There are 85 new lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported this morning by the province, including one more death.
A man in his 90s died in the Durham area. The cause of transmission is pending.
There are now 588 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ontario.
Of the 85 new confirmed cases this morning, 39 include no details on age, gender, transmission cause or status of the patient, nor do they include location of the patient. Of those with information, 19 are listed as travel-linked cases and five as close contact. At least two of the cases are hospitalized.
None are listed in the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, however the health unit has promised its own update this afternoon.
So far, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has reported 10 lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases, but the health unit’s medical officer of health, Dr. Charles Gardner, said there are definitely more than that in the region.
“It’s certainly clear to me there are more cases than the 10,” said Gardner, adding there are always more cases of an outbreak illness than get confirmed in a lab. “There’s always this tip of the iceberg phenomenon with surveillance.”
He further elaborated based on past influenza outbreaks, there can be as many as 10 times the number of infections that are reported from lab testing.
Gardner said whether or not there’s been a confirmed case in your community, it’s likely the virus is being spread throughout every community in the province.
Testing in Ontario remains reserved for those who are showing symptoms and have travelled or been in contact with a positive case. Testing is also being done on those with severe symptoms (requiring hospitalization) regardless of history.
The Ontario health report this morning indicates there are 10,074 cases under investigation.
There are now seven deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Ontario including this morning’s reported death.
Two men have died at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie. One Barrie man in his 70s and one Alberta man (visiting Barrie) also in his 70s. The hospital confirmed the two men were related.
A 51-year-old Milton man died March 18 at an Oakville Hospital, the man is believed to have acquired the virus in the community.
A Markham woman in her 70s died this weekend, and her case was linked to travel.
A Toronto man in his 70s with no pre-existing health conditions died on March 22 in a Toronto Hospital. He had travelled to the UK.
Also on March 22, a man in his 80s died at Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay. His case is also believed to be community-acquired.
