Ontario reports 2,578 new COVID-19 cases amid low testing numbers

Jan 18 2021, 3:26 pm

The Government of Ontario confirmed 2,578 new COVID-19 cases on Monday morning, almost 1,000 lower than Sunday’s 3,422.

Today’s numbers are a decrease from Saturday’s 3,056, Friday’s 2,998, Thursday’s 3,326, Wednesday’s 2,961, and Tuesday’s 2,903.

The province is also reporting 2,826 newly-resolved cases and 24 virus-related deaths.

Prior to January 12, cases had been above 3,000 for over a week, with Monday’s 3,338, Sunday’s 3,945, Saturday’s 3,443, Friday’s record-breaking 4,249, Thursday’s 3,519, Wednesday’s 3,266, Tuesday’s 3,128, and Monday’s 3,270.

Of the newly announced cases, 815 are in Toronto, 507 are in Peel, 151 are in York Region, 151 are in Niagara, and 121 are in Hamilton.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said nearly 40,300 tests were completed — 20,000 less than the day before.

She added, “As of 8:00 p.m. yesterday, 209,788 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered.”

There are now 14 cases of the UK COVID-19 variant in Ontario. The fast-spreading virus mutation was first detected in a couple from Durham Region.

Although the new variant of the virus has been found to spread quicker, there is no evidence to suggest that approved vaccines will be any less effective against it.

A second State of Emergency was announced by Premier Doug Ford, who also issued a Stay at Home order, effective January 14.

This means everyone must stay home and only go out for essential trips, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing healthcare services, exercising or essential work.

To date, the province has seen 240,364 COVID-19 cases and 5,433 deaths.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

+ News
+ Coronavirus
ADVERTISEMENT