Cases in Ontario surge despite ‘cautious optimism’

TORONTO — The number of reported new cases of COVID-19 and related deaths surged in Ontario on Friday, a day after officials expressed cautious optimism the spread of the dangerous virus was moderating.

Figures released show a record 1,855 new infections, a whopping increase of 25 per cent from the previous day. Public health authorities also reported 20 new deaths. There were slight decreases in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital and on ventilators.

The surge in new cases comes as the province grapples with how best to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in an effort to keep the health-care system functioning.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said the sharp spike was not unexpected, given that stringent measures in the hardhit Toronto area only kicked in on Monday. It would likely take two full weeks before the numbers start dropping, she said.

“We’re still seeing the results from some of the events that have happened and some of the celebrations that have happened in the last few weeks,” Elliott said.

Premier Doug Ford spent much of Friday’s briefing looking forward to the day when an ANTI-COVID vaccine might be available.

Former chief of national defence staff Gen. Rick Hillier will oversee a distribution task force, Ford said, as he called on the federal government to provide details as soon as possible about the doses the province can expect.

Four of the hardest hit regions all saw significant case increases, with Elliott reporting 517 new infections in Peel, 494 in Toronto, 189 in York Region, and 130 in Halton.

Ford has warned against planning Christmas or other celebrations, while Elliott has said it would be “very optimistic” to expect much of an improvement in time for the holidays.