As of 6:44 a.m. ET on Wednesday April 15, 2020, Canada had 27,063 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19. An increase of 1,383 confirmed cases from April 14, 2020.
Ontario reported 7,953 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. An increase of 483 cases. Of note, Quebec has 14,258 cases. But, there is some good news; the Ontario Chief Medical Officer says COVID-19 cases are plateauing in Ontario. Dr. David Williams notes that new case numbers are not doubling every 7 to 9 days, confirming that the province is plateauing at 400 plus new cases per day.
The Region of Durham reported 442 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday. An increase of 74 cases. (The largest single day increase or "spike", yet) So far, 146 have recovered and 30 have passed away. Of the active cases, 29 are currently in hospital. The rest are isolating at home. The majority of the people in Durham who have died from COVID-19 were residents at long-term care facilities and retirement homes.
In the national news, concern is starting to grow around the food supply chain. In Alberta, a major beef production facility is shuttered for a deep clean, due to staff testing positive for COVID-19. In Brampton, Maple Leaf farms, which is a massive poultry processor is also shuttered for the same reason. We are told they will be closed for up to two weeks.
Yesterday, our Prime Minister told the country we are "weeks" away from easing pandemic restrictions and re-starting the economy.That said, Provincial Premiers are talking about restarting the Canadian economy, but many Canadians are anxious about moving too fast. An excellent, well researched article on re-starting the Canadian economy under World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines can be found here.
The federal government has announced "new" very strict quarantine guidelines for people entering the country. (A little late to that game, no?) Now, incoming/repatriated Canadians will be required to quarantine for 14 days and must have a demonstrated plan to do so. Otherwise they will be taken to a hotel and lodged there (involuntarily) for 14 days. Canada will pay the hotel bill.
According to our Prime Minister, the border with our American friends will remain closed and won't re-open anytime soon.
I must say, I am not the number one fan of our Prime Minister. That said, I am proud of the manner in which he and provincial politician's have handled themselves in this crisis. It is re-assuring to see partisanship set aside, for the time being. One only need to look to the calamity and tragedy occurring with our American friends. I am not even going to write about it anymore. The entire situation in the U.S. defies reality. I pray that I am wrong, but I predict if there is any collapse of society, it will begin there.
In Ontario, the province is set to announce new rules around LTCF's today. It is expected that COVID-19 testing will increase in frequency and LTCF workers will only be allowed to work at one facility. LTCF's have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19 and the reports of outbreaks are ever increasing.
Schools will not be re-opening on May 4, as originally projected. An announcement is expected today at Ford's press conference.
Ottawa Public Health officials are warning that outdoor visits, even 2 metres apart, are still not OK.
The concern being; "It kind of starts with that and then a couple more people add on and before you know it you have a parking lot party or a backyard party," and go on to warn that "We are in the middle of a pandemic and so only make essential trips outside the home and limit your contacts to members of your household."
Locally, the community is rallying around the workers in the LTCF's and an announcement was made requesting no more donations of treats, due to the risk of COVID-19 transmission. For the most part, Durham Region has been quiet of "regular" news, which is to be expected.
Tonight, a parade of support is planned for Lakeridge Health Hospital in Oshawa. Vehicles are asked to assemble at the entrance to nearby Alexandra Park by 6:45 p.m. The parade will then make its way down to Lakeridge Health Oshawa and pass by the emergency entrance at 7 p.m.
It snowed last night and it's bitter cold today (-8). At least the sun is shining brightly.
As the restrictions continue, I continue to grow concerned with our ability to comply with them. People are tiring of it all and are bickering. People are starting to turn on each other, as they get upset when their outdoor activity is banned while other outdoor activities remain "open". I suspect this is going to become a very controversial, emotional and heated topic as we progress into the summer and the nice weather. Social distancing at the micro level fascinates me. In my observations, some people feel social distancing does not apply to them. People aren't doing it out of malice, it's out of loneliness, the need for companionship and in some cases, ignorance of the facts. Girlfriend's continue to visit boyfriends (and vice versa), separated couples continue to exchange children and people continue to get together with family and friends they don't live with. I think there is a tendency to rationalize in these difficult times. Some people think "well I feel fine and there is no way my sister has it, so we should be fine."
These same people would never attend a large gathering, but somehow feel safe when it comes to being around people they know and love. I'm not judging, but many of us (including myself) are guilty of this.
A little good news! Yesterday, our favourite restaurant opened up for take out and I can't wait to order some of their wings. Don't forget to patronize a local family owned restaurant, where you can. Let's all help the little guy out, even if it is just the chip truck.
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, there is a breathing technique that is being touted as a remedy, of sorts. No idea if it actually works, but hey, it can't hurt. Here is the link.
Please remember, try to stay positive, follow the rules, help where you can and be kind.
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