Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Tuesday:
387 new coronavirus cases, 61 deaths in Ontario as total cases rise to 18,310
Ontario reported 387 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 18,310 cases.
The death toll has risen to 1,361 as 61 more deaths were reported.
Meanwhile, 12,779 people have recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, which is 69.8 per cent of cases.
Greater Toronto Area public health units account for 60.4 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 Tuesday afternoon, there were 5,809 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 639 probable cases.
Of the confirmed and probable cases, she said 105 of the 394 hospitalized Toronto residents were in ICU beds.
To date, de Villa said 469 Toronto residents have died of COVID-19.
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Coronavirus: Toronto-area gyms looking at reopening plans -
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Early analysis of Toronto COVID-19 cases suggest connection between severity and demographics -
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Amazon employee says some workers not told about workplace COVID-19 case -
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Markham greenhouse closed down for ‘operating illegally’ although business considered essential -
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100-year-old Mississauga woman survives COVID-19 -
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Coronavirus: Ontario midwives not included in ‘pandemic pay’ list -
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Whitby seamstress making PPE for frontline workers and the hearing impaired
4 COVID-19 outbreaks at Toronto Western Hospital
Toronto Western Hospital has seen four outbreaks of COVID-19 dating back to April 18, affecting multiple staff members and patients.
A University of Health spokesperson confirmed the outbreaks to Global News on Tuesday.
“We had an outbreak on 4B which was declared on April 18,” said Gillian Howard. “On April 30, we declared outbreaks on 8A, 8B and 3B.”
“Response to the outbreaks include repeated deep cleaning of the units, testing of all staff working on the units and all patients on the units,” she said.
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Maple Lodge Farms confirms 1st coronavirus case at Brampton facility
Maple Lodge Farms says an employee at its Brampton, Ont. plant has tested positive for coronavirus.
“Given the prevalence of the virus in our communities and the large number of people we employ, we were prepared for this eventuality,” Maple Lodge Farms said in a statement on their website dated May 4.
Maple Lodge Farms said Peel Public Health was notified and an in-depth investigation and risk assessment took place with the Canada Food Inspection Agency.
“Based on the findings of the investigation, Peel Public Health provides directions to MLF as to what actions must be taken, which we have followed very closely, in addition to implementing any extra precautionary measures we deem necessary,” the statement continued.
Toronto Public Health to gather socio-economic data as part of COVID-19 screening
Toronto’s medical officer of health says public health (TPH) staff will be gathering socio-economic data from those who test positive for coronavirus in better understand who is being impacted by the virus.
Dr. Eileen de Villa said on Tuesday that a high-level review of area data in Toronto has found higher rates of coronavirus and hospitalization in areas where there is high unemployment, immigrants and lower income, adding those same areas might be disproportionately being impacted.
She said currently it’s difficult “to get a complete picture” of the impacts based on the existing area-level data.
At some point in the near future after the TPH database is updated, de Villa said those with COVID-19 will be asked questions about race, income, household size and their First Nations status.
Mount Pleasant cemetery looking to reopen day before and after Mother’s Day
Mayor John Tory said the group that oversees Mount Pleasant cemetery is looking to reopen the day before and the day after Mother’s Day.
He said he and local Coun. Josh Matlow have had discussions with the group.
If approved, visitors would need to adhere to provincial orders on physical distancing and limiting the number of people from gathering at one particular site.
Ford says some local medical officers falling behind on testing
Premier Doug Ford says some of the province’s local medical officers are falling behind on coronavirus testing, as the number of tests completed in Ontario has fallen for a second consecutive day.
“I was on here the last few days saying they’re doing a great job, they were hitting 17,000 consistently and then all of a sudden you come in and you see the 10,000,” Ford said.
“There’s certain medical officers in certain jurisdictions — now keep in mind we have 34 chief medical officers across the province — some just aren’t performing. I’m calling them out right now. You’ve got to pick up the pace.”
Ford’s comments come one day after he touted the province’s testing numbers, saying they passed an “important milestone.”
Ontario government expands mental health services
The Ontario government says it has expanded virtual mental health service to help those suffering throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
The expansion is a part of the $12 million the provincial government previously announced toward mental health services.
The funding will include internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy, support for frontline health care workers and virutal mental health support services.
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