Ontario sets another record with 1,426 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the province

Canada has diagnosed an average of more than 4,000 COVID-19 cases, 50 deaths a day over the past week

COVID-19 continued its record-setting rise across parts of Canada on Wednesday as Ontario reached another new high for daily infections and Manitoba recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began.

Health officials reported nine more deaths and 431 new infections in Manitoba — a province that counted only a handful of active cases throughout much of the summer. The deaths were concentrated in the Winnipeg area, and more than half were linked to outbreaks in hospitals and care homes.

Both Quebec and Ontario reported about 1,400 new cases, including a new record of 1,426 in Ontario. As a result, Toronto residents are being told stay home as much as possible to combat surging COVID-19 infections, city officials said Tuesday, as they announced the extension of several restrictions including a ban on indoor restaurant dining and indoor fitness classes.

The city’s top doctor, Eileen de

Villa, said the restrictions — which also include a continued shutdown of casinos, bingo halls and event spaces — will remain in place for another 28 days after they were to expire on Saturday.

De Villa also issued “strong recommendations” for residents to limit their close contact to those in their household and one or two “essential supports,” and stay home except for necessary activities such as shopping for groceries. She urged people to work from home whenever possible.

“The spread of COVID-19 has never been greater in Toronto,” and residents should behave as if the virus is everywhere, she said.

Canada has diagnosed an average of more than 4,000 COVID-19 cases and 50 deaths a day over the past week, according to Canada’s chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.