Coronavirus Canada Updates: Hospitals risk being overwhelmed because of holiday COVID-19 rule-breakers
The restrictions were first put in place for Toronto, Peel and Ottawa on Friday, but have now been extended after the province recorded 407 new cases on Saturday — the most in a 24-hour stretch since June 2. It also comes a day after Ontario recorded 402 cases.
Previously, gathering limits were set at 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
“Folks, the alarm bells are ringing,” said Ford on Saturday. “Too much of it is being tied to people who aren’t following the rules, people who think it's OK to hold parties, carrying on as if things are back to normal. They aren't. ... We can't have these wild parties right now. It's just way, way too risky.”
For those who organize a gathering that exceeds the new limit, they can face a minimum fine of $10,000 under the current emergency orders. If you're caught going to one of these parties, “you can get slapped with a $750 fine,” said Ford.
These new restrictions do not apply to events held in facilities such as movie theatres, restaurants, banquet halls, places of worship, gyms, or convention centers.
Two more Toronto hospitals have declared outbreaks of COVID-19.
The Scarborough Health Network says six patients are infected in one unit at its general hospital at McCowan Rd. and Lawrence Ave. E.
A spokeswoman for the health network says the unit has been closed to admissions in order to protect patients and staff.
Leigh Duncan says enhanced infection prevention and control measures are in place in the affected unit.
Meanwhile, the University Health Network is declaring an outbreak at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s University Centre site, with four patients infected at one unit.
Both hospitals join a growing list of Toronto hospitals that have declared an official outbreak, defined as two health-care-related cases of COVID-19 within 14 days.
St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Toronto Western Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health have also declared outbreaks among staff or patients.
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