I emphasize reported because there is a wide variance in testing and reporting from country to country and place to place.
As of 6:44 a.m. ET on Thursday April 23, 2020:
Canada reported 40,190 confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19. A daily increase of 3,372 new confirmed cases from yesterday, a slight drop.
The official Province of Ontario website reported 12,245 cases of COVID-19. An increase of 1064 reported new cases, which is down by 90 from yesterday's daily report.
Quebec continues to have the highest reported cases in the country with 20,965, which is up by 839 from the previous day's report.
The Region of Durham reported 757 confirmed cases of COVID-19. An increase of 85 reported new cases from the day before, which is slightly down. The site also reports 12 current outbreaks at Hospitals, LTCF's and Retirement Homes with 2 having been resolved.
In the international news,
Another study out of California that suggests COVID-19 virus is much more widespread. An estimated 320,000 adults in Los Angeles County may have been infected with coronavirus, according to preliminary results of a study that suggests the illness is far more widespread than current testing shows and the death rate is actually much lower.
Coronavirus could have a deadlier second wave later this year, the U.S. CDC director warns.
Tensions are ratcheting up between the U.S. and China with Peter Navarro accusing China of committing 'four kills' with response to coronavirus pandemic.
"What that did over a six-week period is allow hundreds of thousands of Wuhanians basically to get on aircraft and seed the world," Navarro continued.
"While they were doing that, and this is just disgusting -- what they did was they vacuumed up all of the world's masks, gloves, goggles, personal protective equipment, two billion masks," he went on. "That's why in Milan, New York and other places, our people didn't have them. And now, Sean, you know what they're doing?
"What they're doing is profiteering from this crisis, charging ... for a 50-cent mask, $3, $4, $5 and more and sending us counterfeit tests," Navarro went on.
Is he wrong? You decide.
From the "You just can't make this shit up" file, a Nigerian woman, 68, gave birth to twins after four IVF attempts. New life is beautiful in the context of the current death and global tragedy, but.............
In the national news,
Distancing is working says Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam. Physical distancing has "prevented an explosive outbreak" in Canada, but we're not out of the woods yet.
Air Canada is suspending flights between Canada and U.S. starting April, 26.
So, our Global Public Health Intelligence Network was getting an overdue tech upgrade when COVID-19 hit. The online, multilingual monitoring and analysis unit, which scours the Internet for media reports of infectious diseases, has been a crucial pandemic tripwire for both Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO). So, we kinda missed another warning, it seems.
From the "Oh, for F*** sakes file" file, Health and safety inspection of Alberta meat plant linked to 515 COVID-19 cases was done by video call. Yep, a video call. The plant has since had to close for cleaning.
Tim Hortons employees will now be required to wear masks in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19. This will spread to other fast food outlets, soon enough.
From the "Everybody gets money and nobody has to work file" Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that students and recent graduates will soon be able to claim a new Canada Emergency Student Benefit of $1,250 a month from May to August.
In Ontario,
A glimmer of hope from Premier Ford. The Premier was interviewed on Ottawa radio station CFRA and said if we continue down the road we are currently on we could see a limited lifting of physical distancing restrictions by the long weekend in May. That is the weekend of May 16, 17, and 18. Of course, that date could change depending on how the spread of COVID-19 progresses.
There will be no jury trials in Ontario until at least September.
A full 60-percent of Ontario’s COVID-19 cases are in the GTA; with 14 more outbreaks in long-term care homes. Toronto, continues to be a problem with public officials struggling to get people to adhere to social distancing and closure by-laws.
Premier Ford has asked the army to assist at five Ontario long-term care homes hit hardest by COVID-19.
Some good news for our seniors. Ontario is reported to be investing millions to assist the province’s most vulnerable citizens.
In crummy news, Toronto's top doctor released a chart showing COVID-19 data. It suggests that a second wave is likely.
The media, at times, frustrates me. I understand and respect the importance but sometimes, they are competing for coverage and readership. I get that. But CP24 reported "Ford to make announcement at Queen's Park with province at presumed peak of COVID-19 pandemic." That's all fine and dandy, but Premier Ford makes an announcement about COVID-19 everyday, and he has for more than the last month. This is not news, it's just a "hook" to keep you on their site and reading their links. I'm not picking on CP24, I like their coverage and all media outlets do this, but it can be frustrating.
Locally,
From the "awe" file, the Whitby Wildcats minor atoms were named Ontario Minor Hockey Association co-champions.
In Ajax, you can use your empties to feed local families at the Ajax Beer Store.
Many of us are losing track of time and this is normal, experts say. Here is how you can stop it. They suggest you create new rituals, introduce variety, be creative, learn how to relax your mind and most importantly, stay connected.
Finally, trout fishing opens in Ontario this weekend. It will be interesting to see that unfold with trespassing, fights and some anglers ignoring social distancing rules. More to come on that, no doubt.
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, try to follow the rules, help where you can and be kind.
Hunting/fishing related closures in Ontario can be found here.
Town of Clarington COVID-19 updates can be found here.
Province of Ontario COVID-19 updates can be found here.
Government of Canada COVID-19 updates can be found here.
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