April 20, 2020

FEDERAL

In today’s address to Canadians Prime Minister Trudeau focused on the tragic events that took place in Portapique, Nova Scotia on Sunday, April 19

· Acknowledged that the country is not only united in efforts to defeat the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also in our mourning and support of those who have lost a loved one in this senseless tragedy

· A virtual vigil to celebrate the lives of the victims will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24 through the Facebook Group Colchester Supporting our Nova Scotia Communities

PROVINCE

Today Ontario Public Health released its updated projections on COVID-19 provincial modeling – the slides can be found here; highlights include:

o The wave of new community spread cases of COVID-19 in Ontario appears to have peaked; peaks are not a single day or just one spike, they can fluctuate

o Epidemic curve is starting to bend in almost every region – we are starting to control the community based transmission

o Outbreaks in long-term care and congregate settings continue to be a major concern; concerted actions are underway to protect vulnerable people in these settings

o Ontario is now trending toward a best case scenario rather than a worst case scenario and has significantly improved its standing as compared to March modelling

The province has avoided a significant surge in cases; total cumulative cases are forecast to be substantially lower than worst case or even moderate case scenarios projected by previous models Based on new projections, the total of cumulative cases is less than 20,000 in this first wave of the pandemic; not 30,000 or 80,000 as previously projectedIt is still difficult to draw conclusions on total mortality While several hundred new cases are identified daily in Ontario, hospitals across the province have not been overwhelmed by the COVID-19 outbreak as a result of capacity planning and the public health measures currently in place; the rate of growth day-over-day is decliningTo further reduce the number of cases and deaths, it remains critical that Ontarians continue to adhere to public health measures, including staying home and practicing physical distancing if they must go out for essential reasons onlyReminder: the data we see today represents what was happening in the community two weeks agoPublic Health is beginning to plan the phasing in of elective medical procedures, particularly planning when these procedures can start, and in what orderPublic health measures have been extended to May 12, 2020

YORK REGION

· York Region joins the residents of Nova Scotia and all Canadians in mourning the senseless act of violence and loss of life that took place on April 19, 2020; the Chairman issued a statement on behalf of York Regional Council earlier today and flags at the York Region Administrative Centre have been lowered to half-mast in memory of the lives lost

· York Region continues to promote the COVID-19 assessment centres on Facebook and Twitter; Members of Council are encourage to share these messages on your social networks and with members of your Municipal Councils

· COVID-19: Council Update Communication template has been streamlined to provide more shareable content

· York Regional Police has posted FAQs about COVID-19

· Modelling released today by the provincial government indicates the COVID-19 outbreak has likely peaked in Ontario

Positive News around our Region:

· York Region municipalities establish stay-at-home online programs, offering virtual recreation activities including virtual fitness classes, arts and craft projects, theatres sessions and ukulele lessons

· #spiritofyr campaign continues with random acts of kindness from our local vendors; new heartwarming stories shared today on Facebook and Twitter

· Below is a summary of the detailed information contained in the Interactive Dashboard – Cases at york.ca/covid19

In York Region, as of Monday, April 20, at 5 p.m. there are:

1,149 confirmed cases 66 new cases since yesterday44 confirmed cases are currently hospitalized; 21 of which are in Intensive Care 69 cases among health care workers144 resolved cases, which equals about 13% 30 institutional outbreaks under COVID-19 protocols: 12 Long Term Care/Retirement Homes18 Community Care Settings

Outbreaks declared over:

· Yee Hong Ho Lai Oi Wan Centre, City of Markham

The comprehensive list of outbreaks including, the number of resident and health care worker positive cases is available on York.ca/covid19

· To access this list, select the blue drop-down menu titled Outbreaks in Long-Term Care and Community Care Settings

We regretfully report a total of 52 COVID-19 related fatalities to date. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of these individuals.

As of this morning, there are:

· 11,184 total cases (5,515 resolved) in Ontario

· 584 COVID-19 related deaths in Ontario

· 35,383 (1,474 increase) total cases; with 1,611 related deaths in Canada

· More than 2.3 million total cases worldwide with cases in 213 countries, areas or territories; 157,847 related deaths