Ministry of Health coronavirus situation report #118

Situation:   

• 441 new cases were reported in Ontario today, bringing the cumulative case count to 24,628 (this includes 18,767 resolved cases and 2,021 deaths).
• In Ontario, a total of 588,958 tests have been completed, with tests performed at Public Health Ontario Laboratories and non-Public Health Laboratories. There are currently 5,516 tests under investigation.
• 964 patients are currently hospitalized with COVID-19; 153 are in ICU; and 120 are in ICU on a ventilator.

 Actions Taken:

• As the economy gradually reopens, the Ontario government is helping people affected by COVID-19 get back to work. The province is investing in Ontario’s first Virtual Action Centre, an online counselling and training portal, to support laid off and unemployed hospitality workers, and is helping apprentices by providing grants to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools.
• The guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting was updated and is attached.  Highlights of changes include expanded guidance for in-person care for essential visits, testing and specimen collection, and occupational health and safety.  A list of key resources is also included within. The updated document will be posted to our ministry website shortly.
• The Ministry continues to work on the revision of Directive 2 and related requirements to support the gradual restoration of health services. Please note that CMOH Directive 2 is still in effect. Providers are encouraged to continue planning and further details will be provided once confirmed.