Here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Tuesday.
Toronto ‘immediately’ pausing COVID-19 immunization clinic due to vaccine shortage
The City of Toronto says it has been ordered to “immediately” pause its COVID-19 immunization clinic at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre due to a lack of vaccines.
The clinic, which began inoculations on Monday, was originally supposed to operate as a pilot project for six to eight weeks.
On Monday, officials announced that the proof-of-concept clinic was only going to operate until the end of day Friday due to a lack of vaccines, and that has now been shortened further to just two days.
Ontario premier pleads with incoming Biden administration for COVID-19 vaccine help
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has issued a plea to U.S. president-elect Joe Biden for help in obtaining more Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines amid a shortage of doses in Canada.
Ford made the comments during a press conference on Tuesday after the federal government announced that Canada will be receiving zero Pfizer doses next week.
“My American friends, help us out. We need help once again, as we did with the (personal protective equipment). You have a new president, no more excuses,” Ford said.
“We need your support and we look forward to your support. And that’s a direct message to President(-elect) Biden. Help out your neighbour. You want us all to get along, hunky dory, kumbaya — help us out.”
Ontario outlines how Pfizer delivery delay will affect its COVID-19 immunization plan
The Ontario government has released further details on how the delay in the delivery of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will affect the province’s immunization plan.
In documents released Tuesday, officials said the known delivery reductions to Ontario are “substantial” and vary week to week.
Doctors urge domestic drug manufacturing over fears of shortages
The Ontario Medical Association has released a white paper outlining fears that rising COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions could limit drug supplies in coming weeks.
OMA president Dr. Samantha Hill said chronic drug shortages have worsened during the pandemic and may become more serious if hospitals are overwhelmed.
Status of cases in the GTA
Ontario reported a total of 1,913 new cases on Tuesday.
Of those:
- 550 were in Toronto
- 346 were in Peel Region
- 235 were in York Region
- 82 were in Durham Region
- 71 were in Halton Region
Ontario reports 1,913 new cases, 46 more deaths
Ontario is reporting 1,913 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 242,277.
However, the Ontario government said due to a “technical issue” there was “likely” underreporting in cases from Toronto Public Health.
Toronto is reporting 550 new cases when the local public health unit has recorded 815, 1,035 and 903 new infections over the last several days.
The death toll in the province has risen to 5,479 after 46 more deaths were reported.
The government said 34,531 tests were processed in the last 24 hours, which is the lowest that figure has been since Dec. 29.
29 more deaths reported by Ministry of Long-Term Care
According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, there have been 3,179 deaths reported among residents and patients in long-term care homes across Ontario, which is an increase of 29.
There are currently 254 outbreaks in long-term care homes, which is up by six.
— With files from Daina Goldfinger and The Canadian Press
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