Ontario's daily COVID-19 infections above 2,000 for second straight day

Ontario reported 2,169 new COVID-19 cases Friday.

This is higher than the average of 1,794 cases seen over the last seven days. On Thursday Ontario saw its highest new daily case count since January with 2,380 new infections. 

Of the newly announced cases, 682 are in Toronto, 397 are in Peel, and 254 are in York Region.

Ontario is reporting 2,169 cases of #COVID19 and over 53,400 tests completed. Locally, there are 682 new cases in Toronto, 397 in Peel, 254 in York Region, 129 in Ottawa, 123 in Durham and 122 in Hamilton.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) March 26, 2021

There were also 12 new deaths reported Friday, bringing Ontario’s COVID-19 related death toll to 7,292.

Health officials announced on Thursday that the Timiskaming health region in Northern Ontario would move into the Red-Control level on Friday due to concerning infection trends.

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The City of Toronto also urged seniors age 75 and older to book their vaccine appointment, saying 30,000 slots still need to be filled next week.

Health officials announced last week that outdoor dining will now be permitted in the Grey Lockdown zones of Ontario’s reopening framework, which includes Toronto and Peel.

On March 8, the Stay at Home orders were lifted in Toronto, Peel Region, and North Bay-Parry Sound at 12 am with all three regions in the Grey Zone of Ontario’s reopening framework.

In the Grey Zone, retail is permitted to reopen at 25% capacity, but indoor gatherings are not permitted.

To date, Ontario has seen 338,239 cases of COVID-19.