Here are the latest developments on the coronavirus pandemic in the Greater Toronto Area for Wednesday.
City of Toronto cancels all major permitted events until July 1
The City of Toronto has extended a cancellation of major in-person events until July 1, including Canada Day celebrations, citing coronavirus concerns.
Officials said in a news release Wednesday that the cancellation affects City-led and City-permitted “major outdoor events.”
Included are festivals and other large in-person gatherings on City property.
The news release said giving advance notice of the decision allows for organizers to develop different approaches like virtual events, manage sponsorships, support employees, and deal with other business needs.
2021 CNE, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair planning to proceed in-person depending on COVID-19 restrictions
As Ontario enters the early stage of its COVID-19 vaccination program, organizers of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and Royal Agricultural Winter Fair say planning is underway to hold both signature events in 2021.
However, planners warned there is a chance both events won’t go ahead in-person if there are coronavirus-related restrictions imposed by the Ontario government.
In a post on the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Facebook page on Wednesday, a message said the board of directors voted unanimously to proceed with in-person events at Exhibition Place between Nov. 5 and 14.
A spokesperson for the CNE told Global News organizers are in the middle of planning the fair “keeping in mind that we are subject to public health guidelines and government stipulations.” The multi-week event typically begins around mid-August.
8 Toronto schools each have at least 1 possible COVID-19 variant case, public health reports
Toronto Public Health says they are currently working with eight schools in the city in which at least one person linked to the school has screened positive for a COVID-19 variant of concern.
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In a news release issued Wednesday, officials said affected individuals and cohorts at the schools have been dismissed “with guidance based on their level of risk.”
Public health has followed up with close contacts and recommended testing, officials said.
Some travellers through Toronto Pearson airport violating Quarantine Act
Police say several people have refused to comply with new COVID-19 restrictions after arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Peel Regional Police say most cases were resolved after conversations with officers but some people still refused to comply and were fined.
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination portal, service desk to open on March 15
Ontarians aged 80 and older will start receiving COVID-19 vaccines in the third week of March, with the province planning to target seniors in decreasing five-year age increments until 60-year-olds get the shot in July.
Retired Gen. Rick Hillier, the head of the province’s vaccine rollout, announced the timeline Wednesday while noting the schedule is dependent on supply.
Status of cases in the GTA
Ontario reported a total of 1,054 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday.
Of those:
- 363 were in Toronto
- 186 were in Peel Region
- 94 were in York Region
- 35 were in Durham Region
- 26 were in Halton Region
Ontario reports 1,054 new coronavirus cases, 9 more deaths
Ontario is reporting 1,054 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, bringing the provincial total to 296,173.
The death toll in the province has risen to 6,893 as nine more deaths were reported.
Resolved cases increased by 1,291 from the previous day. The government said 54,852 tests were processed in the last 24 hours.
Cases, deaths and outbreaks in Ontario long-term care homes
According to the Ministry of Long-Term Care, there have been 3,739 deaths reported among residents and patients in long-term care homes across Ontario which is an increase of three deaths. Eleven virus-related deaths in total have been reported among staff.
There are 117 current outbreaks in homes, which is a decrease of ten from the previous day.
The ministry also indicated there are currently 109 active cases among long-term care residents and 218 active cases among staff — down by 16 and down by 10 cases, respectively, in the last day.
Cases among students and staff at Ontario schools, child-care centres
Government figures show there have been a total of 8,282 school-related COVID-19 cases in Ontario to date. This is an increase of 112 more cases in the last day — 89 student cases, 18 staff cases and five not identified.
The COVID-19 cases are currently from 401 out of 4,828 schools in the province. Sixteen schools in Ontario are currently closed as a result of positive cases, the government indicated.
There have been a total of 2,608 confirmed cases within child care centres and homes — an increase of 27 (19 new child cases and eight staff cases). Out of 5,264 child care centres in Ontario, 126 currently have cases and 15 centres are closed.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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