Ontario reports lowest single day coronavirus case increase since March

The Province of Ontario confirmed there are 76 new known COVID-19 cases on Wednesday morning, with one new death.

A drop from Tuesday’s 111 new cases, Monday’s 119 cases, as well as Sunday’s 137 new cases, these are the lowest reported numbers in a single day since March 22.

“Hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and vented patients have all declined,” Deputy Premier Christine Elliot said on Twitter. Adding that the province processed over 27,300 tests yesterday.

Today, Ontario is reporting 76 new cases of #COVID19, a 0.2% increase and the lowest day-over-day increase since March 22. Hospitalizations, ICU admissions and vented patients have all declined. The province processed over 27,300 tests yesterday.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) July 29, 2020

Over the reporting period, 174 people recovered bringing the total resolved cases in the province to 34,741. In total 38,986 people in Ontario have had the coronavirus, with 2,769 deaths.

In long-term care homes, there have been an additional two cases reported among residents, with no new deaths. Eight healthcare workers have contracted the virus, however.

Province of Ontario

The numbers follow an announcement from the province this morning that Toronto and Peel regions would be entering Stage 3 of the economic reopening.

According to a release, additional businesses and public spaces will be reopening as the province allows both regions to move into Stage 3 of reopening the province on Friday, July 31 at 12:01 am.

This decision was made in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health and local medical officers of health and is based on positive local trends of key public health indicators, including lower transmission of COVID-19, ongoing hospital capacity, public health capacity to conduct rapid case and contact management, and a significant increase in testing.

“While more restaurants, theatres and businesses can hang up their Open for Business sign, we’re asking everyone to follow public health advice and act responsibly,” said Premier Doug Ford in the release.

“We have made tremendous progress that allows us to return to something a little closer to our normal lives this summer, but we are not out of the woods yet. This virus is still among us and we have to be extra cautious to avoid sparking a surge or an outbreak. I strongly urge everyone to continue following public health protocols.”

For regions in Stage 3, gathering limits will increase to a maximum of 50 people indoors and a maximum of 100 people outdoors, with physical distancing in place.

Proposals from the City of Toronto and Toronto Public Health, if adopted, would further limit close contact and interaction in restaurants, bars, and other food or drink establishments. This includes further restrictions on movement/seating and maintaining client logs to support case and contact tracing and limit the spread of the virus, according to the province.

More to come.