Ontario reports over 2,000 new COVID-19 cases for third day in a row

The Government of Ontario confirmed 2,453 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday morning, an increase from the 2,169 reported on Friday.

Saturday’s cases are higher than Thursday’s 2,380 – which was high due to a data issue – Wednesday’s 1,571, Tuesday’s 1,546, Monday’s 1,699, and Sunday’s 1,791.

The province is also reported 1,481 newly resolved cases and 16 additional deaths.

Of the newly announced cases, 814 are in Toronto, 411 are in Peel, 263 are in York Region, 156 are in Hamilton, 139 are in Durham, and 115 are in Ottawa.

Health Minister Christine Elliott said over 61,000 tests were completed, and 1,916,332 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered.

Ontario is reporting 2,453 cases of #COVID19 and over 61,000 tests completed. Locally, there are 814 new cases in Toronto, 411 in Peel, 263 in York Region, 156 in Hamilton, 139 in Durham and 115 in Ottawa.

— Christine Elliott (@celliottability) March 27, 2021

On Friday, health officials announced several changes to the Grey-Lockdown zones of Ontario’s reopening framework, which includes Toronto and Peel.

As of March 29, outdoor fitness classes will be permitted to resume in Grey zones with up to 10 people. As well, marinas and boating clubs will be allowed to operate.

On April 12, personal care services, including nail and hair salons, will be able to reopen by appointment only.

Last week, the province modified the Grey zone rules to allow for outdoor dining.

The Grey zone also permits retail to operate at 25% capacity, although indoor gatherings are prohibited.

Earlier on Friday, Canada’s chief public health officer released updated modelling data that shows that the COVID-19 pandemic is once again in a “growth pattern.”

To date, Ontario has seen 340, 692 COVID-19 cases and 7,308 virus-related deaths.