Situation:
- Case counts as of March 12, 2020:
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- China: 80,793 cases; 3,169 deaths
- Asia & Oceania: 10,245 cases; 102 deaths (South Korea – 62)
- Europe: 28,593 cases; 1,198 deaths (Italy – 1,016)
- Middle East: 11,055 cases; 440 deaths (Iran – 429)
- Africa: 130 cases; 3 deaths
- Latin America and Caribbean: 195 cases; 2 deaths
- North America: 1,445 cases
- United States – 1,336 cases; 36 deaths
- Canada – 109 cases; 1 death
- 17 new cases were reported today in Ontario, bringing the cumulative total to 59 (this includes 5 resolved cases).
- All cases in Ontario so far have been travel related, with investigation ongoing to determine the source of infection for one case announced yesterday.
In Ontario, there are 536 persons under investigation with lab results pending.
A statement was issued today indicating that, based on advice from Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and the experts at the COVID-19 Command Table, the Minister of Education has issued a Ministerial Order to close all publicly funded schools in Ontario for two weeks following March break, in response to the emergence in Ontario of COVID-19. This order was approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.
At the 4:00pm press conference, Dr. Williams provided further guidance to Ontarians with respect to public health measures and social distancing.
Actions Taken
- The Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a directive to health care providers and health care entities on updated IPAC Recommendations for use of personal protective equipment. The directive has been attached to this Situation Report.
- Public Health Ontario has posted a technical brief Updated IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID-19.
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=en
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=fr
- A status update memo to Health System Organizations and Providers on the work of the Provincial Command Table is attached to this Situation Report.
- The case definition has been updated and has been attached to this Situation Report. French translation is underway, and the ministry’s websitewill be updated to reflect this change shortly. It is important to note that the case definition includes prioritization of who should be tested.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed two new guidance documents for health system partners:
Ministry of Health | Health System Emergency Management Branch
Visit https://opseu.org/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/ for more information on the The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), including situation reports and related news,