Here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday:
Status of cases in Toronto
Toronto Public Health is reporting a total of 23,338 coronavirus cases in the city, which is up by 296.
A total of 19,523 people have recovered, while the city has recorded a total of 1,327 deaths.
There are 108 people in Toronto who are hospitalized with the virus.
McDonald’s employee in Toronto tests positive for coronavirus, store closed
McDonald’s Canada says on Tuesday, an employee from its 630 Keele Street location in Toronto (near St. Clair Avenue West) reported testing positive for the virus. The fast-food restaurant is now closed.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the decision was made to immediately shut down the restaurant for a thorough cleaning and sanitization by a certified third party,” the fast-food chain said in a statement.
McDonald’s said all staff members who were in close contact with the employee have been asked to self-quarantine.
The employee worked their last shift on Oct. 6 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ryerson University student on campus tests positive for virus
Ryerson University said it was informed that a student on its campus tested positive for coronavirus on Oct. 10.
“Based on the university’s assessment of this case, the risk to others is very low,” the university said in a statement.
The university said the student has been self-isolating since Thursday.
Employee at Mississauga Dollarama tests positive
A Dollarama spokesperson says an employee at one of their Mississauga stores tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
Lyla Radmanovich said the employee last worked on Oct. 8 at the Square One location and added that Dollarama was informed about the positive test on Monday.
“A deep cleaning of the store as per our standard COVID-19 procedures took place prior to reopening on Oct. 13,” Radmanovich said.
Outings for long-term care residents suspended in Toronto, Peel
Residents of long-term care homes in Toronto and Peel Region won’t be allowed to go out for social or personal reasons as of Friday.
The provincial government says short-term and temporary absences for medical or compassionate reasons, however, will still be allowed.
Trial for Toronto van attack suspect may be virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic
The trial for a man accused of using a van to kill 10 people on a busy Toronto sidewalk may be held by videoconference due to COVID-19.
Alek Minassian faces 10 counts of first-degree murder and 16 counts of attempted murder in connection with the April 2018 incident.
Crown attorney Joseph Callaghan says court is discussing holding the trial through Zoom, as well as using a large courtroom to allow the public to watch the proceedings in a physically distant manner.
YCDSB closes 2 schools in Woodbridge, King City due to COVID-19 outbreaks
The York Catholic District School Board confirmed to Global News that it has closed a school in Woodbridge and one in King City due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Both Holy Name Catholic Elementary School and Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Elementary School will be closed effective Wednesday until Monday, Oct. 26, for those enrolled in in-person learning.
As per the Ontario Health Ministry, an outbreak is confirmed once two more individuals have tested positive.
Ontario reports 721 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday
Ontario is reporting 721 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 61,413.
According to Wednesday’s provincial report, 270 new cases were recorded in Toronto, 170 in Peel Region, 79 in York Region, 41 in Hamilton and 39 in Ottawa. All other public health units in Ontario reported under 25 new cases.
Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott said more than 32,200 tests were processed in the last 24 hours. However, there is currently a backlog of 26,558 tests that need results.
The death toll in the province remained at 3,017 as no new deaths were reported.
Resolved cases increased by 783 from the previous day.
Ontario child care centres and schools
Meanwhile, government figures show there have been a total of 1,040 school-related COVID-19 cases in Ontario — 580 among students and 168 among staff (292 individuals were not identified). This is an increase of 96 more cases from the previous day.
In the last 14 days, the province indicates there were 376 cases reported among students and 95 cases among staff (174 individuals were not identified) — totaling 645 cases.
The COVID-19 cases are currently from 421 out of 4,828 schools in the province. Five schools in Ontario are currently closed as a result of positive cases, the government indicated.
There have been a total of 261 confirmed cases within child care centres and homes — an increase of 15 since the previous day (nine new child cases and six new staff cases).
Ontario long-term care homes
According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, there have been 1,896 deaths reported among residents and patients in long-term care homes across Ontario. Eight health-care workers and staff in long-term care homes have died.
There are 65 current outbreaks in homes, a decrease of one.
The ministry also indicated there are currently 142 active cases among long-term care residents and 189 active cases among staff — down by 12 and six cases respectively in the last day.
Ontario hires 100 new contact tracers, up to 500 more recruits expected by November
The Ontario government announced that 100 new contact tracers would be starting work this week and that up to 500 more recruits will be available by mid-November.
“The contact tracer is responsible for reaching out to people (contacts) who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person and provides guidance and support on self-isolation,” a press release said Wednesday.
—With files from The Canadian Press
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