Ontario reports over 4,300 new COVID-19 cases and 34 deaths

The Government of Ontario confirmed 4,362 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday morning and 34 additional virus-related deaths.

Today’s cases are lower than Friday’s 4,812 – the highest single-day case count to date –  Thursday’s 4,736, Monday’s 4,401, and Sunday’s 4,456, but higher than Wednesday’s 4,156 and Tuesday’s 3,670.

Of the newly announced cases, 1,162 are in Toronto, 936 are in Peel, 430 are in York Region, 301 are in Durham, and 251 are in Ottawa.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said nearly 56,900 tests were completed, and 3,751,316 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered.

Ontario is reporting 4,362 cases of #COVID19 and nearly 56,900 tests completed. Locally, there are 1,162 new cases in Toronto, 936 in Peel, 430 in York Region, 301 in Durham and 251 in Ottawa.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) April 17, 2021

Ontario residents 60 or over are currently eligible for a vaccine and can book an appointment through the province’s booking system.

Anyone 55 or over can also get an AstraZeneca shot at a local pharmacy while supplies last.

People age 50 or above living in a hotspot postal code in Toronto or Peel can also book their appointment through the provincial booking system.

University Health Network is also booking appointments for people with certain health conditions, faith leaders, and Indigenous adults.

• See also:
  • Ford refuses Trudeau’s offer to send Canadian Red Cross to Ontario
  • Ontario allowing police to stop pedestrians, drivers and ask why they’re out
  • Summer is officially at risk because of Ontario’s soaring COVID-19 cases

On Friday, Premier Doug Ford extended Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order for an additional two weeks and announced several new measures intended to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Outdoor gatherings will now only be allowed with members of the same household. Capacity limits at essential stores have been furthered reduced to 25%.

Places of worship can have a maximum of 10 people indoors, outdoor recreation amenities are closed, and non-essential construction has been shut-down.

As well, police have been temporarily authorized to stop individuals and drivers who are not at home and ask them their purpose for being out, as well as their home address.

Those who do not answer officer’s questions can be fined $750.

Beginning on April 19, Ontario will set up checkpoints along provincial borders to stop non-essential travel. People will need a valid reason to enter Ontario by road from Manitoba or Quebec such as work, to access medical care, or for the transport of goods.

To date, Ontario has seen 412,745 COVID-19 cases and 7,698 virus-related deaths.