Coronavirus: Latest developments in the Greater Toronto Area on Feb. 9

Here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Tuesday:

COVID-19 rapid testing launched for Toronto’s Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction workers

Crosslinx Transit Solutions, the consortium responsible for building the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, says it has launched a rapid COVID-19 testing pilot program for construction workers in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

A spokesperson for Crosslinx said testing will take place on a rotating schedule across all of the sites along Eglinton Avenue and this week testing is at three sites: Leaside, Golden Mile and the Eglinton Maintenance Storage Facility.

The spokesperson said the testing is mandatory, adding anyone who tests positive for coronavirus is required to get a PCR test.

EllisDon construction has also joined the rapid testing program which is being conducted by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Health.

Ontario government launching web portal for COVID-19 vaccinations

As the second phase of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout program draws nearer, the provincial government is preparing to launch a web portal for bookings.

In a statement, an Ontario Ministry of Health spokesperson confirmed to Global News the province, along with its partners, developed an IT portal “for eventual mass vaccination appointments.”

2:14 Ontario launches IT portal for COVID-19 vaccine bookings

Status of cases in the GTA

Ontario reported a total of 1,022 new cases on Tuesday.

Of those:

• 343 were in Toronto
• 250 were in Peel Region
• 128 were in York Region
• 25 were in Durham Region
• 42 were in Halton Region

Ontario reports just over 1,000 new coronavirus cases, 17 more deaths

Ontario is reporting 1,022 new cases of the coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the provincial total to 280,494.

The death toll in the province has risen to 6,555, as 17 more deaths were reported.

Resolved cases increased by 1,388 from the previous day. The government said 30,798 tests were processed in the last 24 hours.

Cases, deaths and outbreaks in Ontario long-term care homes

According to Ontario’s Ministry of Long-Term Care, there have been 3,668 deaths reported among residents and patients in long-term care homes across the province which is a decrease of one death. A decrease in death counts can be the result of new, updated information.

Eleven virus-related deaths in total have been reported among staff.

There are 205 current outbreaks in homes, which is a decrease of eight from the previous day.

The ministry also indicated there are currently 459 active cases among long-term care residents and 651 active cases among staff — down by 35 cases and down by 35 cases, respectively, in the last day.

— With files from Shallima Maharaj