Ontario reports single-day drop in new COVID-19 infections

Ontario reported 658 new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday, an 18 per cent decrease from Saturday’s tally of 805.

There were 197 new cases in Toronto, while Peel Region recorded 155, York Region had 94 and Ottawa had 66.

Five more deaths were reported. Of the 247 patients in hospital, 71 were in intensive care units, and 43 of the ICU patients were on ventilators.

The province processed about 40,900 tests on Saturday, Health Minister Christine Elliott said on Twitter.

To date, the province has recorded 64,371 cases of COVID-19, 55,371 of which are listed as resolved, and 3,046 deaths.

On Friday, Premier Doug Ford ordered York Region to revert to modified Stage 2 restrictions for 28 days. That means indoor dining, gyms and movie theatres will close starting Monday.

The Ontario government is also imposing visitation and absence restrictions on 28 longterm-care homes in York Region.

The restrictions come into effect on Monday. Visits will be restricted to essential visitors and caregivers, and short-term and temporary absences will only be allowed for medical or compassionate reasons.

St. Joseph’s hospital reported COVID-19 outbreaks in four units at its site Friday. As of Sunday morning, seven patients and 13 staff members had been infected. The hospital is expected to implement a widespread testing of staff and patients in the coming days.

An outbreak was also declared

Thursday in two units at Toronto Western hospital, with six staff members and three patients affected as of Sunday.

A third outbreak was confirmed at CAMH’s Queen Street West site, where two patients were confirmed positive.

The discretion used to indicate an outbreak is when at least two staff or patients have test results that are positive for COVID-19.