and one from parking enforcement.
Police will not confirm how many of its members are in self-isolation, however, as that is not “in the best interest of community safety,” Gray said.
City of Toronto requesting 184 million pieces of personal protective equipment
Matthew Pegg, Toronto’s fire chief and general manager of emergency management, said the City of Toronto is in the process of asking for 184 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to last over several months.
He said the federal government is coordinating PPE purchases and the supply chain, providing the materials to the provinces.
The equipment is slated for Toronto police, firefighters, paramedics, the City’s long-term care homes, shelters and other frontline City programs.
Pegg said in consultation with Toronto’s medical officer of health, it was determined the City needs 66 million N95 respirators, 28.5 million surgical masks, 31.5 million protective gowns, 44.6 million disposable protective gloves, 4.5 million eye shields and other pieces of equipment.
“Our PPE needs assessment and corresponding supply chain requests are based upon the worst case, full pandemic scenario and assume a seven-month supply duration,” he said, noting the numbers are being revised as the situation evolves.
Pegg also said fake equipment is increasingly being entered into the global market.
“As a result, each level of government is having to take additional precautions and additional quality assurance checks before placing orders for, or accepting delivery of, PPE,” he said.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery temporarily closes due to crowding
Toronto Coun. Josh Matlow said Mount Pleasant Cemetery staff have closed the cemetery to the public.
“It was a very difficult decision for them to make,” he wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
“It was taken to protect public health, as too many people walking there were not adhering to safe physical distancing.”
Ontario attorney general announces funds for victims of crime
Ontario’s Attorney General announced $4 million to support victims of crime and frontline staff who “uphold the administration of justice” during the coronavirus pandemic.
Doug Downey said $2.7 million will go to support services that help victims of domestic violence and other crimes that happen during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ontario government announces $12M in virtual mental health supports
The Ontario government announced an investment of $12 million into virtual mental health supports amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Ford said the government has partnered with programs such as Kids Help Phone and Bounce Back to create new virtual supports.
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