Here is a roundup of the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Saturday:
Ontario reports 266 new cases as death toll surpasses 2,500
Ontario reported 266 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday, bringing the provincial total to 31,992.
This is the sixth day in a row with under 300 new cases reported, though it’s higher than Friday which saw 182 cases.
Nine new deaths were also announced Saturday, bringing the total fatalities attributed to the virus in the province to 2,507.
A total of 26,538 cases are considered resolved, which makes up 83 per cent of all confirmed cases.
Status of cases in Toronto
There are currently 13,236 cases of COVID-19 in Toronto, an increase of 87 since Friday.
A total of 10,831 people have recovered from the virus, an increase of 114.
There are 307 people hospitalized with the virus with 75 in intensive care.
There have been 976 COVID-19-related deaths in the city.
Gathering limit increased at wedding and funeral ceremonies
The Ontario government has announced an increase in the number of people permitted to attend wedding or funeral ceremonies as restrictions continue to ease amid improving coronavirus case numbers.
In a news release Saturday morning, officials said up to 50 people will now be able to attend the events when held outdoors, with health measures in place, including physical distancing from those who are not from the same household or social circle.
An indoor wedding or funeral ceremony will be allowed to have up to 30 per cent of the capacity of the venue where the event is being held.
St. Lawrence farmers’ market opens
The outdoor farmers’ market at the St. Lawrence Market opened on Saturday for the first time this season, with physical distancing and other health measures in place.
Residents are being encouraged to wear a mask when attending the market.
On Friday, City of Toronto officials said they were working to open farmers’ markets throughout the city and have created health guidelines to be followed amid the pandemic.
The Evergreen Brick Works market also opened on Saturday.
Another weekend of ActiveTO closures
Road closures are in place again this weekend for ActiveTO, a program aimed at giving pedestrians and cyclists room to move around the city amid the pandemic.
Lake Shore Boulevard and Bayview Avenue are the major roads affected with partial closures in place. They took effect Saturday at 6 a.m. and will be in place until Sunday at 11 p.m.