Canada reports 1,070 new coronavirus cases as daily death toll lowers to 60

Canada recorded 1,070 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Monday, including 60 more deaths.

The new numbers bring Canada’s total confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths to 78,061 and 5,842, respectively.

More than 50 per cent of Canada’s coronavirus cases have recovered as well, with 39, 251 people declared virus-free as of May 18.

Both Quebec and Ontario reported the highest amounts of new cases and deaths once again.

Quebec, the epicentre of Canada’s coronavirus outbreak, announced 707 new cases and 34 new deaths on Monday.

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While infections and deaths in the province account for more than half of Canada’s total, Monday’s death toll was the province’s lowest increase in deaths since mid-April. The province’s death toll currently sits at 3,596.

Ontario, on the other hand, is set to go ahead with a limited reopening of its businesses this Tuesday, marking the first step to the province’s reopening plans that were initially announced last week.

The province announced 304 new cases and 23 more deaths from the coronavirus on Monday.

The issue of COVID-19 outbreaks at long-term care and seniors homes in both Quebec and Ontario was also brought to forefront.

According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care in Ontario, a total of 1,389 deaths have been reported among patients in long-term care homes across Ontario. A total of 189 outbreaks are still active in nursing home facilities across the province.

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Last week, chief public health officer Theresa Tam said that seniors accounted for more than 80 per cent of the country’s COVID-19 death toll.

Global News has also learned of additional members of the Canadian Armed Forces testing positive for the coronavirus while participating in the military’s operation to help long-term care homes in Quebec and Ontario.

A military source told Global News on Monday night that 14 CAF members that were a part of the military’s COVID-19 response operation — Operation Laser — tested positive for the coronavirus.

A further 43 members are also in self-isolation after possible exposure to the virus.

Other provinces also reported additional cases of the coronavirus as well.

British Columbia reported an increase in 16 cases over both Sunday and Monday, while Alberta announced 39 new infections.

Both Manitoba and Nova Scotia reported single-digit increases to their COVID-19 case totals.

Saskatchewan announced no new cases on Monday as well — the first time the province announced a zero increase since March 11.

— With files from Gabby Rodrigues