Ontario posts another record number of daily COVID-19 cases with 1,328 in past day

TORONTO — Ontario reported another record high in daily COVID-19 cases on Sunday, with 1,328 new infections in the previous 24 hours.

That’s well above the record-breaking tally reported Saturday, when the province announced 1,132 new cases.

The province also reported 13 new deaths associated with the virus and said hospitalizations decreased by 10 over the past day. 

Health Minister Christine Elliott said on Twitter that the latest figures included 434 new cases in Toronto, 385 in Peel, 105 in York Region, 71 in Ottawa, 68 in Hamilton and 56 in Durham.

Nearly 37,600 tests were completed.

The trend emerged as the province implemented a new colour-coded assessment system that one public health unit rejected as too lenient. 

Peel Region is the only area classified as red under the new system, meaning indoor capacity at local restaurants and gyms is capped at 10 people. 

But Peel medical officer of health Dr. Lawrence Loh said Saturday that indicators were heading in the wrong direction and that stricter measures were needed. He called on residents to limit contacts to members of their household and essential supports.

The region also barred wedding receptions starting later this week through the end of the year.

A spokeswoman for Elliott said Sunday that local medical officers of health have the authority to tailor restrictions to regional circumstances.

Alexandra Hilkene added that the province “has taken immediate action” to support Peel by adding more testing locations, including for vulnerable communities, and was launching a safety campaign to ensure residents comply with public health measures.

“We continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in Peel and across the province to advise if and when public health measures or restrictions should be adjusted or tightened,” Hilkene said in an emailed statement. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2020.

The Canadian Press