The province’s top doctors say eight people have died of COVID-19 in Ontario.
Province wide, there have been 573 confirmed positive cases, and seven people who are now negative for COVID-19.
Health officials are also keeping an eye on Ontario’s jails as it tracks the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Deputy chief medical officer of health Dr. Barbara Yaffe says she believes there is one corrections worker who has tested positive, and acknowledges there’s a lot of concern and fear from those who work closely with people.
“We are working collaboratively with the Minister of the Solicitor General, and the Associations, to look at how we can ensure that the workers an the inmates are protected as appropriate for their health and safety,” Dr. Yaffe notes.
Health officials say they are not surprised that we saw another 80 confirmed cases by the end of Monday, with the high number of people returning to the country.
Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams is praising the staff who oversaw the passengers of the Grand Princess cruise ship as they were quarantined. He is pleased that some Ontarians will soon be released from COVID-19 quarantine at Canadian Forces Base Trenton.
“Because while they tested positive, most people were kept with mild symptoms on the base, and are doing well, we understand. So that was a combination of armed forces, combined with the health unit in that area, and the Red Cross have done another good job. That was their third cohort through,” Dr. Williams explains.
He notes hospitals have been making room for more patients by cancelling elective surgeries, and the Assessment Centres have also taken some of the load off of hospitals.
Dr. Williams was asked about reports of some long-term care homes not enforcing social distancing between long-term care residents.
He says it’s a tricky balance to achieve for long-term care homes, especially because they are severely restricting who can visit residents.
“I’m trying to balance the vulnerability of this group with their life [and] health struggles they’re in right now, and how to be sensitive to that and not lock them in a room for long periods of time on their own. I would understand why their families would be upset by that as well,” Dr. Williams admits.
