COVID-19 positivity rate now higher in York Region than in Toronto

York Region now has a higher COVID-19 positivity rate than Toronto did when the city was placed into a second lockdown in November.

York is currently in the Red – Control level of Ontario’s COVID-19 framework. As of December 3, the region’s positivity rate was 6.29%.

When Toronto was placed into the Grey – Lockdown level on November 20, the city’s positivity rate was 6.1%. It has since dropped to 6%.

Social gatherings are allowed in the red zone, with up to five people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Outdoor dining is permitted, and indoor dining is allowed with up to 10 people.

Gyms and fitness studios can operate with up to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Retail stores, malls, and most personal care services are all permitted to be open in the red zone.

In the grey zone, however, gatherings with anyone outside your immediate household are not allowed.

Restaurants can only be open for takeout, delivery, and drive through. In-person shopping is banned, and retail stores are only permitted to offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Gyms, fitness studios, and personal care services are all closed.

Despite the higher positivity rate, Toronto continues to have a larger number of new COVID-19 cases than York Region.

On December 4, Ontario reported 1,780 new COVID-19 cases. Of the newly announced cases, 633 in Toronto and 152 are in York.

Last week, health officials warned that the province could see 9,000 new cases per day by the end of the year.