Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Thursday:
Ontario reports 483 new coronavirus cases, total rises to 5,759 and 200 deaths
Ontario reported 483 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday and 26 more deaths, bringing the provincial total to 5,759 cases.
The death toll has risen to 200.
However, provincial officials also reported that 2,305 patients have recovered from the virus, which is 40 per cent of all cases.
Greater Toronto Area public health units account for 52.5 per cent of all cases in the province.
Status of COVID-19 cases in Toronto
Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said as of Wednesday afternoon, there were 1,519 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 250 probable cases.
Of the confirmed and probable cases, she said 76 of the 174 hospitalized Toronto residents were in ICU beds.
To date, 54 Toronto residents have died from COVID-19.
Mon Sheong Home for the Aged in Toronto confirms COVID-19 outbreak: 18 cases, 4 deaths
Mon Sheong Home for the Aged confirmed on Thursday that 16 residents and two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19, as well as four deaths related to the virus.
The long-term care home, located on D’Arcy Street near University Avenue and Dundas Street West in Toronto, said it enacted “outbreak control” protocols when it first only had three cases confirmed on April 4, but that the situation “aggravated quickly.”
“D’Arcy Home discovered several residents with fever in late March and immediately conducted swab testing for residents exhibiting COVID-19 related symptoms,” they said in a statement.
Numerous “home isolation” protocols were put in place and staff members have been in close contact with resident’s families for updates.
“Since staff members that have been confirmed positive or are unwell are required to isolate, staffing is currently a challenge,” they said, adding that personal protective equipment has become limited and is asking for community donations.
Brampton hospital worker dies from COVID-19
A worker at Brampton Civic Hospital has died due to complications from coronavirus, according to a statement issued by the William Osler Health System.
“The health care worker, a long-time environmental services associate with Osler’s Brampton Civic Hospital, was being cared for in Brampton Civic Hospital’s intensive care unit,” the health organization said on Thursday.
“Our entire organization is devastated by this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”
COVID-19 outbreak declared at Mississauga Hospital
Trillium Health Partners has declared a coronavirus outbreak at Mississauga Hospital as seven staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a statement issued by the hospital on Thursday, the workers in medicine unit 4B tested positive between March 26 and Sunday.
“Our initial investigation suggests staff members acquired COVID-19 in the community and from other sources at different times. We are taking this situation very seriously,” the statement said.
Toronto unveils mental health strategy in response to COVID-19
The City of Toronto announced it is partnering with several community organizations as part of a mental health strategy.
“Measures put in place over the past three weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19 have created stress and anxiety for many individuals, which may be compounded by financial loss and loss of critical supports,” City officials said in a statement on Thursday.
“The City considers mental health support services to be essential for residents during this time.”
For more information on free resources, click here.
Ontario health officials unveil new coronavirus testing guidelines
Ontario health officials unveiled new testing guidelines and criteria Thursday in the wake of the worsening coronaviurs pandemic.
The new guidelines, according to health officials, are for vulnerable populations, including healthcare workers, caregivers, and first responders.
They were announced just a day after Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the province’s low testing numbers “unacceptable.” Though the province is able to conduct upwards of 13,000 tests a day, health officials have been lagging well behind that target.
Ontario announces economic recovery plans after coronavirus pandemic ends
The provincial government announced the “Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee,” which will aim to help the economy recover after the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
The committee will focus on “getting businesses up and running and people back to work,” according to a press release.
Mayor John Tory, high-profile athletes team up for #StayHomeTO video
Mayor John Tory, along with several high-profile athletes have come together to release a video encouraging Torontonians to stay home to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“In a time when a lot of us are scared, it’s important to remember who we are,” Tory narrates over shots of an empty Nathan Phillips Square and Maple Leafs Square among other usually popular Toronto spots.
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