KEY UPDATES
· The federal and provincial government today announced as of today the COVID Alert app is available for download in Ontario
o App will let users know if they have been in contact with someone who has the app and has tested positive for COVID-19; if this is the case the app will encourage users to contact their provincial health services for guidance on next steps
o Experts believe if enough people download the app it can help prevent outbreaks
o App is free to download through the app store on smart phones, free to use and does not collect any personal information; it is used to better trace and manage outbreaks
o Currently it is only connected to the Ontario public health system but other provinces are expected to have it available in the coming weeks
YORK REGION
· York Region began transitioning today to the provincial system mentioned in yesterday’s update. As a result of this transition, we are experiencing a temporary data disruption with our dashboard and it is unable to be updated today. Staff are working diligently to resolve this temporary data disruption and we expect to have the dashboard issue resolved this weekend. Social media messaging will address this for residents.
CASE NUMBERS IN YORK REGION:
3,283 total confirmed cases
· 9 new cases* since yesterday
· In June 2020, the Ontario Ministry of Health announced they would be launching a Public Health Case and Contact Management system to replace the integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS) for documentation and reporting of COVID-19 cases and contacts
· This new system will streamline COVID-19 response functions through improved system workflows for COVID-19 case and contact documentation and data management to effectively monitor COVID-19 activity within York Region
· Public Health continues to work with Housing York Inc. and local housing providers to develop signage and issue communications regarding the updated instruction from Dr. Kurji on the mandatory wearing of face masks or coverings in common areas of condominium buildings, apartment buildings and other multi-residential buildings; information has been updated and posted to york.ca/mandatorymasks
o In order to maintain consistency with the implementation timing of previous instructions and to allow the affected persons and businesses to put policies, communications and signage in place, the effective date of Dr. Kurji’s instruction will be Friday, August 7. 2020 at 12:01 a.m.
COMBINED CASE NUMBERS:
As of this morning, there are:
More than 17.1 million total cases worldwide (292,527 new) with cases in 216 countries, area or territories; 668,910 related fatalities reported by the World Health Organization (WHO)115,799 total cases (308 new); with 8,929 related fatalities in Canada (5 new); 100,862 resolved in Canada (as of July 30, 7 p.m.)
· 39,209 total cases (134 new); with 2,775 related fatalities; 35,074 resolved in Ontario