Quebec, Ontario each report more than 1,200 new COVID-19 cases in latest updates

Nov 19, 2020 | 9:05 AM

Ontario and Quebec have each reported more than 1,200 new COVID-19 infections in their latest updates. 

Ontario had 1,210 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, along with 28 new deaths from the virus. There are 526 in hospital, including 88 on ventilators.

There are 150 COVID-19 patients in intensive care, according to the Ontario Hospital Association. The Ontario government’s medical advisers have said that’s the threshold at which hospitals would need to cancel surgeries. 

Premier Doug Ford has signalled further restrictions are coming for hot spots in Toronto and two neighbouring regions as hospitals reach capacity. 

York Region, north of Toronto, declared another wedding-related outbreak after nine confirmed and seven probable COVID-19 cases were linked to events in a home Nov. 6 and 7.

It comes just days after a different outbreak with 17 confirmed cases linked to two weddings in the region that were attended by many of the same guests.

Quebec, meanwhile, recorded 1,207 positive tests in its update Thursday. There were 34 new deaths, including seven in the past 24 hours. 

There are 651 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in that province, along with 101 in intensive care. 

Premier Francois Legault is to hold a news conference late Thursday afternoon alongside provincial health and education ministers.

Legault has said he would soon unveil rules around holiday gatherings and announce a decision on whether the school winter break will be extended.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 19, 2020. 

The Canadian Press