Here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday:
Retailers ask Ontario government to lift COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto, Peel Region
A coalition of about 50 retailers is calling on the Ontario government to lift COVID-19 restrictions for non-essential stores it claims is making things worse.
In an open letter to Premier Doug Ford and Health Minister Christine Elliott, the retailers argue that shutting down Toronto and Peel Region to restrict the virus’s spread hasn’t reduced the number of shoppers.
Sunnybrook Hospital offers ‘virtual emergency department’ appointments
Sunnybrook Hospital has launched a “virtual emergency department” as part of a six-month pilot project for patients with urgent but non-life-threatening health concerns who would like to speak with a physician.
Patients with an Ontario Health Card can book a virtual emergency department appointment between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, the hospital said. Appointments must be booked on the same day and can be booked online or by phone. The booking system opens up at 12 p.m.
Ontario continues to push for Pearson Airport testing
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is continuing to push for coronavirus testing at Pearson Airport that would allow travellers to skip quarantine.
Ford said he is working with the federal government on implementing a trial project similar to what’s being done in Alberta.
“I’m really pushing it,” Ford said.
Ford was set to receive an update on the proposed project Wednesday afternoon.
Ontario doctors recommend those at highest risk of getting COVID-19 be vaccinated first
Ontario’s doctors are recommending that those at highest risk of contracting COVID-19 — including physicians and health-care workers, first responders and seniors living in long-term care and retirement homes — get vaccinated first.
Status of cases in the GTA
Ontario reported a total of 1,723 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
Of those:
- 410 were in Toronto
- 500 were in Peel Region
- 196 were in York Region
- 124 were in Durham Region
- 45 were in Halton Region
Ontario reports 1,723 new COVID-19 cases, 35 deaths
Ontario reported 1,723 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 119,922.
The death toll in the province has risen to 3,698 as 35 more deaths were reported.
The government said 44,226 tests were processed in the last 24 hours. Resolved cases increased by 1,686 from the previous day.
Ontario long-term care homes
According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, there have been 2,239 deaths reported among residents and patients in long-term care homes across Ontario which is an increase of 11 deaths.
There are 111 current outbreaks in homes, an increase of two from the previous day.
Ontario child care centres and schools
Government figures show there have been a total of 5,024 school-related COVID-19 cases in Ontario — 3,234 among students and 702 among staff (1,088 individuals were not identified). This is an increase of 166 more cases over a 24-hour period.
There have been a total of 834 confirmed cases within child care centres and homes — an increase of 28 (12 child cases and 16 staff cases.)
— With files from Daina Goldfinger and The Canadian Press
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