Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Thursday:
399 new coronavirus cases, 48 deaths in Ontario as total case number rises to 19,121
Ontario reported 399 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Thursday, bringing the provincial total to 19,121 cases.
The death toll has risen to 1,477, as 48 more deaths were reported.
Meanwhile, 13,569 people have recovered from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, which is 71 per cent of cases.
Greater Toronto Area public health units account for 60.8 per cent of all cases in the province.
Status of COVID-19 cases in Toronto
During the Thursday update held by officials, Toronto’s medical officer of health didn’t provide an updated breakdown of hospitalizations as well as confirmed and probable cases.
According to the most recent data on the Toronto Public Health (TPH) website Thursday evening, there were 2,028 active cases and 4,364 resolved cases of COVID-19. TPH also reported 522 people died after contracting the virus.
Of the 397 residents currently in hospital, 102 were being treated in ICU.
Increase of COVID-19 cases at 2 Toronto child care centres
The City of Toronto announced an increase in positive COVID-19 cases at two child care facilities as proactive coronavirus testing of staff at all centres providing care for children of essential workers.
As of Thursday morning, officials said seven children and 13 staff at the Jesse Ketchum Child Care Centre have tested positive for the virus. The centre was closed on April 29 for two weeks.
At the Falstaff Child Care Centre, a staff member has tested positive for the virus. No children at the facility are showing symptoms, officials said. A room where the staff member worked was closed.
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Google affiliate Sidewalk Labs announced that it will no longer be pursuing the long-criticized Toronto waterfront development, after spending years and millions of dollars on the proposal.
Dan Doctoroff, Sidewalk Labs CEO, confirmed the company is walking away from the smart city project in a press release on Thursday, saying due to world events, it became too difficult to make the project “financially viable” without sacrificing key parts of the project.
Canadian Armed Forces says about 265 personnel in GTA long-term care homes
The Canadian Armed Forces says roughly 265 medical and support personnel are now serving five long-term care homes across the Greater Toronto Area.
The homes include Eatonville Care Centre in Etobicoke, Altamont Care Community in Scarborough, Hawthorne Place in North York, Orchard Villa in Pickering and Holland Christian Homes Grace Manor in Brampton.
The military personnel have been in long-term care homes since April 28.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery reopens Thursday, but closed on Mother’s Day
A spokesperson for the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto says they are reopening their gates starting Thursday, but will be closed on Mother’s Day.
“The decision to remain closed on Mother’s Day was a difficult one and one that the Bereavement Authority of Ontario is recommending all cemeteries in Ontario follow,” the spokesperson told Global News in an email.
“We know how important Mother’s Day is to the families we serve. It is also the busiest visitation day for our cemeteries, drawing large crowds,” the statement continued.
The cemetery will be open for visitors Monday to Saturday between 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday’s from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (excluding Mother’s Day).
“The fight against COVID-19 is not over and we must remain diligent to ensure everyone is practicing proper physical distancing and taking all safety precautions as we gradually move towards the pre-COVID-19 norms.”
Mississauga long-term care home experiencing large COVID-19 outbreak
A spokesperson for Camilla Care Community in Mississauga confirmed to Global News that it was experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19.
There are currently 62 residents who have tested positive for the virus and 34 staff members in isolation. To date, 43 residents and 10 staff members have recovered.
However, 48 residents have died after testing positive for the virus.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families for their loss. Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this time,” a statement from the home read.
“We are grateful for the support of Trillium Health Partners who are providing additional resources and expertise and, together with public health authorities, are helping to proactively test all residents and team members.”
Worker dies, 25 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Brampton poultry plant
A worker has died and more than two dozen people are sick amid an outbreak of COVID-19 at the Maple Lodge Farms poultry processing plant in Brampton, Ont., one of the largest chicken slaughterhouses in Canada.
The union representing workers at the plant confirmed that an employee died this week after becoming infected with the virus.
“On behalf of the members and staff at the Union, I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the member who passed away,” said Shawn Haggerty, President of UFCW Local 175, in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time, as well as with the other members at the plant who are also dealing with their own COVID-19 diagnoses.”
—With files from Andrew Russell
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