Toronto sets January date for city workers to return to the office, amid rising COVID-19 cases, Omicron uncertainty
The coronavirus is turning Toronto into a lockdown zone as Canada’s second-largest city braces for more cases of COVID-19.
With the number of cases on the rise daily, the Toronto Public Health says those who are in self-isolation will need to be checked regularly by their health care team.
Some workers, such as those in essential services such as parks, transit, libraries, school and water treatment, are being sent home as a precaution — in some cases with two weeks of paid leave.
The number of infected people has climbed to about 2,600 from about 8,000 on a daily basis, according to the city.
Toronto Public Health says while the number of people sick with COVID-19 in the city remains low, it’s crucial the public doesn’t spread the virus by congregating at home.
Health officials say they are following strict measures, such as limiting how long anyone is in residence in isolation to 14 days, and keeping those who have the illness in quarantine or isolation from others.
The number of cases on the rise daily, the Toronto Public Health says
The numbers came from the latest daily update from Toronto Public Health on its website:
• An overnight surge of cases saw the number of confirmed cases and the number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations climb to 1,700 and 300, respectively.
• This morning, there was no increase in the number of cases for the day, but the number of hospitalizations jumped to 43.
• There were no new hospitalizations among those testing positive in the overnight surge.
• Overall, there were 2,615 confirmed cases reported to Toronto Public Health from Monday to Thursday, and 1,832 hospitalizations.
• There was a decline in the number of confirmed cases across all regions. It has now fallen to 1,871 from 2,615.
• There were no new hospitalizations among those testing positive in the overnight surge.