“Pull back … go back to basics,” York Region’s medical officer of health urged the day before York Region broke another record for its highest single daily COVID-19 case count since the pandemic began in late January.
The public health unit is reporting 128 new confirmed cases tonight, Oct. 14, surpassing its previous high of 87 new cases Oct. 5 and Oct. 10 as the second wave of the pandemic kicks in with a fury.
“The time is here for us to do everything possible to pull back on our social contacts, on our close contacts, and we need to go back to the basics,” Dr. Karim Kurji said in a video update.
Last week, the region saw about 450 new cases alone, the majority in ages below 40, and “particularly the 20 to 29 age group”, he said.
Of concern are the number of increasing cases among older age groups who are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of COVID-19, he said.
As the cases have risen in the community, they are spreading to schools, workplaces and long-term care facilities, Kurji added.
The “back to the basics” guidelines he is asking you to follow are:
- Avoid close contact with anyone other than your household members
- Maintain physical distancing of at least two metres, and wear a mask or face covering when you can’t
- Wash your hands frequently
- Don’t go out if you’re sick, even with mild symptoms
- Make an appointment to get tested if you have symptoms
- Ensure you self-isolate completely if you’re awaiting test results
- Get the flu shot
- Download the COVID Alert app
In the last seven days, York Region has reported 566 cases, totalling 5,215 today, with active cases climbing to 587 and deaths to 259. Outbreaks, particularly in long-term care and retirement homes, are slowly rising with 44 of 219 currently active.
Newmarket has added 23 cases in the last seven days alone, with three additional cases reported today bringing its total count to 331. The highest daily case count for Newmarket remains 20, which were reported April 19.
“With the increasing numbers, it is an important reminder the virus remains a serious threat,” regional spokesperson Patrick Casey. “It is critical we continue to follow public health guidelines to keep ourselves, our families, our colleagues and our communities safe.”
